The investigation onthe tree and fruit characteristics of some domestic and foreign walnut cultivars in Menemen conditions

Turkey is among the origin of walnut, as many other fruit species. Seed propagation is important for breeding for many years in almost every region of Anatolia, although this condition was led to lack of standardization in production. The effectiveness of the genetic structure and environmental conditions in the emergence of attributes of domestic and foreign walnut species is imperative for the necessity of adaptation studies. In this study, the adaptation capabilities of Şen 1, Şen 2, Şebin, Bilecik cultivars of domestic origin and Chandler, Fernor, Fernette, Pedro and Midland cultivars of foreign origin that grown in Menemen ecological conditions, were investigated, and plant, pomological and chemical characteristics and fertility of genotypes were detected. Similar results were defined in terms of tree height, stem diameter and crown perspective in walnut varieties, while fruit width ranged from 31.46 (Kaman 1) – 39.39 mm (Şen 1), fruit length ranged from 36.63 (Kaman 1) – 43.51 mm (Şen 2) and fruit height ranged from 32.44 (Şebin) – 42.09 mm (Şen 1). It was determined that the values were acceptable for all the varieties in terms of average fruit weight, whereas, they were acceptable for Şen 1, Şen 2, Maraş 18, Pedro and Midland varieties in terms of internal weight. Kernel percentages of cultivars have been identified between 34-47%. Lateral fruit bearing percentages and anthracnose damage were showed differences among the cultivars. Also, linoleic acid was ranked the first row in terms of fatty acid compositions.