Introduction of a New Interesting Walnut Cultivar Leto

Iota n an effort to create walnut cultivars (Juglans regia) with high productivity, fruit quality and lateral bearing, a new cultivar, named Leto, was created by the cross Gustine x Pedro. Its main phenological and pomological characteristics were assessed according to the criteria of IPGR (1994) and UPOV-TG/125/6 (1999), for 10 consecutive years and compared with its maternal cultivars and Chandler. Observations showed that Leto has high lateral bearing habit (90%) and presents satisfactory yield at the full production age. The tree size is smaller than that of its parents and Chandler, female flowers bloom from 11 to 22 of April and male from 3 to 6 of April. Leto nuts are harvested at the end of September, present easy hull dehiscence and high kernel percentage. Other positive nut characteristics of Leto are light kernel color, well kernel filling and easy removal of the kernel halves. Leto is a mid-early cultivar of great interest due to its high- quality nuts, suitable for dense plantings, in regions where the last spring frosts occur in late March to early April, thus, making it a promising cultivar for Greece, but also for other regions with similar geomorphological and climatic conditions.

Automated summary

Leto is a walnut cultivar with high lateral bearing habit, satisfactory yield, easy hull dehiscence, and high kernel percentage. It is suitable for planting in regions with late spring frosts, showing great promise for cultivation in Greece and other areas with similar geomorphological and climatic conditions.