Vol. 10, Issue 8 (2021)

Author(s):
Ab Waheed Wani, GI Hassan, KM Bhat, JA Sofi, SM Zargar, JI Mir and Imran Khan

Abstract:
North-Western Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir has significant Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) trees, most of which are of seedling origin. The region have rich morphological, phenological, and carpological walnut diversity because of the large variability of native walnut, resulting from cross-pollination and seedling propagation. The present study was carried out in order to document the available genetic variability in walnut germplasm and to select elite walnut genotypes possessing superior attributes and quality traits. During the survey, data was recorded on fifty five (55) walnut trees growing in Budgam and Ganderbal areas of Kashmir valley. Remarkable variability was observed in seedling walnut trees for different morphological, nut and kernel characters. Studies on tree vigour and growth habit revealed substantial variability among the seedling raised walnuts genotypes in Kashmir valley. Tree vigour ranged from low to high. Out of 55 genotypes 21 genotypes (38.18%) possessed medium tree vigour, 34 genotypes (61.81%) were strong in tree vigour. Growth habit of 10 (18.18%) genotypes exhibited upright habit five from each district, sixteen (29.09%) genotypes had semi upright growth habit and 29 (52.76%) genotypes possessed spreading growth habit.