Variation of Important Quality Characteristics in Hazelnut at Different Years and Correlations between Husk Number and Nut and Kernel Traits

Abstract

This study involved 'Tombul', 'Palaz', 'Kalinkara' and 'Cakildak' hazelnut cultivars grown at an altitude of 310 m in a flat orchard in Ordu province (Turkey) in 2000 and 2001. The experimental design was completely randomized with three replicates. In this experiment, the stems were 15 years old and the spacing between ocaks was 4 m and 5 m. Nut and kernel traits were nut weight (g), nut size (mm), shell thickness (mm), kernel weight (g), kernel size (mm), internal cavity (mm), kernel percentage (%), poor fill (%), shrivelled kernels (%), blanks (%), good kernels (%), doubles (%), full pellicle removal (%) and average pellicle removal (%). In this study, it was found that husk numbers and blanks varied between years; nut weight, kernel weight, shrivelled kernel and good kernel varied between cultivars; kernel size and full pellicle removal varied between years and cultivars; and nut size, internal cavity, kernel percentage, poor filled, doubles and average pellicle removal varied significantly between years x cultivars interactions. In addition, a significant positive correlation was observed between husk number and internal cavity; a significant negative correlation was noted between husk number full pellicle removal and husk number - average pellicle removal.