Variability in oil content and fatty acid composition in selected walnut (Juglans regia) germplasm

The oil content and fatty acid composition of 16 walnut (Juglans regia L.) genotypes collected during 2008 from Phulwama and Budgaon districts of Jammu and Kashmir were determined. Considerable variations between genotypes were observed for all the parameters. The total oil content of the walnut ranged from 65.93% to 75.26%. The oleic acid ranged from 14.77 to 28.29% of the total fatty acid content, while linoleic and linolenic acid ranged from 47.07 to 66.0% and 8.13 to 19.90%, respectively. The saturated fatty acid, ie palmitic acid and stearic acid ranged from 4.76 to 7.63% and 1.74 to 3.34%, respectively. The large variability was observed for all fatty acids and these can act as base for breeding of walnut cultivars for superior varieties with oil of higher quality, satisfying industrial and consumer sectors.