Selection of native almonds (Amygdalus communis L.) growing in Datca (Mugla) district

This study was carried out between the years 2013-2014 in order to determine the almond types which have late-flowering and superior properties in terms of the fruit characteristics in the naturally grown almond population in Datça district of Muğla Province. For this purpose, the whole population was screened and identified with 66 types of pre-selection. According to the modified weighted grading method, 15 of these were selected as hopeful and detailed examinations were made. The first flowering date of selected almonds in Datça ecology started on January, and the post bloom was determined as January 31. The first flowering changed between the dates on 4-23 January, full flowering on 9-27 January and the post bloom on 14-31 January. The husked fruit weight of 15 almond species which were identified as hopeful in Datça peninsula ranged from 2,00 g to 7,97 g. According to the husked fruit size, it was determined that 7 types were in medium size, 5 types were small, 2 types were very large. The internal fruit weight ranged from 1,04 g to 2,11 g. In terms of the inner fruit size, it was identified that 8 types were very large, 3 types large, 1 types were small and 3 types as medium size. The number of the fruits in 1 ounce ranged from 13,41 to 27,21. The internal production ranged from 21.76%to 66.50%. According to the shell characteristics of the selected almond types, it was specified that 10 types were very hard (stone almond), 2 types were hard almond, 2 types were in medium hardness and 1 type in the group of thin husked almonds. In terms of the tree shape, it was determined that 9 types were steep flat, 5 types flat, 1 type very flat. Almond selection studies are extremely important in determining these types. It is also important that the almond types which have superior characteristics determined as a result of selection studies in almond be replicated and the adaptations tested in various ecologies in terms of the national economy.