Pre-selection-based evaluation of fruit characteristics in Turkish hazelnut (Corylus colurna L.) in Bolu

This study was carried out to determine the fruit characteristics of Turkish hazelnut (Corylus colurna L.) by pre-selection. The aim was to determine the fruit characteristics and the relationship between them. This research was carried out in four different locations in Bolu province. Nut weight was 0.81-2.38 g; kernel weight was 0.41-0.85 g; shell thickness was 1.00-2.86, and kernel percentage was 27.88-55.85%. Correlation analyses showed a high correlation, especially between kernel percentage and shell thickness, kernel weight, and nut weight. According to the heat map clustering analysis results, although the kernel percentage was in a different subgroup, it was clustered in the same group: nut length, nut shape index, kernel length, and kernel shape index. Among the prominent genotypes, MR31, KR8, and MR15 stand out with their nut weights, MR31, MR25, and MR14 with their kernel weight, MR7 with a thin shell, and MR4, MR6, and MR14 with their kernel percentage. As a result, in this study, genotypes with different characteristics of Turkish hazelnuts can be used as material for various purposes in breeding programs. These results may also contribute to conserving hazelnut genetic resources and future hazelnut breeding studies.