CLONAL SELECTION IN GEVUINA AVELLANA FOR NUTRITIONAL AND PHYTOTHERAPY PURPOSES

The importance of clonal selection in Gevuin (Avellano Chileno, Chile Nut) has been stressed in several studies within the genetic and production improvement research programme. To evaluate the variability of selected clones, various chemical characteristics of kernels (energy, water, crude protein, fat, fatty acids, unsaturated/ saturated ratio, carbohydrates, total fibre, ash, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, vitamin A and E) were studied during five growing seasons in Southern Chile. The chemical traits were also compared with the composition and nutritional value of hazelnut and other nuts. Clear evidence of variability in the chemical characteristics of nuts from different clones supports genetic improvement in Gevuin.