Variance Components and Heritability of Nut and Kernel Traits in Almond1

Abstract

Means and variance components were estimated for genotype, environment (year), and genotype-year interactions for 28 nut and kernel traits of almond ( Prunus amygdalus Batsch). The analysis involved over 2,500 genotypes and 20 years of observations. Estimates of heritability were obtained for 19 traits. The latter analysis involved some 100 families. The genetic component of variance and heritabilities tended to be large for shell type, size, shape, double kernels, bitterness, and crease. Year and genotype-year effects were large for quality factors such as shell and kernel color, callus, shriveling, pubescence, grade, blanks, smoothness, gumminess, and broken and split kernels.