Diversity for Tree Vigour in the Natural Population of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) in the Kashmir Valley

The present investigation entitled diversity for tree vigour in the natural population of walnut (Juglans regia L.) in the Kashmir valley was carried out in order to document the available genetic variability in walnut germplasm and to select elite walnut genotypes possessing superior attributes and quality traits. During the survey, data was recorded on one hundred fifty two (152) walnut trees growing in different areas of Kashmir valley. Remarkable variability was observed in seedling walnut trees for different morphological, nut and kernel characters. Similarly, variations were also reported for other characters viz., tree vigour, growth habit, branching habit, leaflet shape, shoot colour, nut shape, shell texture, shell colour, shell seal, shell strength, shell integrity, kernel shrivel and kernel colour. Studies on tree vigour revealed substantial variability among the seedling raised walnuts genotypes in Kashmir valley. Tree vigour ranged from low to high. Out of 152 genotypes 43 genotypes (28.30%) possessed low tree vigour, 45 genotypes (29.60%) were intermediate and 64 genotypes (42.10%) exhibited high tree vigour.