Investigations on determination of pomological and biochemical changes during the fruit development period in some walnuts

Determination of fruit growth and fruit development during walnut vegetation period was carried out on Maraş 12, Bilecik, Chandler, Pedro and Franquette walnut varieties. In this study; fruit width, fruit length, fruit weight with walnut green hull, kernel weight changes, phenological and pomological features were determined periodically during 4 months. Total protein, fat and ash content changes of walnut kernels were determined also. According to foliage time, Maraş 12 were early, Bilecik were middle early, Pedro and Chandler were medium and Franquette was late variety in Isparta (Egirdir) ecological conditions. In terms of flower biology, Bilecik as protogeny and other varieties as protandry were determined. Maraş 12 and Franquette had early foliage time varieties, Pedro was medium, Bilecik and Chandler were in the late group. During the period of May-July 2018, there was the rapid growth in the research varieties in terms of fruit width, fruit length and fruit weight with green hull. The kernel weight increase was rapid in the first period, a slow development in the second period and again a rapid development in the last period was evaluated. All varieties of fruit width, length and weight of green hull walnut development had a simple sigmoid, while the weight of the kernel walnut was the double sigmoid development. The periodical irregularity of protein and ash content in all varieties was determined. Kernel fat content increased rapidly between June and August. Walnut fruit weight was 8.93 g (Maraş 12)-13.19 g (Franquette), kernel weight was between 4.34 g (Pedro) - 6.89 g (Bilecik), kernel ratio was between 38% (Pedro) - 57% (Bilecik) and shell thickness was 1.47 mm for Maraş 12 and 1.99 mm for Franquette. The average mineral content of walnut varieties: 0.33% - 0.46% P, 0.32% - 0.44% K, 0.07% - 0.10% Ca, 0.14% - 0.20% Mg, 22.40 mg/ kg - 30.46 mg/kg Fe, 7.31 mg/kg - 13.04 mg/kg Cu, 20.69 mg/kg - 30.94 mg/kg Mn, 24.59 mg/kg - 39.36 mg/kg Zn and 5.44 mg/kg - 9.93 mg/kg B were determined.