Specifying main characteristics of five Iranian local cultivars of almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.)

For introducing five Iranian local cultivars of almond Sahand, Shokufe, Azer, Yalda and Monagga, a primary study was carried out on some major characteristics of them. Sahand cv. with 9100 G.D.H. (Growth Degree Hours) heating and 384 C.U. (Chilling Unit) chilling requirements operated as the latest bloom (middle April). Also, Shokufe cv. as earlier ripen (late August), Azer cv. as more productive (654 kg/h kernel) and easier harvest and Monagga cv. as earlier bloom (middle March) were specified in this study. Variance analysis of kernel and shell dimension and weight, the ratio of kernel/shell weight, number of spurs on branches and flower bud number in spurs showed the significant differences among cultivars (P≤5%) whereas differences in amount of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids of kernels were non-significant.