Identification of the pollinizer for a new almond genotype ‘Karaj ۳۳’

Purpose: Most almond cultivars grown in Iran exhibit gametophytic self-incompatibility. Therefore, they need to be pollinated by cross-compatible cultivars that bloom in the same time to produce commercial crop. One of the new almond genotypes is Karaj ۳۳, which has very late flowering, high productivity, paper shell, high percentage of kernel to fruit, no double and twin kernel, and self-incompatible.Research method: In order to select the suitable pollinizer for ‘Karaj ۳۳’, an experiment was conducted using fruit set under field conditions and fluorescence microscopy methods, in which Tuono, Shekofeh and H were evaluated as pollen donors. Findings: All almond cultivars/genotypes had high (۸۰-۸۵%) pollen germination. Tuono and H bloomed earlier (from ۲۴th to ۲۹th March), whereas Shekofeh and then Karaj ۳۳ bloomed later (from ۲۶th March to ۱st April and ۳۰th March to ۳rd April, respectively). Cross-compatibility was confirmed in all the three cultivars/genotype by both methods. Shekofeh had almost overlapping flowering time with Karaj ۳۳. The penetration rate of Shekofeh pollen tube was faster so that ۹۶ h after cross-pollination, it reached the base of Karaj ۳۳ style, while the other two reached ۱۲۰ h later. The highest final fruit set was observed with the cross of Karaj ۳۳ × Shekofeh. Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: we can consider Shekofeh as a suitable pollinizer for Karaj ۳۳.

Keywords:

In-compatibility , Fluorescence microscopy , Fruit set , Prunus dulcis