LAUSR

Abstract Almonds, Prunus amygdalus L., are among the most popular tree nuts on a worldwide basis and rank first in tree nut production. The present study was carried out on 187 almond seedling origin trees to select the superior genotypes based on morphological and pomological characters. Significant differences were found among the studied genotypes. Nut weight ranged between 1.20 and 6.68 g with an average of 3.50, while kernel weight ranged from 0.39 to 2.06 g with an average of 0.93. The average of double kernels and blank nuts was 15.11% and 4.04%, respectively. Kernel weight showed positive correlations with leaf and nut dimensions. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated 16 components that explained 72.51% of the total variance and nut and kernel dimensions and weight made the biggest contribution in distinguishing the genotypes. Regarding ideal values of the important and commercial characters of almond such as fruit yield, nut weight, shell hardness, kernel shape, kernel weight, and kernel taste, 24 genotypes were superior and could be used as a parent in breeding programs and also might be singled out directly for cultivation in the orchards.