Nut and kernel characteristics of twelve hazelnut cultivars grown in Iran

Commercial hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cultivars vary considerably in their nut and kernel characteristics. In the present investigation, nut and kernel traits and kernel composition of 12 hazelnut cultivars grown in Astara, Iran were investigated. The cultivars included four major commercial cultivars (Barcelona, Segorbe, Merville, and Daviana), four local Iranian cultivars (Pashmine, Rasmi, Shastak and Tabestane), and four recently introduced and less known cultivars (Nemsa, Proones, Christian and Prostorika). Our results showed significant differences exist among all genotypes across a number of morphological traits and compositional properties. The imported cultivars generally showed improved physical traits, such as larger nuts and kernels and a higher kernel percentage, as well as a higher kernel oil content, than the Iranian cultivars. However, the Iranian cultivars had a higher kernel protein content (from 17.09% to 24.61%) compared to the imported ones. ‘Rasmi’ showed some advantages such as high fat content (61.33%), which suggest its further investigation as a promising multi-use cultivar for Iran. Furthermore, the newly introduced cultivar Proones ranked first among all cultivars in some traits including the highest oil content (68.44%). Mean comparisons supported the observation of significant variation among the 12 hazelnut cultivars, which suggests significant genetic diversity is present in the plant material, which is of great value for breeding.

► This study is about nut and kernel traits of 12 hazelnut cultivars grown in Iran.
► The imported cultivars show improved physical traits than the Iranian cultivars.
► Iranian cultivars have higher kernel protein content.
► Cultivar Rasmi shows the highest fat content and Proones ranks first in some traits.
► There is significant variation among the 12 hazelnut cultivars.