The effect of different altitudeson nut properties and yield in “Chandler” walnut variety

Abstract

Objective: It was aimed to evaluate and interpret nut parameters of “Chandler”walnut variety at two different altitudes according to years. Material and Methods: Thisresearch was conducted in a commercial orchard located at an altitude of 50 and 750 m in Manisa province during 2017 and 2021 years. “Chandler” walnut variety was used as plant material. Results: Accordingly, the highest nut weight was determined as 13.89 g at 50 m altitude in 2018. The highest nut width, length, and height values were detected in the same year and altitude. For altitudes of 50 m and 750 m, the shell thickness was thin (1.38 mm and 1.30 mm) in 2020,whereas it was thick (2.16 mm and 1.83 mm) in 2019. A light kernel color was stated at 750 m in 2019. The shrinkage value was found to be much less at 750 m (9.41%). Higher yield was obtained at 50 m altitude. On the other hand, In the principal component analysis, the most important distinguishing features in terms of years were kernel weight for 50 m and kernel ratio for 750 m altitudes. Conclusion: It was detected that the nut characteristicssuch as kernel ratio, nut length, L* value and shrinkage ratiowere superiordue to the increase in altitude. However, the yield was found to be higher at low altitudes.