VALUABLE WALNUT HYBRIDS AND SELECTIONS FOR INTENSIVE GROWTH IN ROMANIA

ISHS Acta Horticulturae 442: III International Walnut Congress

Authors:	I. Godeanu, A. Baciu, M. Botu, G. Achim
Keywords:	walnut, walnut hybrids, breeding, walnut selection
Abstract: Walnut culture has a good tradition and economic importance for Romania. Because most of the trees were seedling obtained by open pollination, it was necessary to start a breeding program. The research was done by University of Craiova and later also by Fruit Growing Research Station Vâlcea. The breeding program developed into two directions: selection of interesting varieties from walnut population existing in Romania (more then 470 0000 productive seedlings)., using a big genetic variability. Obtaining a new variability by using controlled crosses between autochton genotypes and mainly “Ideal” variety (from Bostandik-Caucaz). “Ideal” has low vigor, is early bearing and has lateral bud fruitfulness. Several local genotypes were selected: VL 4, VL54, VL57, VL102, characterized by high productivity, terminal bearing, good resistance to different diseases, big fruits (more then 11 g), uniformity good kernel shell ratio (more then 50%) and good quality of kernel. From then 900 hybrids obtained by controlled crosses or by open pollination, 4 were selected. All of them have low vigor, early bearing, lateral bud fruitfulness, good productivity and good quality of nuts. All selections are in the testing plots.
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