Stages of Female Flower and Fruit Development in ‘Palaz’ Hazelnut Cultivar Grown in Ordu, Türkiye
摘要
This study was carried out in Ordu for a period of 2 years to determine the phenological development of ‘Palaz’ hazelnut cultivar, from female flower formation to fruit harvest according to the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale established for hazelnut. The external and internal morphology of female flowers, buds, and fruits were examined and photographed using a stereomicroscope. The examination of female flowers was carried out in four stages. The study focused on the phenological stages of the cultivar ‘Palaz’, particularly growth stages 6, 7, and 8, corresponding to flowering, fruit development and fruit ripening/maturity, respectively. In the present study, growth of the ovary of the hazelnut started in April and continued until mid-June. At the time of flowering, the ovary did not form. Fertilization occurred during the period between the end of May and the first week of June. In the third week of June, it was observed that the fruit started to fill with kernel. By the end of July, the fruit had been filled with the kernel, and the skin and shell had turned brown. The kernel had reached its maximum size. At the beginning of August, hazelnuts reached full maturity and were ready to be harvested. This study microscopically revealed the phenological stages of the female flowers and fruits of the ‘Palaz’ cultivar. The practical applicability of the BBCH scale developed for hazelnuts in fruit production of this cultivar was also demonstrated.