Pomological Characterization of Main Almond Cultivars from the North Eastern Morocco

Abstract

This study concerns pomological characterization of four almond cultivars (Ferragnes, Ferraduel, Marcona and Fournat) introduced in eastern Morocco. The aim is to determine recommended cultivars for this region. Several nut and kernel pomological traits were determined, nut weight ranged between 2.65 g for Ferragnes and 4.41 g for Fournat, and kernel weight ranged between 0.73 g for Marcona and 1.38 g for Fournat. Volume of nuts and kernels ranged, respectively, between 4000.98 mm3 for Ferragnes to 846.09 mm3 for Marcona and 9667.20 mm3–1553.01 mm3 for Fournat. Finally, Ferragnes, Ferraduel and Fournat have kernel yields, reaching 33%, against 20–23% for Marcona which is the most sensitive to drought.