Evaluation of Pomological Traits and Kernel Quality in Almond Cultivars Suitable for Commercial Cultivation in Central Europe

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the phaenological, pomological, and nutritional traits of various almond cultivars based on multi-year observations. The results revealed significant differences among cultivars in flowering and ripening times, stone and kernel weight, shell hardness, and sensory characteristics. The earliest cultivar in terms of both flowering and ripening was 'Zora', while 'Ferrastar' and 'Ferragnes' flowered the latest. 'Gersonskaja' exhibited the highest stone weight (8.8 +/- 3.1 g) and shell hardness and 'Suzanne' the softest shell. The highest kernel weight was recorded in Prunus amygdalus var. tenera (1.6 +/- 0.1 g). All evaluated cultivars had sweet kernels, except for the rootstock 'MN-VA-1', which was rated as semi-sweet. 'Ferrastar' received the highest palatability rating, while 'Ferragnes' had the lowest, though still favourable, score. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis revealed two main cultivar groups, with 'Gersonskaja' and 'Zora' being the most distinct. The chemical composition of the kernels showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). 'Genco' exhibited the highest fat content (61.79 +/- 0.01% FW), while 'Famosa' had the highest soluble protein content (14.16 +/- 0.79% FW). 'Ferragnes' stood out for its highest levels of phenolic compounds (142.09 +/- 0.39 mg) (GAE & centerdot;100 g(-1) FW), flavonoids (85.11 +/- 0.35 mg (CE)& centerdot;100 g(-1) FW), and antioxidant capacity (AC) (148.9 +/- 1.7 mg) (TE & centerdot;100 g(-1) FW). PCA of the nutritional data confirmed the similarity between 'Ferragnes' and P. amygdalus var. tenera in terms of secondary metabolite content, whereas 'Gersonskaja' showed the lowest values across most parameters.