Assessment of Seed Propagation Ability of Almond Genotypes (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb.) for a Mediterranean Environment

Several almond genotypes adapted to different climates of Tunisia have been identified and maintained in order to valorize their progenies as seedling rootstocks. This study aims to assess nut morphological characteristics and seed propagation ability of twelve local, two foreign and six hybrid almond genotypes having a very broad range of flowering period. Significant differences were observed among these genotypes. Seed germination started between 25 and 75 days from stratification date, was important for the majority of the genotypes and seems not affected either by the porosity or the hardness of the shell. The highest mean diameter of the radicle was recorded for G14-7, G25-5 and G23-15 genotypes. The emergence of seedlings was important in nursery.