The FAO Interregional (REU/RNE) Cooperative Research Network on Nuts was established in Yalova, Turkey in 1990 to work in the area of nut trees. In 1996 an agreement between FAO and CIHEAM was reached to jointly operate this Research Network, which from then on has been supported by FAO-CIHEAM. The Coordination Centre is IRTA (Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries), Mas Bové, Reus, Spain.
The main objectives are the promotion of exchange of information among different Mediterranean partners; setting-up of joint research programmes; exchange of germplasm; and establishment of close links between researchers, thus fostering a spirit of cooperation.
An important activity of the Network is the compilation of germplasm inventories and research catalogues which are supported by FAO (REU and AGPS) and CIHEAM-IAMZ.
The liaison officers of the different subnetworks, with special input from the Genetic Resources Subnetwork Liaison Officer, were asked to compile the genetic resources of each of the cultivated nut tree species and wild relatives which are kept in the main research institutions and germplasm repositories and also a survey on the on-going research in the main producing countries.
The inventory on hazelnut is the second after that of almond; catalogues on the other species considered (walnut, pistachio and chestnut) will follow.
This catalogue is divided into six different sections: hazelnut production in the world; hazelnut germplasm inventory; description of the main characteristics of native cultivars of each country; description of research projects; description of research inventory; and selected references. The information gathered was provided by curators and scientists involved in hazelnut research worldwide.
