Corylus Avellnana 3L

Description

GardenAdvice Notes

Corylus avellana, commonly known as the European hazelnut or the common hazel, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and western Asia. It belongs to the Betulaceae family, which includes birches and alders. The plant is widely cultivated for its edible nuts and is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.

Soil type-Corylus avellana, or the European hazel, generally prefers well-drained soils. It can tolerate a range of soil types but thrives best in loamy or sandy soils. Here are some considerations regarding soil conditions for Corylus avellana:

Drainage: Good soil drainage is essential for the plant’s health. Hazelnuts do not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils. Excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the soil drains well.

pH Level: Corylus avellana prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. However, it can tolerate a wider pH range, including slightly alkaline soils. Conducting a soil test can provide specific information about the pH level of your soil and whether any amendments are necessary.

Location-Corylus avellana, the European hazel, grows well in temperate climates and is native to Europe and western Asia. Here are some considerations regarding the location requirements for Corylus avellana:

Climate: European hazel thrives in temperate climates with mild summers and cool winters. It prefers regions with moderate temperatures and adequate rainfall. The plant is adapted to a wide range of climates and can tolerate both maritime and continental climates.

Sunlight: Corylus avellana prefers full to partial sunlight for optimal growth and nut production. It typically performs best when exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Wind Protection: While Corylus avellana can tolerate some wind, providing a location with some wind protection is beneficial. Strong winds can damage the delicate catkins and reduce pollination success. Planting the hazel near windbreaks, such as fences, hedges, or larger trees, can provide protection from strong gusts.

Pest and disease problems-Corylus avellana, like any other plant, is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some common pest and disease problems that can affect the European hazel:

Pests:

Filbertworm (Cydia latiferreana): The filbertworm is a common pest that infests hazelnuts. The larvae feed on the nuts, causing damage and reducing the quality and yield of the crop.

Aphids: Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that can attack hazel trees. They feed on the plant’s sap and can cause distortion of new growth, yellowing leaves, and the production of sticky honeydew.

Hazel leafroller (Archips oporana): The hazel leafroller is a moth whose larvae feed on hazel leaves, causing defoliation and weakening the plant.

Hazelnut weevils (Curculio spp.): Weevils are beetles whose larvae feed on the nuts of hazelnut trees. Infested nuts often show damage and may fall prematurely.

Diseases:

Eastern Filbert Blight (Anisogramma anomala): Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB) is a devastating fungal disease that affects hazelnut trees. It causes cankers on the branches and stems, leading to dieback and eventual death of the plant. EFB is a serious concern in hazelnut-growing regions.

Bacterial Blight (Xanthomonas campestris pv. corylina): Bacterial blight can cause leaf spots, twig dieback, and cankers on hazelnut trees. It is primarily spread through contaminated pruning tools or rain splashes.

Phytophthora Root Rot (Phytophthora spp.): Phytophthora root rot is a soil-borne disease that affects many plants, including hazelnuts. It causes root decay, leading to poor growth, wilting, and eventual death of the plant.

Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum): Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect hazelnut trees, causing a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and nuts. It can reduce plant vigour and affect nut quality.

Leaf Spot Diseases: Various fungal pathogens can cause leaf spot diseases on hazelnut leaves. These diseases typically manifest as circular or irregular spots on the foliage, leading to defoliation if severe.

Proper cultural practices, including regular inspection, sanitation, and appropriate pest and disease management strategies, can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, selecting disease-resistant cultivars and maintaining overall plant health through proper watering, fertilisation, and pruning can also reduce the impact of pests and diseases on Corylus avellana. Local agricultural extension offices or hazelnut-growing associations can provide region-specific guidance on pest and disease management strategies.

Propagation-Corylus avellana, the European hazel, can be propagated through various methods. Here are the common propagation techniques used for Corylus avellana:

Seed Propagation: Hazelnuts can be propagated from seeds, but keep in mind that seed-grown plants may not necessarily retain the same characteristics as the parent plant. To propagate from seeds, follow these steps:

1. • Collect ripe nuts from the plant during the fall season.
   • Remove the outer husk and soak the nuts in water for 24 hours to soften the shell.
   • Plant the nuts in well-draining soil or seedling trays, burying them at a depth of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm).
   • Keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in a cool location (around 40-50°F or 4-10°C) for stratification, which mimics winter conditions.
   • After a few months of stratification, move the container to a warmer location to promote germination.
   • Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.Suckers or Root Sprouts: Corylus avellana naturally produces suckers or root sprouts, which are shoots emerging from the base of the plant. These suckers can be separated from the parent plant and replanted to propagate new hazelnut shrubs. To propagate using suckers:
     • Select healthy and vigorous suckers growing near the base of the parent plant.
     • Carefully dig around the sucker to expose its roots.
     • Sever the sucker from the parent plant, ensuring it has its own intact root system.
     • Transplant the sucker to a prepared hole in well-draining soil, ensuring it is at the same depth it was previously growing.Grafting: Grafting is a common method used to propagate specific cultivars with desirable traits. It involves combining the desired scion (a piece of the desired hazelnut variety) with a compatible rootstock. Grafting can be done using techniques like whip-and-tongue or cleft grafting. Grafted plants generally exhibit the same characteristics as the parent plant. This method requires knowledge and skill in grafting techniques.

Propagation success can vary depending on the method used. It’s important to note that some hazelnut varieties may require specific propagation methods or grafting onto compatible rootstocks for optimal growth and nut production.

Pruning, cutting back and dividing-Pruning, cutting back, and dividing techniques can be beneficial for maintaining the health, shape, and productivity of Corylus avellana (European hazel) plants. Here are some guidelines for each of these practices:

Pruning:

Formative Pruning: When the hazel is young, formative pruning helps establish a well-shaped shrub. Remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches. Additionally, thin out dense growth to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration within the plant.

Renewal Pruning: Hazels benefit from renewal pruning every few years to encourage vigorous growth. This involves removing one-third of the oldest branches near ground level to stimulate the growth of new shoots from the base.

Maintenance Pruning: Regular maintenance pruning involves removing dead or diseased branches, as well as any suckers arising from the base of the plant. It is also advisable to prune back any branches that are crossing, rubbing against each other, or causing congestion within the shrub.

Cutting Back:

Coppicing: European hazel can be coppiced, which means cutting the entire shrub back to ground level during late winter or early spring. Coppicing stimulates the growth of multiple new shoots from the base, resulting in a denser and more vigorous shrub. Coppicing is typically done every few years to maintain the plant’s vitality and encourage the production of new wood for nuts.

Dividing: Unlike some perennial plants, Corylus avellana is not commonly divided. Dividing is more commonly used for herbaceous plants with underground rhizomes or tubers. Instead, propagation techniques like suckering and grafting are typically employed to propagate new hazelnut plants.

Remember these general tips for pruning, cutting back, and dividing hazel plants:

• Prune hazelnuts during late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
• Dispose of pruned or cut material properly, especially if it shows signs of disease or pests.
• Regularly monitor the shrub for any signs of pest or disease infestation and take appropriate measures if necessary.

It’s important to note that specific pruning and cutting back techniques may vary depending on the desired shape, growth habit, and objectives for your Corylus avellana plants.

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