Origin

In the first phase of the breeding program, 170 genotypes were selected among 200,000 genotypes grown from seed in the Kahramanmaras and Kaman regions. In the second phase, an orchard was created using the 170 genotypes and grafting studies were conducted. Of the genotypes studied in the second phase, 25 were determined as promising. Through further selection, three genotypes were selected and patented. The other promising genotypes are still under study. This study was carried out between 1994 and 2010 (Sütyemez, 1998). The Walnut Breeding Program of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University released the three new cultivars as Maras 18, Sutyemez 1, and Kaman 1 in 2009 and 2010.

Method

Phenological and pomological evaluations were carried out according to the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute criteria during each step of the breeding program. (Anonymous, 1994; Hendricks et al., 1985; UPOV, 1999).

Description

Maras 18.

This cultivar is characterized by a high yield after 8 years of growth and by an early harvest date ≈3 weeks before ‘Chandler’ (Table 1). The cultivar is resistant to codling moth (Cydia pomonella). Leafing occurs 2 weeks before ‘Chandler’. Male and female flowers are borne mostly on lateral shoots. Lateral buds are 75% fruitful. ‘Maras 18’ is protandrous with a large percentage of male and female overlap (Table 1; Fig. 1). Potential pollinizers include ‘Bilecik’, ‘Chandler’, and ‘Sutyemez 1’. Nuts are light colored, smooth, large, and round with good seal strength. Dehydrated nut weight is around 13–15 g. Kernels of ‘Maras 18’ are light colored, easy to remove from the shell, and at 7–9 g, make up 53% to 57% of the whole fruit (Table 2). Nuts are harvested around the 2nd week of September in Kahramanmaras region. The kernel is easily removed from the shell as a whole or as two halves, resulting in a very high ratio of intact kernels (Table 2), which is considered as an important quality characteristic of a walnut cultivar (Fig. 2). The kernel is edible even before full maturation, which is preferred by some consumers and classified as “fresh walnut.” According to consumer opinions, ‘Maras 18’ has a more pleasant aroma and taste compared with ‘Chandler’.

Table 1.Tree and phenological characteristics of walnut cultivars.

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Table 2.Nut characteristics of walnut cultivars.

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Sutyemez 1.

This cultivar bears flowers mostly on laterals (70%) and fruit yield is high. Leafing out occurs 20 d earlier than ‘Chandler’ and harvest date is 23 d earlier than ‘Chandler’ (Table 1). The cultivar is moderately resistant to the codling moth and walnut blight disease. ‘Sutyemez 1’ is protogynous (Fig. 1) and suggested pollinizer is ‘Sebin’. The cultivar has high quality and very large nut size averaging 25–27 g (Fig. 2). Kernels make up ≈49% to 51% of the total nut weight and are extra light colored with a smooth surface (Table 2). Sensory analyses have given high scores to ‘Sutyemez 1’. Consumers appreciate the cultivar also because it has a smooth and very large nutshell (Fig. 2).

Kaman 1.

The cultivar was produced by selective breeding (Sütyemez, 1998) in the region of Kırsehir, Kaman, Turkey. The cultivar has a high kernel percentage, and bears flowers mostly laterally (80%). The cultivar leafs out 10 d before ‘Chandler’ and fruits are harvested 15 d before ‘Chandler’ (Table 1). The cultivar has a small ratio of a leaf blight scores. ‘Kaman 1’ is protogynous (Fig. 1) and suggested potential pollinizers are ‘Franquette’, ‘Bilecik’, ‘Pedro’, and ‘Şen 2’. The nut shape of the cultivar is very unique and can be easily distinguished from the other cultivars (Fig. 2). Nuts of this cultivar weigh around 13–14 g, and have a medium-rough surface. The kernel is light colored, weighs around 7–8 g, and makes up ≈52% to 57% of the total nut weight (Table 2). Sensory analyses have given high scores to ‘Kaman 1’ as well.

Availability

The cultivars are recommended for all walnut-growing regions in Turkey except for where early spring frost risk is high.

Grafts, budwoods, and saplings of cultivars Maras 18, Sutyemez 1, and Kaman 1 are available through the Foundation Seed and Plant Materials Service of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.