Abstract:

The shell structure indexes (seal grade, thickness, density, mechanical strength and cell diameter of shell) and kernel qualities (rate of wormed nut, rate of dissilient nut, kernel ratio, kernel colour, MDA content) of different cultivars in walnut (Juglans regia) were studied. Correlation between structure indexes and kernel qualities was analysis showed that there were significant correlations among the structure indexes, which were also significantly correlated with the kernel qualities. The tighter seal grade was and the thicker the shell was the lower the strain rate, rate of dissilient nut, rate of warmed nut and MDA content of oils in stored walnut kernel were and the stronger the anti-oxidation capacity of walnut was. The results suggested that shell structures should be take into consideration as a factor to evaluate qualities of walnut. The indexes of shell structure, such as seal grade and thickness should receive sufficient attention.

Key words: Juglans regia, shell structure, shell seal grade, kernel quality, correlation