DefinePK

Research Objective

To assess the adaptability and scope of walnut cultivation in Punjab by conducting multilocation trials of two walnut varieties, "Odum Murree Selection" and "Hartley."

Methodology

The study involved a multilocation trial of two walnut varieties, "Odum Murree Selection" and "Hartley," conducted at three different sites: Tret Murree, Sandhian Murree, and Korada Khushab. The experiment was designed using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Parameters studied included plant height, blooming period, maturity, shell thickness, nut length, nut weight, nut diameter, kernel weight, kernel percentage, number of nuts per tree, flowering time, flowering duration, fruit weight, and yield per tree. Data was collected over three consecutive years (2018-2020) from 15-year-old walnut trees. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistic Software, with means compared using the LSD test at a 5% probability level.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Site Selection: Tret Murree, Sandhian Murree, Korada Khushab] --> B[Variety Selection: Odum Murree Selection, Hartley];
    B --> C[Experimental Design: RCBD];
    C --> D[Data Collection: 2018-2020];
    D --> E[Parameter Measurement: Plant height, nut traits, yield, etc.];
    E --> F[Statistical Analysis: Statistic Software, LSD test];
    F --> G[Results and Discussion];
    G --> H[Conclusion and Recommendations];                    

Discussion

The study highlights the superior performance of the "Odum Murree Selection" variety in terms of yield and nut quality compared to the "Hartley" variety. The earlier flowering and extended flowering duration of "Odum Murree Selection" contribute to a longer growth period, leading to improved nut characteristics. The findings suggest that "Odum Murree Selection" is a promising variety for cultivation in specific areas of Punjab, offering potential social and economic benefits. The research also emphasizes the importance of indigenous species possessing stable genes, better fruit quality, higher yield, and greater resistance to environmental stresses.

Key Findings

- "Odum Murree Selection" proved superior to "Hartley" in terms of nut weight (10.88 g vs. 8.16 g), kernel weight (7.04 g vs. 4.75 g), and kernel percentage (64.45% vs. 44.81%).
- "Odum Murree Selection" produced 55% more nuts per tree than "Hartley."
- "Odum Murree Selection" showed earlier flowering and a longer flowering duration compared to "Hartley."
- "Odum Murree Selection" yielded 14-17% more than "Hartley" on average across the studied locations.
- Khushab site exhibited earlier flowering due to warmer temperatures.

Conclusion

The "Odum Murree Selection" variety is concluded to be superior to the "Hartley" variety for cultivation in selected pockets of Punjab due to its high kernel percentage, thin shell, high yield, and favorable quality parameters like storage life and taste. Its early and extended flowering time, along with a higher number of nuts per tree, make it a suitable candidate for wider cultivation. Integrated approaches, including training of researchers and farmers, are recommended to enhance walnut production and yield in Pakistan.

Fact Check

- China was the largest producer of walnut with 1100 thousand metric tons in 2022. (Confirmed by Shahbandeh, 2022)
- Pakistan was the 18th largest producer of walnut with 15090 metric tons. (Confirmed by Shahbandeh, 2022)
- The experiment was conducted for three consecutive years from 2018-2020. (Confirmed in Methodology)

Mind Map