European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is one of the most widely used nuts because of its nutritional and health-beneficial properties. This study was carried out to determine some biochemical kernel constituents including fatty acid composition and protein content in 25 different hazelnut cultivars collected from three regions in the north of Iran. The total saturated fatty acid content and the total unsaturated fatty acid content were significantly different. Also, the amounts of both main saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were found to be significantly different. Oleic and linoleic acids were the main unsaturated fatty acids existing in the studied cultivars. The highest (78.02%) and the lowest (72.89%) content of oleic acid were determined in the cultivars ‘Vartashenʼ and ‘Atrakʼ, respectively. Also ‘Ganjehʼ contained the highest (10.91 %) and ‘Bootkhanekiʼ contained the lowest (9.48%) levels of linoleic acid, respectively. The major saturated fatty acids were palmitic acid (ranging from 5.73% in ‘Alipourʼ to 6.87 % in ‘Atababaʼ) and stearic acid (ranging from 2.14% in ‘Atrakʼ to 3.62 % in ‘Nemsaʼ). In addition, protein content ranged from 14.75% (Kolaparak) to 17.74% (Gerde-Eshkevar). The results obtained from the studied cultivars can be important for establishing new orchards and also in breeding programs. Manuscript profile

Genetic resources are the most valuable national treasure of countries, being vital to identify, conserve and use them. The Persian Walnut (Juglans regiaL.), a diploid species native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia, is the major walnut species cultivated for nut production and one of the most widespread tree nut species in the world. This research was conducted in Meshkinshahr in Ardabil Province. In this study, to determine the level of genetic diversity, a total of 31 walnut genotypes were analyzed using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats(ISSR) markers. Genotypes were evaluated using 10 ISSR markers and a total of 26 polymorphic alleles were identified.The average of the observed alleles was equal to 7 in each locus. The lowest and highest RP valueswere found ISSR5and ISSR9, respectivly.Cluster analysis based on Jacard similarity coefficient matrix using WARD method classified the genotypes into three main groups.The highest genetic distance was found between genotypes AK4 and RM2, and the lowest was among genotypes MZ4 and ES1.Both clustering and PCA divide genotypes with similar geographic origins. Manuscript profile

The Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) is one of the most valuable resources in Iran because of its multi benefits. The present study was conducted in Meshkin-Shahr in Ardabil province to investigate the important quantitative and qualitative characteristics of 31 walnut genotypes. Classification of genotypes was analyzed using the cluster method. The results showed that among selected walnut genotypes, SS genotype had the highest kernel weight (7.03 g), and fruits weight (12.65 g), and RM3 had the best kernel percentage 63.73%. The walnut genotypes were clustered into three groups using UPGMA cluster method. This preliminary study demonstrated that quantitative and qualitative characteristics were effective in evaluating the genetic diversity of walnut genotypes. Manuscript profile