Pomological and Biochemical Characterization of Local Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Genotypes from Kırşehir for Breeding and Functional Food Applications
Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, cilt.63, sa.2, ss.525-537, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 63 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.21162/pakjas/26.475
- Dergi Adı: Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.525-537
- Anahtar Kelimeler: DPPH activity, fruit breeding, multivariate analysis, Phenolic content
- Kocaeli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Walnut (Juglans regia L.) plays an important role due to its health-promoting properties. In this study, local walnut genotypes collected from Kırşehir were characterized in terms of fruit morphology, pomological characteristics, and antioxidant capacity. The genotypes were compared with standard cultivars (‘Kaman 5’ and ‘Chandler’) and showed significant differences in the characteristics examined. Nut weight ranged from 9.79-16.60 g, and kernel ratio from 46.42-59.44%. Total phenolic content ranged between 3386-5861 mg GAE 100 g-1, and DPPH activity between 56.98-91.22 µmol TE g-1. ‘Chandler’ showed the highest DPPH activity and the lowest IC50 value. A very strong positive correlation (r = 0.90) was found between nut weight and kernel weight. A negative correlation was observed between kernel-related traits and antioxidant activity. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into two categories: small-fruited with high phenolic content and antioxidant activity (Cluster A1), and large-fruited with high nut weight and kernel weight (Cluster B). G5 and G8 were prominent for nut weight and kernel weight, G3, G4, and G8 for kernel ratio, and ‘Chandler’ for antioxidant activity. Genotypes G1 and G2 combined high phenolic content with moderate kernel weight, showing potential for functional food applications. Multi-year evaluation under different ecological conditions is recommended to confirm genotype performance.