'Qinquan 1', a new apomixis walnut cultivar

Abstract

Introduction. Shanxi province is one of the main walnut production areas in the North of China. The cultivated species mainly belong to a Chinese walnut tree population, named 'Mian Hetao' (Juglans regia L.), which reproduces from seedlings. Although the walnut apomixis characteristics were discovered very early and have an important breeding value, this variety has not yet been reported as an important breeding resource. Cultivar origin. 'Qinquan 1' is a new cultivar of walnut tree (Juglans regia L.), selected in 1982 from walnut seedling resources in the department of Shanxi, in the North of China. This cultivar is characterized by apomixis, the ratio of which can reach 24.7%. After more than 20 years of selection and many local experiments, its characteristics were given and the cultivar was certificated in March 2007. Cultivar characteristics. Characteristics of 'Qinquan 1' fruits, trees, development stages, production and the apomixis rate are given. Main cultural techniques. Many characteristics of this new cultivar are suitable for its growth in the middle or south Loess Highlands (China), where the annual average temperature is 9 ∼ 13 °C and rainfall is above 450 mm. The cultivar is also cultivable in the North of China where the soil and climate conditions resemble those of the original area. Other recommendations are given for improving the 'Qinquan 1' tree growth. © 2010 Cirad/EDP Sciences.