Collection and Preliminary Evaluation of some Hazelnut Genotypes of Iran

In a survey carried out during the years 2004 and 2005, some gardens and forests of hazelnut were selected in Guilan, Qazvin, East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan and Ardebil provinces of Iran and in each area superior genotypes were identified and marked. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of selected genotypes were recorded by hazelnut descriptors in all growth stages. Totally one hurdred genotypes were identified, among them thirty were selected as superior genotypes having desirable characteristics particulary with regards to growth habit, fruiting rate, shape and length of nut, offsetting and suckering production, flowering mode, oil percentage, kernel and nut weight, % kernelled and harvest time. The highest yield and performance were assessed in Navan 1, Soorii, Gerd Shok, A1, A2, K1, K2, K3 and Tarom genotypes, the higest weight of kernel and nut belonged to Navan 7, Navan 20 and Navan 31 genotypes, the lowest suckering production was assessed in Uromia 5, Uromia 34 and Soorii and the earliest fruit in Soorii and Gerd genotypes.