Flowering, pollination and fruit set patterns in some new Iranian almond genotypes

This research was carried out with the goal of selecting superior varieties among different Iranian almond genotypes. The flower and fruit characteristics were evaluated and twelve superior varieties were selected. These were studied in detail in regards to cross pollination, self pollination and open pollination. It was found that flowering in the selected varieties occurs in the last week of March and continues until the first of May. The selected varieties were self-incompatible. Additionally, two other varieties were found to be inter-incompatible. The percentage of fruit set through open and cross pollination also varied in different varieties. Fruit set through self-pollination (artificial pollination or without pollination) was zero in all varieties. There were considerable differences in the durability of fruit set in the initial and final stages.