Evaluation of Morphological, Phenological and Pomological Characteristics of Some Selected Hazelnut Genotypes Under Climatic Conditions of Karaj in Iran

Genetic diversity and germplasm introduction provide the potential for plant improvement in breeding programs. So far, few studies have been carried out on the evaluation of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) varieties and genotypes in Iran. This study was conducted to investigate morphological, phenological and pomological characteristics of 10 selected hazelnut genotypes and varieties including Gerche, Paeizeh, Christiana, Cote Kashen, Futocramy, Koban, Ata Baba, Yaghly Fandaog, Sochi 1 and Pioneer, and Gerduoei 89 and Pashmineh 89 cultivars as control in 2015 and 2016 in Kamalshahr horticultural research station, Karaj, Iran. The traits included tree phenology, fruit and kernel characteristics, yield per tree, oil and protein contents, which were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that there was significant difference between varieties/genotypes for all studied traits. Paeizeh, Christiana, Sochi 1 and Gerdouei 89 varieties showed the highest amount of oil content (69.2%), protein content (16.3%), nut weight (2.8 g) and kernel weight (1.2 g), respectively. The results suggest that Gerdouei 89, Paeizeh, Cote Kashen, Gerche and Pashmineh 89 had the highest yield and desirable fruits characteristics and are suitable for being grown in climate conditions of Karaj in Iran.