Evaluation and Comparison of Tree and Nut Characteristics in Two Wild Almond Species (Amygdalus eleagnifolia Spach. and Amygdalus scoparia Spach.)

Iran is considered as the most important gene pool for the almond species and many of these species have valuable traits which could be utilized in breeding programs. In this study, 33 vegetative, reproductive and agronomical characteristics of 40 genotypes of two wild almond species (A. eleagnifolia and A. scoparia) that grown as cultivated forest in Badjgah, Shiraz, Iran were investigated. Results showed that almost all of measured traits represent very high variation in both species. The mean values of vegetative characteristics in genotypes of A. scoparia showed wider scope than those of A. eleagnifolia. The number of stamen, flower diameter, nut length, fruit set and kernel percentage were significantly different between two species. There was no significant difference between the two species for yield, and genotypes with a remarkable yield were observed in both species. Results also showed that protein percentage and oil content of kernel was lower in A. scoparia comparing to A. eleagnifolia. Regarding flowering time, very early to very late flowering genotypes were found in both species but A. eleagnifolia genotypes showed greater stability in terms of flowering time in two years. As trees faced with sever spring frost in second year, flower and fruit characteristics were evaluate only for one year but vegetative attributes were measured for two years, which there were no significant differences in many of growth characteristics between two years of research in both species. Variations in evaluated characteristics demonstrate a great potential of selection for various trait in further breeding programs.