Study and Comparison of Fruit Growth and Development Pattern in Two Wild Almond Species (Amygdalus scoparias Pach. and A. eleagnifolia Spach.)

Fruit growth and development patterns of two wild almond species (Amygdalus scoparia and A. eleagnifolia) was investigated from full bloom to the maturity. Fruits and kernel size, and husk and kernel fresh and dry weight were measured and their growth and development curve were drawn. Results showed that A. eleagnifolia and A. scoparia reached their maximum fruit and kernel size after about 35 and 45 days of full bloom, respectively. Kernel moisture content of about 95% at 25 days after full bloom decreased to 30% in 85 days after full bloom. In both species the ovary wall lignification began 45 days after full bloom and fruit dry weight continued to be increased until maturity. Kernel dry weight increment that occurs as a result of embryo growth began 55 days after full bloom in both species and continued until 75 days after full bloom. In general, both of studied wild almond species followed sigmoid pattern for their fruit development and this process lasted for 90 days starting from full bloom stage. The first phase completed at about 35 to 45 days (depending on the species) after full bloom and in this stage fruits reached their maximum size. In the second stage embryo grew and reached its full size, then the embryo start to lose moisture while dry weight was increased.