Agromorphological genetic identification of almond genetic resources regarding physicochemical properties in Turkey

Abstract Almond is one of the important fruit types for the nuts and cosmetics industry. At this stage, the selection of cultivars to be grown according to their intended use is important and new cultivars are breding. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of fruits of Ferragnes, Ferraduel and Nonpareil cultivars and Sıra, Ak and Nurlu genotypes were examined. Nurlu genotype was found to have higher values than other cultivars and genotypes in terms of fruit weight (1.52 g) and dimensions (28.28 mm length, 14.25 mm width, 7.97 mm thickness). While Sıra genotype stood out in terms of micro elements (Fe, Mn), Nurlu genotype stood out in terms of macro elements (N, P, K). The highest amounts of lineloeic and oleic acids (10.07 and 68.71%, respectively) were obtained in the Ferragnes cultivar, and the highest oil content was obtained in the Sıra genotype (60.09%). In terms of phenolic compounds, the Nonpareil cultivar, which has the highest content of catechin (45.51 mg kg⁻ ¹) and o-coumaric acid (2.52 mg kg⁻ ¹), gained value. When the relationships of all traits were examined, it was determined that Nurlu genotype and Ferragnes cultivar were independent from others. While a linear relationship was found between oleic, stearic, palmitic and lionelenic acids, an opposite relationship was found these acids to linoleic acid. In this study, it was determined that genotypes have superior characteristics as well as cultivars, and it was observed that they can guide growers in the cultivar selection stage in garden establishment.