Comparative morpho-molecular characterization of elite walnut variety Parbat (JWSP-06) with local selections of north-western Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

• A walnut survey was conducted in the non-accessible areas of Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir to examine degree of diversity and to identify promising genotypes. • Three genotypes, including JWSG-43, JWSP-06, and JWSD-59, were found best after invoking selection criteria. • Among these three walnut selections JWSP-06 which is hereafter named as Parbat was released as variety by the SKUAST-Jammu in year 2022. • The DUS characterization revealed Parbat is high yielding, late maturing, anthracnose resistant and produces nuts of high yield and good quality. • The comparative study also found Parbat superior to other local walnut selections. • The molecular genotyping found Parabat genetically diverse from Hamdan, Sulaiman and Bhushan. • The single WSSR-8 marker can be efficiently utilized for variety identification and authorization. • This study opened the door to breed the quality walnut cultivar by crossing Parbat with Hamdan and Sulaiman In the present study, we compared our previously identified elite walnut selection JWSP06 (Parbat) with other walnut selections from the region. Based on DUS (distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability) characterization, Parbat is high yielding late maturing selection with superior quality nut and kernel traits. This selection is also resistant to walnut anthracnose. Recently the Parbat was notified as an elite walnut selection by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. DNA profiling authenticate that "Parbat" is distinct from regional walnut selections such as Hamdan, Sulaiman, and Bhushan. The comparative study revealed that the quality and yield capacity of the Parbat are higher than those of local walnut selections. Regardless of the walnut selection, the marker WSSR-8 efficiently separates all genotypes. Breeding walnuts through conventional methods require genetically distinct parents. Our comparative study has identified Parbat as distinct from regional selections. This study has opened a door to breed quality walnut cultivars by crossing Parbat with Sulaiman and Hamdan. Being located at different geographic areas, the walnut selections need to be planted side by side for an effective hybridization-based breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]