Breeding of the Central Aegean Region's hazelnut genotypes by selection

This study was conducted to evaluate the morphological and quality characteristics of hazelnut genotypes grown in the Inner Aegean Region and to identify promising genotypes. Genotypes that could be suitable for mechanized cultivation were selected according to fruit weight and boll length. In the selected genotypes, shelled and inner fruit weight, seed length, yield, shell and inner size, navel width, shell thinness were determined and promising genotypes were identified according to the weighted grading method.The shelled hazelnut weight varied between 2.66 g and 3.07 g among the genotypes, the lowest value was measured in 20 BL 06 and 20 ÇE 08 genotypes, and the highest value was measured in 20 ÇAL 178 genotype. The inner nut weight varied between 1.33 g (20 ÇE 08) and 1.54 g (20 ÇAL 178). In terms of shell size, values were measured between 56.08 g (20 TA 05) and 60.24 g (20 ÇAL 51), and the inner size varied between 44.49 g (20 ÇE 08) and 46.21 g (20 ÇAL 178). In terms of shell thickness, the thinnest shell was found in genotype 20 ÇV 116 with 0.7 mm and the thickest shell was found in genotype 20 ÇAL 62 with 1 mm. The values of the length of the stems varied between 24.99 mm (20 BL 06) and 43.9 mm (20 ÇE 09), and the width of the core was measured between 3.58 mm (20 TA 05) and 5.46 mm (20 ÇAL 62). Yield values were in a range between 48,87% (20 ÇE 09) and 51,25% (20 ÇAL 51).20 20 ÇAL 178, 20 ÇAL 51, 20 ÇV 116, 20 ÇV 91, 20 ÇAL 12, 20 ÇE 09, 20 ÇAL 62, 20 BL 06 genotypes were selected as promising according to the weighted grading method. In our research findings, it was determined that genotypes with large, thin shells, high yield values, short pulp and suitable for mechanized agriculture grow in the region. It reveals that the region has high genetic diversity and this diversity should be protected. It is important to utilize these genotypes in future breeding studies and to bring them into hazelnut agriculture and fruit growing of the country.