ISHS Acta Horticulturae 544: IV International Walnut Symposium
PRELIMINARY RESULTS ON WALNUT GERMPLASM EVALUATION IN MOROCCO |
| Authors: | A. Lansari, A. El Hassani, D. Nabil, E. Germain |
| Keywords: | walnut, Juglans regia L., genetic resources, Morocco |
| Abstract:
Cultivated walnut, Juglans regia L. covers an area of 7600 Ha in Morocco. More than half of the plantings are seedlings resulting from the prevailing way of seed propagation known by farmers. Walnuts are cultivated in montaneous and remote areas between 800 and 1800 m above sea level and under different environments. This situation suggested the presence of genetic variability. The objectives of the study is to assess the existing diversity within Moroccan walnut germplasm, and to identify superior genotypes, using Principal Component Analysis on a total of 39 nut, kernel and vegetative traits. Fifty five Moroccan walnut seedlings and 7 French varieties ans selections have been studied. Results showed that the existing variability was highly explained by shoot length and diameter, nut size and kernel and shell weights. Genotypes from Northern Morocco (Rif Montains) seem to represent a separate ecotype characterized by a lateral fruiting habit and small fruits. Moroccan germplasm showed smaller fruits, more shrivelled kernels, higher aborted buds and lower fruiting potential as compared to French germplasm. However, some genotype were identified as presenting good nut and kernel qualities. | |
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