In the study carried out, the pomological and morphological characteristics of 13 genotypes belonging to Amygdalus orientalis (Mill) species and 8 genotypes belonging to Amygdalus turcomanica (Lincz) species selected in Gaziantep were tried to be determined.
Methods and Results:In the study, shelled fruit weight (g), shelled fruit dimensions (length, width, height) (mm), shell thickness (mm), the kernel weight (g), double kernel rate (%), leaf length (cm), leaf width (cm), leaf color, and leaf area (cm 2 ) were determined. As a result of the study, the average shelled and kernel weight, width, height and height values of Amygdalus orientalis (Mil) genotypes were higher than Amygdalus turcomanica (Lincz) genotypes in both years of the study. Nut weight varied between 0.38 g and 0.99 g in Amygdalus orientalis (Mill) genotypes, while it varied between 0.41 g and 0.95 g in Amygdalus turcomanica (Lincz) genotypes. Fruits were longer in Amygdalus orientalis (Mill) genotypes compared to Amygdalus turcomanica (Lincz) genotypes, and larger and thicker in Amygdalus turcomanica (Lincz) genotypes, and the shell thickness of this species was higher. The kernel properties were also performed in parallel with the shelled features. It was determined that Amygdalus turcomanica (Lincz) genotypes had more stems, dense crowned, more thorny, green leaves and smaller sizes compared to Amygdalus orientalis (Mill) genotypes. Conclusions: It has been determined that tree size, stem number, leaf colors and fruit characteristics can be used in species identification. Considering the size of the tree, it was concluded that it can be considered as a dwarf rootstock, and it is necessary to determine the compatibility and rootstock capability for other stone fruit species, especially almonds. Significance and Impact of the Study: Wild almond species are important genetic resources due to their resistance to adverse climatic and soil conditions and the possibility of being used as dwarf rootstock for Prunus species. In order for genetic resources to be used in breeding and production, all their characteristics should be determined. In this study, determining the pomological and morphological characteristics of two almond species that grow naturally in the flora of Turkey is the basis for breeding and breeding studies.