Diversity in the Nut and Kernel Characteristics of Seven Populations Of

Fruits (6), 370–381 | ISSN 0248-1294 print, 1625-967X online | https://doi.org/10.17660/th2017/72.6.5 | © ISHS 2017 Original article

populations of Prunus scoparia from the central and southern Diversity in the nut and kernel characteristics of seven species Zagros regions of Iran by comparison with three other almond 1 1,2,a, S. Eshghi1 3 1 1 S.2 Rahimi Dvin , A. Gharaghani , D. Avanzato and A. Ansari 3 Department of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran Drought Research Center, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran ISHS, Chair Commission Plant Genetic Resources, Rome, Italy Summary Significance of this study Introduction – Several Iranian almond species in What is already known on this subject? the wild are valuable plant genetic resources which • can be used in breeding almond cultivars and rootstocks. Among them, Prunus scoparia (Spach) C.K. Recently, wild almond species have received a great Schneider, holds an outstanding position that needed dealstocks of orattention, scion cultivars especially in breeding from fruit programs. breeders, With main - to be clarified. Materials and methods – To evaluate the morely because than 20of their wild capabilityalmond species, in being Iran used is within as root the- variability of the nut and kernel characteristics, six populations of P. scoparia were sampled from Shiraz, netic resources is regarded as one of the most diverse Marvdasht, Firouz Abad, Eqlid, Nour Abad and Mian andcenter valuable of diversity germplasm for almond for almond and Iran’s improvement. almond ge- Jangal Fasa in the Fars province, and one population was sampled from the Lordegan region in Chaharma- What are the new findings? hal and Bakhtiari province. Three populations of oth- • er species including P. dulcis Mill., P. eburnea Spach. were observed within and between populations of the and P. elaeagnifolia Spach. were also studied. Twelve PrunusA wide rangescoparia of variations in the nut and kernel traits quantitative and four qualitative traits of the nuts distributed wild almond species in Iran. In this regard and kernels were evaluated according to the almond and in comparison (Spach) to tree C.K. other Schneider, wild and the domesticat mostly descriptor. Results and discussion – Considerable variations were observed with statistical significance in - the nut and kernel traits within and between the pop- kernelsed almond are species important investigated characteristics in this that study, P. scoparia thin but ulations. Among P. scoparia populations, the Shiraz couldsealed share shells, for high almond kernel breeding percentage programs. and light-colored Inter was superior to other ones with respect to most of the esting and useful correlations which were observed nut attributes. However, among the species studied between the measured characteristics of the nut and- here, the common almond (P. dulcis) had the largest kernel could be utilized in breeding programs for nuts. Interesting and useful correlations were noticed indirect selection. Nut and kernel characteristics are between the measured nut characteristics, among which the highest correlation (r = 0.94) was observed also can be considered for the assessment of genetic between nut length and nut weight. By using cluster not only useful for the selection of desirable clones but analysis, the accessions could be placed in two main clusters of wild and domesticated populations. The Whatdiversity. is the expected impact on horticulture? main cluster of wild populations was divided into • Climate change is an increasing challenge affecting four sub-clusters based on species and geographic proximity. Conclusion – In general, this study demon- strated that there is a considerable variation in the agriculture at a global scale, especially in arid and nut and kernel characteristics of the wild almond mentsemi-arid of new climatic cultivars conditions. and rootstocks This challenge, adapted will to theseun- species in Iran, especially with respect to P. scoparia, changingdoubtedly conditions lead to a growing such as demandlower amounts for the ofdevelop rainfall- offering some potential in future breeding programs. P. scoparia as one of the wild relatives of common almond could be Keywords usedand higher as a valuable temperatures. source ofTherefore, new traits the and genes for Iran, almond, Prunus scoparia breeding new adapted almond scion and rootstocks cultivars. , genetic diversity, morphological traits, cluster analysis

a Corresponding author: [email protected].

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Rahimi Dvin . | Diversity in the nut and kernel characteristics of seven populations of

Résumé upon as a source of new plant genetic material for breeding atives of domesticated crops would be increasinglyet al looked graines de sept populations de Prunus scopa- Diversité des caractéristiques des fruits et des new adapted cultivars (Martinez-Gomez ., 2005; Ghara- ria ghani and Eshghi, 2015). of theirRecently, agricultural wild almond value speciesand the haveassessment received of a their great capa deal des régions centrales et méridionales du of attention, especially from fruit breeders, mainly because ZagrosIntroduction par comparaison – Plusieurs avec espèces trois autres iraniennes ing programs, through the contribution of useful traits such- espècesd’amandier d’amandier. présentes dans la nature représentent bility in being used as rootstocks or scion cultivars in breed- de précieuses ressources génétiques végétales pou- vant être utilisées en sélection de cultivars et de Sorkhehas early et crop al maturity, sealed nut, late blooming, drought, porte-greffes d’amandier. Parmi elles, Prunus scopa- and tolerance to lime and salinity (Socias I Company, 1992; ria (Spach) C.K. Schneider est dans une position ex- ., 2009). ceptionnelle qui a besoin d’être clarifiée. Matériel et Nearly 20 wild almond species have been reported in méthodes – Pour évaluer la variabilité des caractéris- almondIran (Khatamsaz, germplasm 1992), is regarded indicating as one that of Iran the ismost within diverse the tiques des fruits secs (noix) et des graines (amandes), andcenter valuable of diversity genetic for resources almond (Ladizinsky,for almond improvement 1999). Iran’s six populations de P. scoparia ont été échantillon- et al et al nées à Shiraz, Marvdasht, Firouz Abad, Eqlid, Nour found at various altitudes between 600 and 2,700 m above Abad et Mian Jangal Fasa dans la province de Fars, (Gharaghanisea level, in different., 2017; environments, Sepahvand e.g., alpine., 2015). areas, They foot are et une population dans la région de Lordegan, province de Chaharmahal et Bakhtiari. Trois populations - d’autres espèces, dont P. dulcis Mill., P. eburnea Spach. hills and semi-arid areas. They are the dominating plant et P. elaeagnifolia Spach. ont également été étudiées. species of the mountainous sub-region and may also occur Douze caractères quantitatifs et quatre caractères in the plain sub-regions of ecological zones in the Zagros of qualitatifs des noix et des amandes ont été évalués provinceIran and is the among Irano-Touranian the largest provinces ecological of zoneIran which where covers areas selon le descripteur de l’amandier. Résultats et discus- usually receive over 100 mm rainfall (Sabeti, 1994). The Fars sion – Des variations considérables statistiquement Prunus scoparia, P. elaeagnifolia, and significatives ont été observées dans et entre les po- P.parts eburnea of central Zagros and almost the entire southern Za- pulations étudiées. Parmi les populations de P. scopa- gros region. The species et al et ria, celle de Shiraz était supérieure aux autres pour ce al are not only among the widely distributed wild qui concerne la plupart des attributs des noix. Cepen- almond species in Iran (Gharaghani ., 2017; Sorkheh dant, parmi les espèces étudiées, l’amande commune ., 2009) but also are the dominating wild almondet al species in (P. dulcis) a présenté les plus grosses noix. Des corré- P.the elaeagnifolia Fars province. also These has been wild used almond as a species rootstock have for been the plum used lations intéressantes et utiles ont été obtenues entre directly aset rootstocks al for almonds (Sorkheh ., 2009), and les caractéristiques mesurées sur les noix, parmi les- conditions. quelles la corrélation la plus élevée (r = 0,94) entre la (Gholami ., 2010) in Iran, usuallyP. scoparia under non-irrigated longueur et le poids des noix. En utilisant l’analyse en clusters, les génotypes ont pu être placés dans deux Among these three species, is a potentially groupes principaux de populations sauvages et do- multi-purpose wildP. almond scoparia species can adapt in Iran to which adverse has climatic the ca- mestiques. Le groupe principal de populations sau- conditions,pability of becomingand the kernel a crop and of choicegum of inthis arid species and semi-arid could be vages a été divisé en quatre sous-groupes en fonction areas. The species de l’espèce et de la proximité géographique. Conclu- sion – D’une manière générale, cette étude a démon- forused reforestation in many industries, but also sucha good as candidate pharmaceuticals, for selection chemical as a tré qu’il existe une variation considérable parmi les and the food industry, which makes it not only a good choice caractéristiques des noix et des amandes des espèces Prunus scoparia is a potential source of vegetable oil with d’amandier sauvage en Iran, et particulièrement en new multipurpose nut crop (Gharaghani and Eshghi, 2015). ce qui concerne P. scoparia, ce qui offre un certain po- tentiel pour les futurs programmes de sélection. andrelatively phenolic high contents oxidative comparable stability for to human those nutrition,of olive oil higher (Far unsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio, oxidisability value, Mots-clés et al. (2016)- Iran, amandier, Prunus scoparia withhoosh regard and Tavakoli, to its chemical 2008). composition, Comparing theP. scoparia results obtained by Farhoosh and Tavakoli (2008) and Roncero , diversité génétique, oil is very caractère morphologique, analyse en clusters similar to virgin almond oil which is characterized by its low more,content P. scoparia of saturated fatty acids and the predominance of tivemono-unsaturated compounds and fatty antioxidants acids, especially that make oleic them acid. oilsFurther with- Introduction and almond oils contain fat-soluble bioac- Climate change is an increasing challenge affecting ag et al., 2016). callednutritional Persian and gum) cosmetic are exudedproperties from (Farhoosh the bark and or branchesTavakoli, et al - of2008; P. scoparia Roncero, and even the shoots,Kernel oilbark and and zedu leaves gum of (also this riculture at a global scale, especially in arid and semi-arid species have been used in Iranian traditional folk medicine mentclimatic of conditionsnew cultivars (Gharaghani and rootstocks, ., 2017). and even This new challenge crops adaptedwill undoubtedly to these changing lead to a conditionsgrowing demand such as for lower the amountsdevelop- disease, diabetes, spasm, toothache, bronchitis, asthma and to treat many diseases such as cancer, kidney stone, heart of rainfall and higher temperatures. Therefore, the wild rel- cough (Zargari, 1989–1992). Zedu gum is also being used

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Rahimi Dvin . | Diversity in the nut and kernel characteristics of seven populations of

textile industries, as well as in isolating the surface of boats (Rahimias a suspending et al or emulsifying agent in cosmetic, food and tural research station located in the Charmahal and Bakh- P. scoparia shells (endocarp) is also proposed to be of use as naturaltiari province) habitats, (Table while 1; the Figure nut 3).samples In each were population, collected up and to ., 2013). The activated carbon produced from 10 genotypes (10 different trees) were selected from their – Pb (II) (Mohammadi et al ic position data. roastedan alternative nuts of low-cost this species adsorbent are used for the as adsorptionedible nuts, of while lead transferred to the laboratory after recording their geograph- ., 2010). Debittered, salted and Evaluation of nut and kernel attributes Nut and kernel characterization was performed based they can also be applied in the confectionaries of some re- thegions evaluation in Iran (Gharaghani of desirable and traits Eshghi, amongst 2015). genetic resources so asModern to combine objectives them in in plant one breedingcultivar. Recent may be studies achieved have by on almond descriptors developed by the International Plant used morphological, protein and molecular markers for the teristicsGenetic Resourcesof the nut Institute and kernel (IPGRI, were now evaluated, Bioversity comprising Interna- tional) (Gulcan, 1985). In this study, 16 phenotypic charac- nut width and nut thickness, shell thickness, kernel weight, genetic characterization of Iran’s wild almond species, and kernelof 12 quantitativelength, kernel traits width including and kernel nut weight, thickness, nut length,kernel etthey al have illustrated a wideet al range of genetic et diversity al., 2012). in Morphologicalthese species regarding characteristics the many must traits be of recordedinterest (Sorkheh for the selection., 2009; of Zeinalabediniparents, ., 2008; Rahemi percentage (ratio between kernel weight and in-shell nut weight), percentage of empty nut, rate of twin kernel (%), Statistical methods as they are a first choice that can be blesas well 2 and as 43). qualitative Measurements traits wereincluding performed nut shape, on 20 markings nuts per alsoused be for used describing as useful and tools classifying for screening the genetic the germplasm resources. replicateon the outer (3 replications) shell, shell color in each intensity accession and kernel(total ofcolor 60 nuts(Ta- including multivariate analysis can per accession) and the mean values were used to assess the between morphological characteristics could be useful for range of morphological variation within and among the pop accessions. Additionally, high and constant et correlations al ulations and species. While a few studies have been conducted on the Variables such as nut and kernel length, width and thick- indirect selection in breeding programs (Karimi ., 2009). Iranian wild almond species with regard to morphological - assessment of genetic diversityet al., 2008), and relationshipswe still do not among have ness were measured by using a digital caliper. Nut and kernel comprehensive information about the ecological behavior, usingweight a werecoding measured method byaccording using an to electronic the almond balance descriptor with analyses (Zeinalabedini 0.001 g precision. Qualitative traits were determined by

phenotypic and genetic diversity of the mostly distributed withings on minor the outer modifications shell (0. Without as follows: pores, nut 3. shape Scattered (1. Round, pores, (aswild a almondsubproject species of more in Iran,comprehensive especially instudies the southernon wild 2. Ovate, 3. Oblong, 4. Cordate, 5. Extremely narrow), mark- Zagros region. Accordingly, the aim of the present study 5. Medium pores, 7. Dense pores, 9. Scribed), nut and ker- betweenalmond species nut and in thekernel central attributes and southern in seven Zagros populations region) nel color (1. Extremely light, 2. Very light, 3. Light, 4. Slightly ofis toP. investigatescoparia, collected the diversity, from therelationships Fars and andCharmahal correlation and Statisticallight, 5. Medium analyses dark, 6. Slightly dark, 7. Dark).

characteristics of P. scoparia with other almond species Bakhtiariincluding two provinces. wild species We also (P. eburnea sought toand compare P. elaeagnifolia the nut) The experiment was carried out based on completely and common almond (P. dulcis Mill.) from the same region. randomized design with three replications. DataP analysis was based on an analysis of variance procedure with mean Materials and methods values tested for significant differences at < 0.05 by using Duncan’s multiple range test in SAS, version 9.1. The Almond species and collecting regions correlation analysis between variables was performed by using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient with the SPSS ed P. scoparia and P. eburnea in section Spartioides Spach., statistics software version 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). as wellThe aspopulations P. elaeagnifolia of almond and P. speciesdulcis (which studied included here includ com- Cluster analyses were performed on the basis of all measured standardizedtraits by using Euclideanthe Ward’s distancesmethod and representing the graph representing the closest - accessionsthe classification in homogeneous as a dendrogram groups. of dissimilitude with tomercial collect cultivars) plant materials. in section Nuts Euamygdalus were harvested Spach. at(Kester the same and Gradziel, 1996). Field trips were organized in 2013–2014 Results and discussion

maturity stage. They were collected from the central and Variations in the nut and kernel traits southernince (Figure Zagros 1). Six regions populations including of P.different scoparia sites were in collected the Fars Results showed that there were large differences be provincefrom different and one regions site inin thethe CharmahalFars province and including Bakhtiari Shiraz, prov- tween the almond species studied in this research, and there Prunus- scoparia in all of the characteristics of the nut and kernel be Marvdasht, Firouz Abad, Eqlid, Nour Abad and Mian Jangal were significant differences between populations of tiariFasa, province. as well as In oneaddition population to P. scoparia from Lordegan, this research (Kareh includ Bas - edand a populationGerd Bisheh of area) P. elaeagnifolia region in (includingthe Charmahal accessions and Bakh from- anding measured kernel (1.24 (Tables g) were 2 and observed 3). In these in the regards, common considering almond both provinces), one population of P. eburnea (including ac- (theP. dulcis mean), while values, P. noteburnea surprisingly, had the smallest the largest nut nut(0.33 (3.79 g) and g)

P. dulcis (including three cultivars sampled from the agricul- et al. cessions only from Fars province), as well as a population of kernel (0.11 g). These results are in line with those reported - by Sorkheh (2009) who reported average nut weights of

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Rahimi Dvin . | Diversity in the nut and kernel characteristics of seven populations of

Figure 3.

F IGURE 3. the relationship Dendrogram of studied based almond. on all populations. measured nut and kernel Dendrogram based on all measured nut and kernel characteristics by using Ward clustering method depictingcharacteristics the relationship of studied by almond using populations Ward clustering method depicting

Figure 1.

Shiraz population has been considered as the most diverse A map of Iran representing the sampling regions population of P. scoparia, and could be searched more com (colored provinces; Fars, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari). F IGURE 1. - prehensively as a source for the selection of superior geno- P. dulcis and A map P. eburnea of Iran representing the sampling regions (colored provinces; Fars, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari). 5.1 and 0.6 g, and average kernel weights of 1.4 and 0.4 g for types to be used for future breeding and selection programs. P. scoparia were recorded in P. dulcis and P. scoparia , respectively, although the mean val- P. scopariaThe thickest populations, (2.71 mm) the andShiraz thinnest population (0.97 mm)had the nut thick shell ues reported by this research are smaller. Among respectively. Among populations, the largest nut (0.76 g) and kernel (0.25 g) were - recorded in the Lordegan population, while the smallest est nut shell (1.21 mm), and the thinnest nut shell (0.99 mm) nutSorkheh (0.46 et g) al. and kernel (0.15 g) were seen in the Marvdasht was seen in both MarvdashtP. scoparia and Eqlid populations (Table 2). ofpopulation. P. scoparia These which values is found are smaller in common than thosebetween reported the two by The range and mean value recorded for shell thickness in (2009) for the Lodegan/Karebas population the current study for (0.47–1.63 and 1.09 mm, respectively) are much higher than in those reported by Khad20- studiesdifferent (1.6 populations and 0.7 g forof P.nut scoparia and kernel are weightin accordance in Kareh with bas ivi-Khub and Anjam (2014) for this species (0.20–0.87 and population, respectively). Results of the current study for pling0.55 mm,areas, respectively). and to some Theseextent, differencesthe number could of accessions be mainly in explained by the differences in climatic conditionP. scoparia of the sam and- findings reported by Khadivi-Khub and Anjam (2014) but is reported to be more resistant to fungus and insect infes the ranges and mean values for measured traits are slightly each study. The well-sealed shell is common in forless thethan average those reportedvalue of bynut these length researchers. in four populations For example, of - P.they scoparia reported from 12.70–25.50 different parts mm of for Iran the (compared range and to17.4 11.66– mm tation (Gradziel and Martinez-Gomez, 2002; Ledbetter and resources.Shonnard, 1992). This offers new opportunities in breeding alreadythickness not among readily populations available in of domesticated P. scoparia offers almond the geneticoppor 20.40 mm for the range and 15.07 mm for the mean value The presence of a relatively high variation in shell thosein our researchersstudy). These who differences performed could sampling, be mainly compared because toof local production of this species as a nut crop. - the wider geographic regions and climatic zones covered by tunity of selecting thin-shell nuts, what is important for the

our study that covered more sampling sites but from a more Nut shapes varied from ovate (code 2) to extremely nar- differenceslimited geographic could arise region from (mainly the variationthe warm inand climatic dry climatic con rownut shapes(code 5) in among P. scoparia accessions of the four species (Table 2; zones of the southern Zagros). Another reason behind these Figure 3). Ovate and oblong (code 3) were the most common - populations. The difference in nut ditions, especially in rainfall through the different years in shapes is probably due to the genetic variations et al. (2000), caused who by which these studies were carried out. The variation in annual believedheterogamy that and species variations, and also environmental inprecipitation which one ofis thevery almond common populations in the arid were and sampled, semi-arid have cli- influence which are contrary to Talhouk mate of Iran. The variation of rainfall in Shiraz, for example, almond quantitative traits are much less under In breeding programs, where high nut weight is desired, studiedthe influence here inof environmental(except for P. scoparia conditions. which had nuts with rangedthe small between nut size 120–670 of P. scoparia mm throughout the last 40 years. Various types of shell marks were recorded in the species 18 is undesirable (Gradziel and no marks). This can be considered as an important and dis- Kester, 1998), although some accessions studied herein have tinctPrunus criterion eburnea in classifying and P. duclia wild almondrepresented species the (Khatam darkest- beshown considered a relatively in almond high nut breeding weight programs (such as theand accessionsfor the lo saz, 1992). P. scoparia pop calof Shirazcultivation 2 and of 4, this Lordegan species 1for and nut 2, production Eqlid 7) which and oil could ex traction. It should be mentioned that collection is now main- and lightest nut color, respectively. Among - - ulations, the color intensity of nuts varied and ranged from - extremely light (1) to dark (7) and by considering the mean ly from the natural habitats of this species. Therefore, the values, the Mian Jangal Fasa and Lordegan populations had

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Rahimi Dvin . | Diversity in the nut and kernel characteristics of seven populations of Table 1

. List and geographic information of studied almond species, populations and genotypes collected from different areasPopulations of Central and SouthernGenotypes Zagros, Iran.Longitude E Latitude N Altitude (m) *Mean annual precipitations (mm) 1 52 34.558 29 37.082 1,535 297.76 2 52 35.822 29 44.275 1,820 297.76 3 52 35.784 29 44.287 1,816 297.76 4 52 35.811 29 44.269 1,819 297.76 Prunus scoparia 5 52 34.601 29 37.103 1,569 297.76 (Shiraz) 6 52 34.449 29 37.465 1,565 297.76 7 52 33.704 29 37.946 1,549 297.76 8 52 34.586 29 39.490 1,670 297.76 9 52 32.642 29 40.263 1,728 297.76 10 52 35.789 29 44.353 1,821 297.76 1 51 53.00 29 38.00 1,925 420.65 2 51 37.194 30 4.238 1,191 420.65 3 51 20.875 30 4.695 1,179 420.65 4 51 39.730 29 48.513 934 420.65 P. scoparia 5 51 32.377 30 1.167 1,086 420.65 (Nour Abad) 6 51 23.931 30 0.745 1,285 420.65 7 51 39.823 29 48.605 946 420.65 8 51 21.011 30 6.513 1,183 420.65 9 51 31.694 30 1.252 1,067 420.65 10 51 58 42.7 30 01 08.4 1,592 420.65 1 52 54.983 30 3.162 1,728 283.64 2 52 54.800 30 6.249 1,730 283.64 3 53 00.807 30 6.800 1,812 283.64 4 53 12.117 30 5.742 1,837 283.64 P. scoparia 5 53 10.524 30 1.617 1,828 283.64 (Marvdasht) 6 53 12.643 29 59.116 1,803 283.64 7 53 14.080 29 57.712 1,765 283.64 8 53 6.493 29 48.754 1,667 283.64 9 53 6.535 29 48.816 1,663 283.64 10 53 8.662 29 47.443 1,640 283.64 1 52 38.222 29 09.564 1,845 323.43 2 52 32.509 29 8.712 1,725 323.43 3 52 34.486 28 58.157 1,503 323.43 4 52 22.587 28 54.317 1,578 323.43 P. scoparia 5 52 32.400 28 55.816 1,445 323.43 (Firouz Abad) 6 52 38.719 29 5.885 1,917 323.43 7 52 23.202 28 53.222 1,524 323.43 8 52 38.310 29 3.808 1,732 323.43 9 52 32.801 29 9.124 1,763 323.43 10 52 41.274 28 13.319 1,275 323.43 1 52 46.117 29 26.327 1,481 261.97 2 52 50.130 29 19.653 1,526 261.97 3 – – 2,187 261.97 4 53 24.351 29 9.542 1,729 261.97 P. scoparia 5 53 23.894 29 9.939 1,754 261.97 (Mian Jangal Fasa) 6 53 26.033 29 7.617 1,720 261.97 7 53 26.054 29 7.632 1,716 261.97 8 53 22.759 29 10.821 1,815 261.97 9 53 19.277 29 12.351 1,825 261.97 1 52 40.003 30 15.126 1,701 323.54 2 52 38.310 30 16.346 1,742 323.54 3 52 36.405 30 18.062 1,800 323.54 P. scoparia 4 52 35.080 30 22.196 2,321 323.54 (Eqlid) 5 52 23.051 30 19.324 1,843 323.54 6 52 23.764 30 19.060 1,750 323.54 7 52 24.085 30 18.382 1,715 323.54

374 International Journal of Tropical and Subtropical Horticulture et al Prunus scoparia

Rahimi Dvin . | Diversity in the nut and kernel characteristics of seven populations of Table 1. Continued. Populations Genotypes Longitude E Latitude N Altitude (m) *Mean annual precipitations (mm) 1 51 11.609 31 33.619 1,752 551.46 P. scoparia 2 51 13.020 31 34.354 1,962 551.46 (Lordegan) 3 – – 1,948 551.46 4 – – 1,963 551.46 1 52 35.806 29 44.098 1,801 297.76 2 52 35.746 29 44.158 1,804 297.76 P. elaegnifolia 3 – – 2,128 551.46 4 – – 2,570 190.47 1 51 32.320 30 1.169 1,084 420.65 2 52 22.173 30 19.865 1,912 323.54 3 53 24.368 29 09.592 1,732 261.97 P. eburnea 4 – – 2,280 190.47 5 52 24.585 30 18.376 1,711 323.54 6 52 23.745 30 19.046 1,746 323.54 ‘Mamaei’ – – 1,910 340.95 P. dulcis ‘Ferragnes’ – – 1,910 340.95 ‘Badam talkh’ – – 1,910 340.95 * Average of 10 years obtained from closest meteorology stations to the sampling sites of each population or accession.

Table 2.

Diversity of nut characteristics in populations of wild and domesticated almond species collected from different Marking of Shell color areasPopulations of Central and Southern Zagros,Nut length Iran. Nut width Nut thickness Shell thickness Nut weight Nut shape Index outer shell intensity (No. of accessions) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (g) (1-5) (0–9) (1–7) Prunus scoparia Range 11.66-20.40 8.20-13.30 6.29-8.96 0.85-1.54 0.28-1.02 2-3 0.0-0.0 1-6 Shiraz (10) Mean* 15.20c 10.15c 7.77c 1.21a 0.58b 2.90b 0.0a 5.0e P. scoparia Range 12-70-17.44 8.40-10.10 6.32-8.04 0.47-1.50 0.35-0.95 2-5 0.0-0 3-7 Nour Abad (10) Mean 14.77d 9.29f 7.44f 1.07e 0.51e 3.20a 0.0a 5.0e P. scoparia Range 13.40-16.30 8.40-11.50 6.30-8.22 0.81-1.15 0.35-0.61 2-3 0.0-0.0 2-7 Marvdasht (10) Mean 14.64e 9.68e 7.44f 0.99f 0.46f 2.90b 0.0a 5.4d P. scoparia Range 12.50-16.05 8.50-11.70 6.75-8.48 0.88-1.52 0.32-0.72 2-3 0.0-0.0 3-7 Firouz Abad (10) Mean 14.60e 10.03d 7.70d 1.09d 0.51e 2.90b 0.0a 5.7b P. scoparia Range 12.90-15.80 8.90-12.50 7.41-8.88 0.92-1.63 0.41-0.80 2-3 0.0-0.0 5-7 Mian Jangal Fasa (9) Mean 14.37f 10.26b 7.95b 1.13c 0.56c 2.77d 0.0a 6.2a P. scoparia Range 12.40-19.30 9.20-11.40 6.81-8.08 0.82-1.09 0.39-0.76 2-3 0.0-0.0 5-6 Eqlid (7) Mean 15.35b 10.29b 7.65e 0.99f 0.54d 2.85c 0.0a 5.6c P. scoparia Max 15.50-17.80 9.50-12.60 7.78-9.82 1.02-1.39 0.52-0.92 2-3 0.0-0.0 2-5 Lordegan (4) Mean 16.57a 11.35a 8.43a 1.15b 0.76a 2.50e 0.0a 3.5f C.V. 0.18 0.25 0.20 0.39 0.17 0.08 0.00 0.04 Prunus species (No. of accessions) Range 11-66-20.40 8.20-13.30 6.29-9.82 0.47-1.63 0.28-1.02 2-5 0.0-0.0 1-7 P. scoparia (60) Mean** 15.07C 10.15C 7.76C 1.09C 0.56C 2.85B 0.0D 5.19B Range 14-30-19.70 9.40-12.20 7.37-8.74 1.55-1.87 0.48-1.07 2-3 3.0-9.0 2-4 P. elaeagnifolia (4) Mean 16.80B 10.45B 7.95B 1.69B 0.81B 2.75C 6.0A 2.75C Range 10.20-12.90 7.90-9.50 6.85-7.59 0.77-1.17 0.29-0.46 2-4 0.0-9.0 6-7 P. eburnea (5) Mean 11.58D 8.63D 7.19D 0.97D 0.33D 2.5D 1.5C 6.83A Range 34.80-37.70 18.80-21.80 14.00-17.20 2.42-3.02 3.07-4.79 3-4 7.0-7.0 1-3 P. dulcis (3) Mean 36.13A 20.70A 15.34A 2.71A 3.79A 3.33A 5.7B 1.66D C.V. 0.15 0.46 0.14 0.18 0.01 0.05 0.04 0.04

* and **: Mean comparisons of Prunus scoparia populations (small letters) and four species (capital letters) respectively, values with same letters in the columns do not have significant differences based on Duncan multiple range test at P < 0.05.

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Rahimi Dvin . | Diversity in the nut and kernel characteristics of seven populations of Table 3.

Diversity of Kernel characteristics in populations of wild and domesticated almond species collected from different Kernel Kernel Kernel Kernel Kernel Empty Twin Kernel areasPopulations of Southern Zagros, Iran. Index length width thickness weight percentage kernels kernels color (No. of accessions) (mm) (mm) (mm) (g) (%) (%) (%) (1–7) Prunus scoparia Range 9.75-16.33 6.00-9.43 4.17-5.28 0.11-0.32 28.39-39.28 0.00-1.66 0.00-1.66 1-4 Shiraz (10) Mean* 12.48c 7.52c 4.75c 0.199b 35.41b 0.33b 0.16a 2.80e P. scoparia Range 11.13-14.28 6.48-8.06 4.01-5.36 0.14-0.21 32.75-45.71 0.00-5.0 0.00-0.00 1-5 Nour Abad (10) Mean 12.40d 7.21e 4.82b 0.179c 38.43a 0.50b 0.00a 3.50b P. scoparia Range 10.15-12.62 5.62-7.58 3.59-5.45 0.10-0.20 427.02-1.30 0.00-0.00 0.00-0.00 1-5 Marvdasht (10) Mean 11.58g 6.86f 4.50e 0.157g 33.47d 0.00b 0.00a 2.70f P. scoparia Range 10.40-13.15 6.79-8.33 4.10-5.36 0.12-0.22 25.00-40.00 0.00-23.30 0.00-3.31 2-5 Firouz Abad (10) Mean 11.89e 7.41d 4.55d 0.166f 32.80e 2.49a 0.33a 3.60a P. scoparia Range 10.33-13.25 6.47-8.92 4.44-5.60 0.13-0.22 25.00-33.33 0.00-1.66 0.00-1.66 1-5 Mian Jangal Fasa (9) Mean 11.72f 7.49c 4.80b 0.173e 31.28g 0.37b 0.37a 3.00d P. scoparia Range 10.48-15.75 7.07-8.50 4.34-4.74 0.13-0.26 25.49-35.29 0.00-3.33 0.00-1.66 1-5 Eqlid (7) Mean 12.70b 7.74b 4.57d 0.175d 32.46f 0.47b 0.23a 3.14c P. scoparia Range 12.00-14.10 6.50-8.90 4.90-6.53 0.19-0.34 27.77-36.95 0.00-0.00 0.00-0.00 1-5 Lordegan (4) Mean 13.24a 7.92a 5.33a 0.255a 33.88c 0.00b 0.00a 2.50g C.V. 0.20 0.43 0.41 0.12 0.003 60.54 26.46 0.27 Prunus species (No. of accessions) Range 9.75-16.33 5.62-9.43 3.59-6.53 0.10-0.34 25-00-45.71 0.00-23.30 0.00-3.31 1-5 P. scoparia (total, 60) Mean** 12.28C 7.45B 4.76B 0.187B 33.96A 0.59A 0.15B 2.93B Range 11.22-15.73 5.97-7.77 3.57-4.75 0.10-0.24 14.01-29.85 0.00-0.00 0.00-10.00 1-3 P. elaeagnifolia (4) Mean 13.36B 6.74C 4.24D 0.172C 21.88D 0.00B 3.75B 2.00D Range 8.58-10.40 5.55-8.25 4.40-5.01 0.09-0.12 26.08-41.37 0.00-0.00 0.00-0.00 2-5 P. eburnea (5) Mean 9.66D 6.28D 4.68C 0.113D 33.47B 0.00B 0.00B 3.66A Range 24-59-26.13 11.18-12.93 6.15-10.74 0.82-1.75 26.71-36.53 0.00-0.00 26.71-36.53 1-4 P. dulcis (3) Mean 25.52A 12.32A 8.12A 1.243A 32.03C 0.00B 32.03A 3.00C C.V. 0.16 0.29 0.41 0.29 0.01 0.41 28.72 0.05

* and **: Mean comparisons of Prunus scoparia populations (small letters) and 4 species (capital letters) respectively, values with same letters in the columns do not have significant differences based on Duncan multiple range test at P < 0.05.

P. elaeag- P. scoparia showed some de nifolia, the darkest and lightest nut colors respectively. In of P.A elaeagnifolia, few populations P. duclia of the and P. eburnea species were re- most of the genotypes had nuts with light color (Ta- grees of empty nuts, while some others and the populations ble 2; Figure 3). Seed coats of light color and smoothP. surfaceelaeag- - nifoliaare preferred had the in lightest almonds shell (Khadivi-Khub color, what andcan beAnjam, considered 2014). corded as populations with 0.0% empty nuts (Table 3). asAmong a good the source wild almond for the speciesimprovement studied of herein, this trait the in almond Variations in kernel size, percentage of kernel yield and the breeding programs. species.occurrence In fact, of empty when nutsthe almond can be duetree tois subjectedvariations to in drought humid- stress,ity and it the will rainfall start tooccurring use the kernelin the naturalmoisture habitats which thenof these re sults in the shrinking of the kernel and the decrease in nut size in theKernel P. scoparia yield percentage varied from 14.01–45.71% et al. - among the four species and ranged between 25.00–45.71% mean values of kernel populations percentage (Table were 3). recorded Considering in P. sco the- (Yadollahi and Rahemi, 2005). Kesteret al. (2007)(1977) indicatedobserved a pariamean and values, P. elaeagnifolia, the highest (33.96%) and lowestP. (21.89%) scoparia diminutivehighly significant annual effect variation of the in environment this particular on trait. the occurrence of empty nuts, while Sánchez-Pérez respectively. Among rence for twin kernels were observed in P. dulcis and P. ebur- populations, the highest (38.44%) and the lowest (31.29%) neaThe highest (32.03%)P. dulcis and, the lowest highest (0.00%) rate of rates twin of kernels occur- nelmean weight kernel and percentages percentage belonged of kernel to are the important Nour Abad factors and Mian Jangal Fasa populations, respectively. The average ker- , respectively. In (68.04%) was recorded in the local cultivar ‘Mamaei’ (Ta- recordedin determining in the common the success almond, of the but marketable the highest yield kernel (Khad per- ble 3). The influence of the environment on the production centageivi-Khub belonged and Anjam, to P. 2014). scoparia The which highest could kernel be considered weight was in theof twin trees kernels are exposed is also towell-known high temperatures (Kester and throughout Asay, 1975). the almond breeding programs for the development of cultivars- The occurrence of double pistils is markedlyet al increased when with higher ratios of kernel/nut. period of flower differentiation (Beppu ., 2001). Arteaga and Socias I Company (2002) reported that the development

376 International Journal of Tropical and Subtropical Horticulture et al Prunus scoparia

Rahimi Dvin . | Diversity in the nut and kernel characteristics of seven populations of 0.08 0.08 0.06 0.01 0.05 0.10 0.06 0.22** 0.11 0.17* of twin kernels was a quantitative trait, comprising a com- -0.03 -0.04 -0.12 Mean plex value of inheritance and heritability that is difficult to

precipitation Prunus eburnea and P. elaeagnifolia were recorded herein estimate,as species mainly with the due darkest to environmental and lightest effects. kernel color, respec P. scoparia - 0.18** 0.25** 0.20** 0.23** 0.11 0.19** 0.14* 0.14* 0.15* 0.03 Altitude -0.11 -0.44** tively. Among populations, the Firouz Abad and characteristicLordegan populations of important had thepreference darkest in and modern lightest almond kernel colors, respectively (Table 3). Since a light kernelP. color scoparia is a and P. elaeagnifolia species can be considered for these pur Twin 0.62** 0.00 0.60** 0.60** 0.76** 0.55** 0.21** 0.01 0.51** 0.78** -0.02 kernels poses.breeding programs, the very light kernel color in -

0.02 The general analysis of all measured traits illustrates a 0.00 -0.04 -0.01 -0.02 -0.04 -0.05 -0.03 -0.02 -0.05 P. scoparia Empty kernels high morphological diversity of accessions belonging to the in Iran. Natural hybridization, cross-incompatiet al., 2000). In- bility, propagation by seed, gene flow and human selection may have contributed to this variation (Sefc 0.02 0.23** et al -0.17** -0.04 -0.05 -0.38** -0.12 -0.13* -0.06 Kernel etaccordance al with our findings,et al some., 2012) other have authors shown (Socias that the I percentage Company ., 2008; Yadollahi and Rahemi, 2005; Sorkheh ing almond., 2010; genetic Zeinalabedini resources and distinguishing the various morphological evaluation is an efficient tool for characteriz- 0.21** 0.00 0.18** 0.20** 0.23** 0.18** 0.17** -0.11 Kernel weight species. Reports have also certified the usefulness of some physical traits in nuts, compared to the chemical parame- etters, al to confirm authenticityet al., 2017) of pistachio. nuts, kernels and 0.70** 0.00 0.75** 0.59** 0.83** 0.66** 0.71**

Kernel by-products depending on the cultivar and its origin (Tsantili thickness ., 2010; Rabadán Our findings are in general agreement with those of such previous studies. On the other However,hand, many other of the factors almond such nut as andcrop kernel load, tree characteristics vigor, environ are 0.85** 0.07 0.67** 0.72** 0.84** 0.82** width

Kernel controlled genetically (Arteaga and Socias I Company, 2002). also have important effects on these attributes, and should- bement considered and the soil while moisture describing in which and plants interpreting are grown the mayob et al., 2007). 0.93** 0.04 0.69** 0.75** 0.87**

length - Kernel latedserved to variations the external (Imani, appearance 2000; Sánchez-Pérez of the product, including size,The shape, almond surface commercial texture, kernel quality color, refers absence to all ofaspects twin ker re- Nut 0.94** 0.02 0.81** 0.84** - weight characteristicsnels, and ultimately, of P. scoparia the success for almondin making breeding kernels programs market- areable important (Khadivi-Khub to add: and a Anjam,thin but 2014). sealed In shell,this regard, high kernel some 0.82** 0.01 0.71**

Shell of kernel and small nut size are undesirable characteristics

thickness ofpercentage wild almond and speciesa light colorthat limitof the the kernel. full utilization The bitter of taste this species in breeding programs. Nonetheless, genetic studies Nut 0.75** 0.03

thickness have revealed that many of these undesirable traits areet con al.,- trolled by a limited number of genes which could easily be reportedeliminated among in the the breeding bitter inprocess some of(Martínez-Gómez these species (Emam 0.03 Nut 2007).., 2013). On the other hand, sweet seed genotypes have been

width et al < 0.01, respectively. Correlation between traits Nut length The simple correlation coefficient analysis revealed sig- < 0.05 and P

P nificant positive/negative correlations between many char- pertainingacteristics (Tableto the 4).nut Notand surprisingly,kernel (ranging nut weightfrom r = correlat 0.76 to- ed positively and highly with almost all of the dimensions

observed0.94), and between with the nut percentage weight and of kernel twin kernelsweight (r = 0.23).0.62). A positive, significant, but relatively low correlation was also ies in wild and domesticated almond species (Sorkheh et al., Nut length Nut width Nut thickness Shell thickness Nut weight Altitude Mean precipitation Kernel length Twin kernels Twin Kernel width Kernel percentage Empty kernels Kernel thickness Kernel weight Correlation coefficients (Pearson) of nut and kernel quantitative characteristics in studied wild and domesticated almond species. in studied wild and domesticated characteristics quantitative of nut and kernel coefficients (Pearson) 4. Correlation Table * and **: Significance at These results are in accordanceet al., 2012). with Shell those thickness of previous was studneg-

2010; Zeinalabedini -

Volume 72 | Issue 6 | November/December 2017 377 et al Prunus scoparia

Rahimi Dvin . | Diversity in the nut and kernel characteristics of seven populations of Table 5. almond species. Correlations (Spearman’s ranked order) of qualitative characteristics in studied wild and domesticated Nut Marking of Shell color Kernel Mean Altitude shape outer shell intensity color precipitation Nut shape -0.08 -0.13* -0.02 -0.30** -0.17* Marking of outer shell -0.40** -0.16* 0.36** -0.07 Shell color intensity 0.19** -0.19** -0.40** Kernel color 0.31** 0.17* Altitude -0.03 Mean rainfall * and **: Significance at P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively.

et al. is in agreement with previous results obtained in wild and Sorbus atively correlated with kernel percentage (r = -0.38) which tiallytorminalis agrees with results obtained by Orsanic (2009) et al who studied the influence of altitude on fruit size of domesticated almond species (Khadivi-Khub and Anjam, ascribe this(L.) effect Crantz, to the thereby different concluding climatic and that soil the condi fruit 2014; Sánchez-Pérez ., 2007). This result indicates that size increases because of higher altitude. The same authors cultivars or genotypes with softer shells have a tendency to altitude and the average rainfall did not correlate with each- bear relatively larger kernels. Twin kernels also correlated tions existing in the three monitored altitudes. Surprisingly, positively with almost all of the nut and kernel quantitative regarding the correlation between nut and kernel traits with traits. The occurrence of twin kernels is an undesirable trait, theother altitude (Table and4). The average different annual results precipitation obtained in could this studyarise and its occurrence is markedlyet al increased when the trees ex- from the different methods of data collection for these two perience high temperatures throughout the period of flower differentiation (Beppu ., 2001). Among the qualita- sampled plant materials have been used, while the same tive attributes, there was a significant negative correlation averageenvironmental annual parameters.precipitation Thedata real (from data the of closest altitudes meteo for (r = -0.40) between markings on the outer shell and shell rological station) were considered for all plant accessions color intensity (Table 5). - withMany altitude, of the but nut some and of kernel them (nut attributes shape, measuredshell color ininten this experiment showed a significant and positive correlation sampled from each region (see Table 1). - The most important characteristics of the majority of sity, kernel color, kernel thickness and kernelet al. percentage) plants are the quantitative traits that are largely influenced dicatingcorrelated that with characteristics the average of annualthe fruit precipitation. did not appear This to as is by the environment and, therefore, have low heritability. contrary to the results reported by Sorkheh (2009) in- trolAccordingly, of environmental the response variation to direct (Hatami selection Maleki for et these al., 2011). char- - acteristics may be unpredictable unless there is a good con- sociate with neither rainfall nor elevation. This finding par-

Figure 2. Prunus elaeagnifolia P. dulcis P. eburnea Nuts (left) and kernels (right) of all studied almond genotypes of 10 populationsPrunus assignedscoparia, to four species collected fromF IGURE different 2. areas of Central and Southern Zagros, Iran. (1. ; 2. ; 3. ; 4–10: Firouz Abad,

Shiraz, Marvdasht, Nour Abad, Eqlid, Mian Jangal Fasa and Lordegan populationsPrunus elaeagnifolia of P. dulcis respectively).P. eburnea Note that the order of Nuts the genotypes (left) and kernels within populations(right) of all isstudied not similar almond to genotypthat in Tablees of 1.10 Size populations of the squares assigned in scaled to four paper: speciesPrunus 5×5 mm. scoparia,collected from different areas of Central and Sothern Zagros, Iran. (1. ; 2. ; 3. ; 4–10: Firouz Abad, Shiraz, Marvdasht, Nour Abad, Eqlid, Mian Jangal Fasa and Lordegan populations of 378 respectively).International Note that the order Journalof the genotypes of Tropicalwithin populations and is Subtropicalnot similar to that inHorticulture Table 1. Size of the squares in scaled paper: 5×5 mm.

19 et al Prunus scoparia

Rahimi Dvin . | Diversity in the nut and kernel characteristics of seven populations of Conclusion

The success of any breeding program is highlyet dependent al., 2007). variations in the nut and kernel traits that occur within and on the extent of diversity and knowledge of the behavior of The overall analysis of all traits illustrates a wide range of desirable traits through crosses (Sánchez-Pérez Prunus scoparia, Theand accelerate existence ofthe correlation breeding programs between (Vargas traits helps et al ., the2001). se- betweenimplications populations for the managementof the wild almond of genetic species resources under study, and lection of important traits indirectly, and this can facilitate especiallyfuture breeding in programs. In this which regard, may having have important thin but hinder gene introgression since strong selections for a desir ableA close trait relationship could favor betweenthe presence traits of couldanother also desirable facilitate trait or kernels are important characteristics that P. scoparia could from the same population. In addition, established relation- sealed shells, high kernel percentage and light-colored ships between some traits can help breeders set goals for pa proved to be the most diverse population of P. scoparia, - whichshare forcould almond be used breeding as a programs.source for The further Shiraz selections population of - rental-partner selection and breeding (Dicenta and Garcia, nut weight is a desirable trait, the small nut size of P. scoparia Cluster1992). analysis issuperior undesirable, genotypes. although In breeding some programs,of the studied where accessions the heavy among the studied populations of P. scoparia as well as three considered in almond breeding programs and could be used otherThe almond cluster species. analysis In clarified general, some the species of the relationshipswere classi showedfor the local a relatively cultivation heavy of this nut species weight for which nut production could be almond and wild almonds. Wild almonds were divided into- natural habitats where this species exists. Interesting and fied into two major groups including common (cultivated) usefuland oil correlations extraction. Suchwere samples observed are between mainly collectedthe measured from characteristics of the nut and kernel, which could be utilized tivarsfour subgroups of common (mainly almond based (P. dulcis on the) were species positioned and, to in some two extent,different according subgroups to the(Figure geographic 2). Five distribution). out of six populations Three cul- of P. scoparia in breeding programs for indirect selection. By using cluster wereanalysis, grouped genotypes inside were the classified main cluster into two based main on clusters species of from Fars Province including Shiraz, Eqlid, wild and domesticated populations. The wild populations Mian Jangal Fasa, Marvdasht and Nour Abad did not sepa- alone,rate clearly with andconsiderable were located distance very fromclosely others to each due other, to some but theand selection geographic of desirable proximity. clones These but results also can suggest be considered that the surprisingly the Firouz Abad population of this species stood characteristics of the nut and kernel are not only useful for characterization of almond accessions, as established in this nelunique thickness, characteristics, medium kernel such as percentage, a relatively highest small prevalencenut length, for the assessment of genetic diversity. The morphological a relatively thin shell, small nut weight, relatively small ker- study, deserves future research by using molecular marker of the empty nut, relatively low rateP. scoparia of twin kernels,which has smooth been analysis.References nut shell, relatively dark nut color and relatively light kernel color. The only population of 591 sampled very distantlyP. eburnea from Fars populations was collected Arteaga, N., and Socias I Company, R. (2002). Heritability of fruit eachfrom other.the Charmahal However, and these Bakhtiari populations province are from(Lordegan), two differ and and kernel traits in almond. Acta Hortic. , 269–274. https://doi. entonly species, population but these of two species were belong positioned to the samevery close section to org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2002.591.41. - Beppu, K., Ikeda, T., and Kataoka, I. (2001). Effect of high temperature87, 77–84. exposure time during flower bud formation on the occurrence of medium(Spartioides nut thickness, Spach.) (Kester small shell and thickness, Gradziel, 1996),medium and kernel the double pistils in ‘Satohnishiki’ sweet cherry. Sci. Hortic. thickness,studied genotypes medium of kernel both populationpercentage, share zero traits percentage such as of a https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-4238(00)00173-4.

Costa, F., Apellina, L., Longhia, S., Guerrac,Malus × W.,domestica Magnagoa, P., Porrob, D., Soukoulisa, C., Salvia, S., Velascoa, R., Biasiolia, F., and Gasperia, empty nut and twin kernels, light nut color and similar nut almond (P. dulcis), large nut weight, high twin kernels and F. (2011). Assessment of apple ( Borkh.) fruit shape (Figure 3). Among the three cultivars of the common 61, 21–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. postharvbio.2011.02.006.texture by a combined acoustic-mechanical profiling strategy. Postharvest Biol. Technol. an extremely light kernel color separated ‘Mamaei’ cultivar from the other two (‘Ferragnes’ and ‘Badam Talkh’). 46, 241–246. Hierarchical cluster analysis could be properly utilized in Dicenta, F., and Garcia, J.E. (1992). Phenotypical correlations among et some traits in almond. J. Genet. Breed. assessingal the similarity or dissimilarity among individuals (2013) .Micropropagation of Amygdalus scoparia andsuitable for clarificationfor characterization of relationships of almond among germplasm them (Costa and that Emam, M., Ghamari Zare, A., Asadicorom, F., and Looki Anaraki, K. ., 2011). Our results showed that nut and kernel traits are 21, 77–86 (in Farsi). L. by bud and embryo culture. Iranian J. of Rangelands and Forests Plant Breeding they could appropriately separate the almond species from and Gen. Res. tinct and distant populations of the P. scoparia into distinct kernel oil from Amygdalus scoparia each other. The traits could also relatively separate the dis- morphological groups, which is in agreement with previous 15Farhoosh, R., and Tavakoli, J. (2008). Physicochemical properties of growing wild in Iran. J. Food Lipids P. scoparia populations from four distinct re , 433–443. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-4522.2008.00131.x.Prunus scoparia results obtained by Khadivi-Khub and Anjam (2014) in clus- 1074, 67– et al. Gharaghani, A., and Eshghi, S. (2015). , a potentially ter analysis of - multi-purpose wild Almond species in Iran. Acta Hortic. gions in Iran. In accordance with our findings, Kelleher 72. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1074.9. the(2005) distinction showed of that species. morphological evaluations prove to be resources of almonds and stone fruits (Prunus efficient for the characterization of oak germplasm and for Crop.Gharaghani, Evol. 64 A., Solhjoo, S., and Oraguzie, N. (2017). A review of genetic spp.) in Iran. Genet. Resour. , 611–640. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-016-0485-x.

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Received: Aug. 29, 2017 Accepted: Oct. 26, 2017

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