SELECTION OF PERSIAN WALNUT (juglans regia L.) VARIETIES IN SHIMIA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Abstract

Population of Persian walnuts (Juglans regia L.) in north-eastern part of India represents important genetic resources consisting large number of seedling trees. Improved varieties of walnut were also introduced in the state in early seventies from USA and erstwhile USSR. Recent attempt has been made to survey seedling trees in important walnut growing localities of Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. For- comparative purpose nut, samples were collected only from 27 types having good nut characters and best yield performance to select most promising strains/varieties. These were compared With already selected Indian and other exotic walnut varieties. On the basis of nut and kernel characteristics and shelling quality, three strains viz No. 10, 22 and 23 have been selected and on the basis of their sources respectively named as KS. Bagh, Nand and Partap walnuts with nut wt of 11.7g, 17.1 and 24.4g and kernel contents of 62.2, 49.7 and 47.1 per cent respectively. These have smooth light amber coloured· nuts with excellent shelling quality and light yellow delicious kernel.