Morpho-pomological evaluation of elite Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) selections from Kashmir Valley

Aim: Identification of superior walnut genotypes from the existing germplasm collection at the SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar campus (Srinagar) based on key morphological traits intended for selecting promising parental lines to conduct walnut breeding programmes. Methodology: Eighty genotypes were evaluated and data on various metric and non-metric traits of walnut were recorded with five replications. Mean values were computed and used to assess the performance of individual traits, enabling comparison of the selected elite genotypes with the currently cultivated walnut varieties. Results: Among eighty genotypes, five superior genotypes (SKAU-W-24, SKAU-W-28, SKAU-W-34, SKAU-W-41, and SKAU-W-42) were identified based on nut and kernel characters. The maximum nut and kernel weight was recorded in genotype SKAU-W- 41 (14.44 g and 7.60 g). Kernel percentage was notably high across these genotypes, with SKAU-W-28 exhibiting the highest value (60.71%) followed by SKAU-W-34 (59.56%). The estimated kernel protein and kernel fat content were highest in SKAU-W-34 (17.35 % and 59.84 %). Interpretation: Genotypes SKAU-W-24, SKAU-W-28, SKAU-W-34, SKAU-W-41 and SKAU-W-42 exhibited superior nut and kernel traits compared to many commercial varieties. These promising genotypes warrant further evaluation and multiplication for use in future improvement programmes aimed to develop high-yielding walnut cultivars.