NATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECTS

Australia

Project objectives

To evaluate promising new lines of chestnuts for a range of physical attributes including; peel, taste, pellice intrusion and disease incidence.

To evaluate two commonly grown varieties over a number of environments to document resultant differences in nut production and nut characteristics.

Project summary and results

Project is still in progress with results anticipated in July 1999.

Austria

Project summary and results

Three formulations of hypovirulent C. parasitica strains were tested: Maizena-paste, on chestnut wood, suspension. A method should be developed to carry out the healing of sick chestnut stands in agricultural stands but also in forestry. The aim of this research is the development of a method easy to handle and effective in converting the virulent cankers to hypovirulent in Austrian chestnut stands.

Project objectives

Mapping of chestnut blight in Austria, introduce and map hypovirulence, investigate plant defence reactions against Cryphonectria parasitica.

Project summary and results

Current works: collection of fungal strains, conversion to hypovirulence, investigations of defence mechanisms on molecular level.

Related publications

Schafleitner, R. & Wilhelm, E. 1999. Chestnut blight: monitoring the host response with heterologous cDNA probes. Acta Horticulturae, in press.

Schafleitner, R., Buchala, A. & Wilhelm, E. 1999. Class III chitinase expression and salicylic acid accumulation in chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) after challenge with hypovirulent and virulent Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr. Phyton. (In press).

Project objectives

Transformation of oak, somatic embryogenesis of chestnut, isolation of stress response genes from chestnut.

Project summary and results

Current works: somatic embryogenesis of chestnut, isolation of stress genes from chestnut.

China

Project objectives

Primary selection of excellent cultivars, exploration of the potential productivity and primary sum of the suitable culture technics.

Project summary and results

Seven excellent cultivars have been selected. A mean yield of 5 170.5 kg per ha were produced by six-year old trees in conditions of high dense planting and a highest yield record of over 8 025 kg per ha in the following year.

Related publications

Jiangsu Institute of Botany. 1976. The varieties and cultural techniques of Chinese chestnut in Jiangsu Province. Scientific and Technical Information of Forestry, 3.

Liu Liu. 1982. A study on scheme of Chinese chestnut in Jiangsu Province. Bulletin of the Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem.Sun, Yat sen,1982.

Project objectives

Selection of excellent cultivars with characteristics of prolificacy and good organoleptic qualities.

Project summary and result

A series of excellent cultivars, Jiu jia zhong, Chu shuhong, Qin za, Duan za, and Jian ding you li, have been recommended.

Related publications

Liu Liu. 1989. A new cultivar of Chinese chestnut-Jian ding you li. Plant Introduction and Acclimatization,1989.

Liu Liu. 1992. A study on germplasm diversity of chestnut and the proposals for its conservation and utilization. Jour. of Plant Resour. & Environ. 1992,1(1).

Zhou, Jiu-ya., Geng, Guo-ming. & Bi Hui-chan, et al. 1994. The comparative test of Chinese chestnut cultivars. Proc. of the Research on Agri. Resour. Utiliz. in Hilly and Mount. areas of Ning-Zheng-Yang.

Liu Liu. 1993. The Germplasm resources of chestnut in China. Proc. of the Inter. Cong. on Chestnut. Spoleto, Italy.

Liu Liu. 1997. Nut quality on Chinese chestnut cultivars. NNGA 1997.

Project objectives

Reform of the traditional technics and increasing nut production of Chinese chestnut and development of hilly and mountainous areas.

Project summary and results

The achievements were extended over a wide range in subtropical regions in China and covered an area over 77 000 ha. The increment of nut production was 7-20 times above that of traditional chestnut orchards.

Related publications

Liu Liu. 1998. Progress on the research and production of chestnut in Jiangsu Province and discussion on development of the chestnut industry in China. Proc. of the National Symp. of Chestnut Industry Development.

Liu Liu, Zhou Jiu-ya. 1998. Some Consideration on Chestnut Development in the 21^st century in China. Proc. 2^nd Symp. on Chestnut.

Liu Liu. 1999. The world chestnut industry and consideration on the development of Chinese chestnut facing the 21^st century. Hebei Journal of Forestry and Orchard Research 14 (1).

France

Project objectives

Basic knowledge on epidemiology of Cryphonectria parasitica: inoculum production, disponibility, dissemination, infection process.

Related publications

Guérin, L., Bastien, S. & Chauvin, B. 1998. The production and dispersal of ascospores of Cryphonectria parasitica in an orchard in South-Western France. The Second International Symposium on Chestnut. Bordeaux, 19-23 October.

Guérin, L., Bastien, S., Capron, G. & Robin, C. 1999. Seasonal changes in susceptibility of Castanea sativa to virulent and hypovirulent isolates of Cryphonectria parasitica. Cost MC Meeting. Sopron, Hungary, 6-8 May.

Guérin, L., Froidefond, G. & Xu, X. 1999. Dissemination pattern of airborne ascospores of Cryphonectria parasitica casal agent of chestnut blight. European Journal of Plant pathology (Submitted).

Japan

Project objectives

Selection of promising tree(s).

Project summary and results

Four promising clones selected. Local adaptability test will start in next growing season.

Greece

Project objectives

Study of genetic diversity and gene flow among orchards, coppice stands and old-growth natural forests, establishment of progeny/provenance tests, study of adaptive traits.

Italy

Project objectives

The aim of the experiment was to study some physiological factors on chestnut in order to determine the main factors which interfere in plant productivity and the differences between Castanea sativa and the hybrid Castanea crenata x Castanea sativa.

Project summary and results

• Control of vegetative development of trees. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) resulted efficient to reduce the growth of young chestnut trees in the year of treatment and in the following year. The effect of soil treatment was more intense than that of the foliage. PBZ greatly decreased primary xylem development, the thickness of the annual rings of the stem and the number and diameter of the vessels. PBZ also reduced secondary phloem development. The PBZ applications greatly inhibited root development. Also in the roots, PBZ treatment reduced the number and diameter of the vessels. It is necessary to consider that the reduction in the total leaf surface and the increase in leaf density (which cause a higher leaf mutual shading), not compensated by an increase of the specific photosynthetic rate or by a reduction in dark respiration, negatively affect the skeleton formation in young plants and could produce unsatisfactory growth and maturation of fruits and insufficient renovation of the vegetation in mature plants.
• Shading effects. Compared to leaves grown in the full sun, leaves developed in the basal and internal zones of the canopy (light intensity of 40-100 µmol of photons m^-2s^-1, equivalent to 5-8 percent of the full sun and with a red/far red ratio of about 30 percent of the full sun):

• had a net photosynthetic and transpiration rate significantly lower than the fully exposed leaves during the entire day;

• were larger, 20 percent thinner (because of the reduced size of the palisade and spongy parenchyma tissues) and richer in chlorophyll "a" and "b";

• had a reduced number of chloroplasts with smaller starch granules and more grana and thylakoids per granum, a higher water and carotenoid content, a reduced amount of epicuticular waxes (-50 percent), a lower specific weight, lower nitrogen and carbohydrate contents, lower values of photosynthetic light saturation point (250 vs. 1200 µmol of photons m^-2s^-1), dark respiration (-1.1 vs. -2.2 µmol CO₂ m^-2s^-1) and light compensation point (20-25 vs. 55-65 µmol of photons m^-2s^-1) and a higher apparent quantum yield (0.040 vs. 0.050 mmol CO₂/mol of photosynthetic photon flux density).

All these adaptations allow the chestnut to use the limited radiant energy availability in shaded canopy parts with the maximum benefit for both dry matter production and allocation and to obtain a certain productivity, even if lower than the genetic potentiality of the species. Therefore, with exposition of the orchard, tree density, training system and pruning, it is important to ensure that most of the leaves, above all during their development, receive approximately more than 600-700 µmol photon m^-2s^-1 for the greater part of the day.

• Effects of leaf position and the presence of fruit on leaf net photosynthesis. During the growing season the net photosynthesis (Pn) changed in the different phenological stages and in particular, it was higher during the fruit growth period. From July to October the part of the shoot with higher Pn progressively moved from the base to the tip of the shoot. During the day, Pn was high during the morning, then progressively decreased in the afternoon. The near presence of fruit increased Pn of leaves on shoots exposed to full sunlight, above all during the morning, but did not significantly influence the leaf chlorophyll and carbohydrate contents.
• Effect of leaf to fruit ratios on fruit growth. Assimilates can be easily translocated and it is necessary to have about five leaves well exposed to light per fruit (about 10 leaves per husk) to ensure normal fruit development and dry matter accumulation in the shoots. Fruit is a stronger sink than shoot reserve tissues. A feedback inhibition of photosynthesis at high leaf-to-husk ratios is suggested.
• Photosynthetic characteristics in Castanea sativa (cultivar "Stroncone") and in the hybrid Castanea crenata x Castanea sativa ("Marigoule"). The cultivar "Stroncone" showed a photosynthetic rate 30-40 percent higher than the hybrid "Marigoule" (9-10 vs. 6-7 µmol CO₂ m^-2s^-1). In the cv Stroncone, the presence of fruits induced a slight increase in the net photosynthetic rate and in the total chlorophyll content of the leaves, while similar effects were not found in the cv Marigoule.

Related publications (D.A.D.P. - Perugia Unit)

Proietti, P., Antognozzi, E., Ferradini, N. & Palliotti, A. 1996 Paclobutrazol effects on Castanea sativa Mill. cultivated in pot.Proceedings of the 3^rd Scientific meeting S.O.I., Erice, 10-14/3/96: 549-550. (In Italian).

Frenguelli, G., Ferranti, F., Andreutti, R., Tedeschini, E. & Antognozzi, E. 1997. Anatomy of Castanea spp. leaves in relation with photosynthic activity Ann. Fac. Agr. Univ. Perugia 49: 157-163. (In Italian).

Proietti, P., Palliotti, A., Antognozzi, E. & Ferranti, F. 1997. Patterns of anatomy differentiation, growth and physiological activity following paclobutrazol application in chestnut. Proceedings of the 8th International symposium on plant bioregulators in fruit production. Valencia, Spain, 1-4 April 1997: 177-184.

Antognozzi, E., Famiani, F., Micheli, M., Palliotti, A., Piccioni, E., Proietti, P. & Standardi, A. 1997. Genotype evaluation, propagation, vegetative control and some physiological aspects in chestnut. Proceedings of the Workshop on "Tree physiology and genetic resources of chestnut", Torre Pellice (TO), Italy, 18-21 June 1997. (In press).

Palliotti, A., Proietti, P., Famiani, F., Ferranti, F., Antognozzi, E., Frenguelli, G. & Andreutti, R. 1998. Adaptation mechanisms induced by shadow stress in Castanea sativa Mill leaves. Proceedings of the "National meeting on chestnut". Cison di Valmarino, Treviso, Italy, 23-25 October, 1997: 377-389. (In Italian).

Proietti, P., Palliotti, A., Famiani, F., Antognozzi, E., Ferranti, F., Andreutti, R. & Frenguelli, G. 1999. Influence of leaf position, fruit and light availability on photosynthesis of two chestnut genotype. Scientia Horticulturae in press.

Famiani, F., Proietti, P., Palliotti, A., Ferranti, F. & Antognozzi, E. 1998. Effect of leaf to fruit ratios on fruit growth in chestnut. Proceedings of the Second international symposium on chestnut, Bordeaux (France), 19-24 October 1998.

Objectives and summary of the proposed activity

Sweet chestnut forests in Slovenia were seriously degraded since the introduction of chestnut blight. Besides this disease, other negative biotic factors (mainly ink disease) and negative forest management practices (negative attitude towards sweet chestnut as it was thought to become extinct because of chestnut blight) resulted in the reduction of forest areas with sweet chestnut and its degradation to mostly understroy, coppice tree. After the natural appearance of the hypovirulence of chestnut blight, which is of viral origin, transmissible and cause healing and reduction of virulence of the pathogen, reevaluation of sanitation practices against chestnut blight is needed and there is also a great opportunity to change management and silvicultural practices to promote sweet chestnut in forests where it was once already one of the most important tree species.

In the proposed three year research project the viral nature and other important biological properties of hypovirulence will be defined in Slovenia, where sweet chestnut appears individually or in groups on 22 percent of forested area.

The work will be oriented to fulfill four main goals:

a. Establishment of the real state of sweet chestnut in Slovenian forests:

- analyses of the sanitary condition of sweet chestnut and of the stands where it appears respectively;

- historical survey of the sweet chestnut canker progress (spatial and time analyses);

- analyses of the management, tending and phytosanitary measures.

b. Analyses of the factors influencing sweet chestnut condition:

- inter and intra specific influences, stand construction, biotic and abiotic influences all on stand level and on the level of all forests in Slovenia.

c. Phytosanitary aspects of sweet chestnut:

d. Elaboration of strategies for suitable modifications of management of sweet chestnut forests.

The majority of work will be oriented in the research of the biological basis of chestnut blight hypovirulence and its use. Hypovirulence will be proven by biochemical methods, ds RNA will be characterized, number of compatibility groups of the pathogen in Slovenia will be revealed, pathogenicity of hypovirulent strains will be determined. Methods of inoculation of hypovirulent strains of Cryphonectria parasitica in the bark of sweet chestnut will be tested and modified for the successful spread of hypovirulence. Phytophthora cambivora will be isolated and identified. Methods of management and silvicultural practices in forests with infected sweet chestnut stands will be evaluated. Methods of artificial spread of hypovirulence will be tested for biological control of chestnut blight. Measures of biological control will be compared to the success of silvicultural methods based on management of the chestnut stands where hypovirulence is present.

Project objectives

To define the most useful restoration techniques.

Project summary and results

In different Italian regions (north and south) various experiment areas were identified to define the most effective cultivation practices to restore and improve the surrendered chestnut orchards.

The control of natural vegetation and the pruning of the higher side of the crown inducing a rejuvenating reaction, resulted in more effective practices.

Related publications

Bassi, S., Giannini, R., Lambardi, M. & Tani, A. 1986. First results on the experiences of the pruning effects on abandoned chestnut orchards. Proceedings of the meeting on "Giornate di Studio sul Castagno", Caprarola (VT), Italy. (In Italian).

Giannini, R. 1993. Conservation and improvement of the traditional chestnut orchards. International Congress on Chestnut. Spoleto, Italy.

Giannini, R. & Proietti Placidi, A.M. 1997. Chestnut orchards Cultural and plantation techniques and main grafting methods. Comunità Montana delle Prealpi Trevigiane, TV, 1997. (In Italian).

Giannini, R. & Tani, A. 1992. Limits to chestnut orchard and techniques for the recovery of abandoned chestnut orchard. Proceedings of the meeting on Recovery and valorisation of chestnut orchard. 31 October 1992. Valdobbiadene (TV), Italy. (In Italian).

Lambardi, M. & Tani, A. 1990. Chestnut orchard: considerations on productive recovery of old chestnut orchards, copse conversion and realisation of new orchards. Proceedings of a meeting on Chestnut orchards in Barbagia Mandrolisai. Aritzo, Italy 29 October 1988. (In Italian).

Magini, M., Tani, A. & Canciani, L. 1988. First results of experiments on chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) held in Romagna. "Papers in honour of Prof. Alessandro de Philippis", Tip. Coppini, Florence. (In Italian).

Magini, E., Paci, M. & Tani, A. 1982. Notes on chestnut orchards improvement for fruit production. Proceedings of a meeting on Chestnut orchard. Grafting techniques and biological control of cortical canker. Barga (LU), Italy, 15-16 April 1982 E.T.S.A.F. (In Italian).

Maltoni, A., Paci, M. & Tani, A. 1997. Structural and floristic modification in chestnut orchards, following abandon. Proceedings of a National congress on chestnut. Vittorio Veneto (TV), Italy, October 1997. (In Italian).

Maltoni, A., Papi, M. & Tani, A. 1997. Experiences on the use of cultivars of Castanea sativa Mill. for wood production in Lucca province. Proceedings of a National congress on chestnut. Vittorio Veneto (TV), Italy October 1997. (In Italian).

Paci, M. & Tani, A. 1982. Further results on chestnut in Chianti, Italy. L'Italia Forestale e Montana, XXXVII, 4. (In Italian).

Tani, A. & Canciani, L. 1993. Productive recovery of chestnut orchard. Azienda Regionale delle Foreste dell'Emilia Romagna. (In Italian).

Project objectives

Nut traits genotype-environment interaction estimate.

Project summary and results

Chestnut cultivars have been introduced in different areas of Central and North Italy. Different traits of nuts have been considered as the genotype-environment interaction. Some cultivars are well adapted in new areas.

Related publications

Berardi, C., Giannini, R. & Tani, A. 1993. Comparison between some Italian Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) cultivars. International Congress on chestnut. Spoleto, Italy.

Borghetti, M., Menozzi, P., Vendramin, G.G. & Giannini, R. 1986. Morphological variation in chestnut fruits (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Tuscany (Italy). Sylvae Genetica 35.

Giannini, R., Rossi, P. & Vendramin, G.G. 1993. Allozyme variation within and among "Marrone fiorentino" cultivated varieties. International Congress on Chestnut. Spoleto, Italy

Tani, A. Tani, A. 1985. First observations on varietal differences in chestnut. Technical Bulletin "Meeting on chestnut orchard ". S. Piero in Bagno (FO), Italy. (In Italian).

Tani, A. 1986. Results on varietal comparison in chestnut. Proceedings of a meeting on chestnut. Caprarola (VT), Italy. (In Italian).

Project objectives

To define the most useful grafting methods according to different root-stocks.

Project summary and results

A comparison among different grafting methods was carried out and the most useful one to apply on chestnut was identified. Experiments have been carried out in nursery and in field. The most interesting results are: cleft graft and chip budding seem to be the best methods for seedlings; crown graft appears the most useful for coppice sprouts of 4-5 cm in diameter.

Related publications

Magini, E., Tani, A. & Canciani, L. 1988. First results of experiments on chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) held in Romagna. Papers on silviculture in honour of Alessandro de Philippis, Florence. (In Italian).

Giannini, R. & Proietti Placidi, A.M. 1997. Chestnut orchards Cultural and plantation techniques and main grafting methods. Comunità Montana delle Prealpi Trevigiane, TV, 1997. (In Italian).

Maltoni, A., Papi, M. & Tani, A. 1997. Experiences on the use of cultivars of Castanea sativa Mill. for wood production., in Lucca province. Proceedings of a National congress on chestnut., Cison di Valmarino (TV), Italy. (In Italian).

Tani, A. & Canciani, L. 1993. Productive recovery of chestnut orchards.. Azienda Regionale delle Foreste dell'Emilia- Romagna. (In Italian).

Project objectives

1. Genetic variability among chestnut genotypes called with the same name by the local population (synonymy).

2. Genetic variability among cultivars used for flour, fresh consumption or wood.

Project summary and results

Each analysed genotype is identified by RAPD markers. Moreover, genotypes of different geographic places and called with the same name by the local population show the identical fingerprinting indicating that they are the same cultivar. The genetic relationships are represented in a dendrogram obtained with RAPD markers.

Related publications

Paffetti, D., Giannini, R., Bellini, E. & Giordani, E. 1997. Genetic identification of cultivars of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) by molecular markers. Workshop on tree physiology and genetic resources of chestnut.

Paffetti, D., Bellini, E., Benelli, C. & Giannini, R. 1997. Genetic identification of cultivars of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) by molecular markers. Proceedings of a National congress on chestnutCison di Valmarino, (TR), Italy, (In Italian).

Bellini, E., Giannini, R., Giordani, E. & Paffetti, D. 1997. Genetic identification of cultivars of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) by molecular markers. Proceedings of the "Tree Physiology and Genetic Resources of Chestnut". (In press).

Project objectives

• To evaluate severity of chestnut blight in the Calabria region (Italy).

• To study distribution and diversity of vegetative compatibility types in ten subpopulations of Cryphonectria parasitica.

• To study the distribution of hypovirulence in the chestnut groves in Southern Italy.

• to apply biological control against chestnut blight in the groves of Calabria Regione.

• In vitro selection of blight resistant chestnut plants as an alternative strategy to biological control.

Project summary and results

An intensive sampling in the Calabria district confirmed that vc (virulent type) diversity is low. Only four vc types were found among all isolates (271) of C. parasitica in Calabria. Therefore, biological control of chestnut blight might be successfully applied in the orchard in southern Italy.

C. parasitica produces in vitro phytotoxic substances. Culture filtrates of C. parasitica were applied at various concentrations to three different vegetal tissues: 1) calli cultures obtained from leaf explanta of C. sativa, Nicotiana plumbaginifolia and Petunia hybrida; 2) seeds of Triticum durum "Simeto"; and 3) stem cuttings of Lycopersicon esculentum "Marmande". Culture filtrates of C. parasitica significantly reduce the growth of calli and inhibited root and epicotyl extending of treated seeds. The esterase and peroxidase electrophoretic profiles of callus extracts showed modifications due to the treatments with culture filtrates. Modifications of isozyme patterns due to the filtrate treatments were also observed for root and epicotyl extracts. No correlation was found between virulence and phytotoxicity, while electrolyte leakage from tomato leaf explanta increased with isolate virulence.

Results confirm that C. parasitica produces phytotoxic substances that probably play a different role in the host-pathogen relations and might be utilized for in vitro selection of blight resistant chestnut plants.

Related publications

Pennisi, A.M., Parisi, A., Cacciola, S.O. & Magnano Di San Lio, G. 1991. Electrophoretic profiles of normal and hypovirulent strains of Cryphonectria parasitica. Petria, 1: 62-72.

Pennisi, A.M., Granata, G. & Sidoti, A. 1991. Diffusion and mycological aspects of Cryphonectria parasitica in Calabria and Sicily. Mic. Ital., 3:21-26.

Pennisi, A.M., Magnano Di San Lio, G. & Grasso, S. 1992. Vegetative compatibility of isolates of Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr. Isolated in chestnut orchards in Calabria region. Petria, 2,1 - 10. (In Italian).

Granata, G., Sidoti, A., Gullotto, A. & Pennisi, A.M. 1992. Incidence of the chestnut bark canker in Sicily and tests of vegetative compatibility. Tecnica Agricola 44 (1):3-10. (In Italian).

Pennisi, A.M. & Minervini, G.M. 1993. Pathogenicity and electrophoretic characterization of Cryphonectria parasitica strains. Proc. Int. Cong. on Chestnut, Spoleto, 20-23 ottobre 1993, pp. 583-586.

Pennisi, A.M. & Agosteo, G.E. 1995. Phytopathological problems of forest ecosystems Calabria region. Proceedings of a meeting on Italian arks and protected areas in the European outlook. S. Stefano d'Aspromonte (Gambarie) (RC), Italy. 8-10 June 1995. (Accepted for publication), (In Italian).

Pennisi, A.M. & Abenavoli, M.R. 1996. Phytotoxic activity of metabolites produced by Cryphonectria parasitica. 9^th meeting on Molecular and physiological aspects of the interaction plant-pathogen. Ragusa, 31 May- 1 June. (In Italian).

Abenavoli, M.R. & Pennisi, A.M. 1997. The effect of PVP on chestnut callus formation. Proceedings of a meeting on Plant biotecnology as a tool for the exploation of mountain lands. Turin, 25-27 May 1997. Under publication by I.S.H.S. (In Italian).

Pennisi, A.M. & Abenavoli, M.R. 1997. Phytotoxicity of culture filtrates from Cryphonectria parasitica the causal agent of chestnut blight. Proceedings of a meeting on Plant biotecnology as a tool for the exploitation of mountain lands. Turin, 25-27 May 1997. In press by I.S.H.S. (In Italian).

Pennisi, A.M. & Agosteo, G.E. 1997. Population variability of Cryphonectria parasitica in Calabria region. Proceedings of the 3^rd national meeting on Biodiversity: Technologies-Quality. Gallina (Reggio Calabria), Italy. 16-17 June 1997. (In press). (In Italian).

Korea

Project objectives

1. Breeding of new chestnut varieties.

2. Improvement of chestnut cultivation techniques and methods.

3. Improvement of system in chestnut pest and disease control.

4. Prediction of chestnut yields.

Project summary and results

1. Breeding of new chestnut varieties:

New chestnut varieties producing high nut yields and larger nuts and being resistant to pest and disease and adaptable to severe climate condition.

Conservation of useful and rare chestnut germplasms.

2. Improvement of chestnut cultivation techniques and methods:

Selection of useful local cultivars (or strain);

Regeneration (rejuvenation of tree vigour) of older trees by strong prunning and training;

Soil survey and fertilization trials in chestnut orchards.

3. Improvement of system in chestnut pest and disease control:

Disease: control of canker disease;

Pest: control of chestnut gall wasp, peach pyralid moth and chestnut curculio;

Others: air control by chopper, selection of insecticides and ecological change of soil micro animals

4. Prediction of chestnut yields:

Chestnut yields per tree and standardization of chestnut yield table.

Related publications

Hwang, M.-S. 1999. Introduction of new chestnut varieties. F.R.I., For. Inform. No.102: 31-33.

Hwang, M.-S. & Ahn, C.-Y. 1998. Nut characteristics of hybrids among the early nut-ripening chestnut varieties. Proc. of second Int. chestnut symp. held in (Bordeaux) France, 19-23 October 1998.

Sin, S.-C. et al. 1998. Development of attractants for chestnut weevils, Curculio spp. K.F.S., F.R.I. pp.1-81.

Lee, S.-H., Lee, J.-K., Hwang, M.-S. & Moon, B.-J. 1999. Effect of biological and environmental factors on the occurrence of chestnut cankers in chestnut forest stands. In "Proceedings of Kor. Plant Pathol. Soc." held in (Andong) Korea, 29-30 October 1999.

Netherlands

Project objectives

The aim of the research is to examine the production of quality timber (heartwood) of some species including chestnut, on former (fallow or abandoned) arable land and to observe which growing system (plant distance, maintenance) is most effective.

Project summary and results

The main occurence of Castanea sativa in the Netherlands is as a solitary tree and as mixture species in a few hundred hectares of forest. An inventory of growth and site characteristics shows promising timber production possibilities; on good sites (former arable land), diameters of 30-40 cm can be achieved at an age of 30-40 years. There are no serious problems with diseases. The problems of ring shake should be solved by a good way of tending.

Related publications

Oosterbaan, A. & Peeters, J.P. 1997. Genetic requirements for Chestnut in the Netherlands.

Peeters, J.P., van den Berg, C.A. & Oosterbaan, A. 1995. Growth of Castanea sativa in The Netherlands (in Dutch). Report 197. IBN-DLO, Wageningen. 23 p.

Project objectives

Studies of the water use of various urban and landscape tree species and cultivars within the species to determine their adaptability for drought sensitive sites.

Project summary and results

Studies were performed in which the absolute and relative water use during the growing season and also the daily pattern of water is determined by gravimetric methods. Species that have been regarded so far are: Quercus suber, Castanea sativa, Acer pseudoplatanus, Tilia x vulgaris, Acer pseudoplatanus. In a later stage also Ginkgo biloba, Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Larix kaempferi, Aesculus hippocastanum, Ulmus x hollandica and Robinia pseudoacacia are taken into consideration. Peliminary results already have been monitored but not yet officially published.

Related publications

Kopinga, J. 1991. The effects of restricted volumes of soil on the growth and development of street trees. Journal of Arboriculture 17 (3): 57-63.

Kopinga, J. 1995. Water use and water supply of urban trees. Groen 51 (3): 22-27.

Portugal

Project objectives

Prospection of cultivars in the Trás-os-Montes region and the morphometric, isoenzimatic and nutritional characterization, constitute a cultivar collection, constitution of trial with the aim to determine the mineral nutrients necessary for the good development of chestnut trees.

Project objectives

To obtain resistant chestnut rootstocks within the European species and a set of management practices in order to create conditions less favourable for the ink pathogen and more favourable for the trees.

Project summary and results

Take advantage from durable resistance observed in the field for decades encompassing resistance to subsequent colonization by Phytophthora cinnamomi following successful infection; taking advantage from the occurrence of situations where susceptible chestnut are not diseased in the presence of pathogen. This calls for an accurate survey in the area in order to recognize supposed suppressive soils to ink disease.

Project objectives

The study of the agronomic behaviour of some traditional chestnut varietes in order to select the most interesting material for the new chestnut plantations.

Project objectives

Identification of progression areas of ink disease in chestnut stands

• Micropropagation and mycorrhization of selected clones.

• Genetic transformation of European Chestnut with genes of interest to induce resistance to fungi diseases.

• Molecular characterization by RAPD of ink disease resistant clones.

Project summary and results

Areas of ink disease were identified in chestnut stands. Transgenic plants of European Chestnut were obtained integrating uidA and b1,3 glucanases. The molecular characterization by RAPD enabled the identification of ink disease resistant clones. The micropropagation and mycorrhization of selected clones was also established with success.

Related publications

Seabra, R.C. & Pais, M.S. 1998. Genetic Transformation of European Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Plant Cell Rep. 17:177-182.

Seabra, R.C. & Pais, M.S. 1998. Molecular separation of Castanea species and Hybrids and Analysis of Variation of Chestnut Stands in Portugal. Proceedings of Cost G4 - Multidisciplinary Chestnut ResourcesR WG 2 - Genetic Resources. Santiago de Compostela, España. 41-43.

Seabra, R.C. & Pais, M.S. 1998. Genetic Transformation of Castanea sativa with genes of interest. Acta Horticulturae (submitted).

Seabra, R.C., Serrazina, S., Cotrim, H. & Pais, M.S. 1999. Molecular characterisation of Portuguese chestnut clones by RAPD. Plant Cell Reports (submitted).

Slovak Republic

Project objectives

• Inventory of incidence and distribution of chestnut blight within the region of Slovakia.

• Characterization of Cryphonectria parasitica isolates on virulence and vegetative compatibility.

• Selecting the most effective hypovirulent strains imported from France for biological control.

• Treating of canker wounds with hypovirulent strains and evaluation of healing

Project summary and results

Incidence of chestnut blight was recorded in 67 orchards distributed in 18 localities within the Slovak Republic. All isolates of Cryphonectria parasitica were virulent and no hypovirulent strain was found. Four hypovirulent strains imported from France were proved effective and 3 586 canker wounds were treated with them in form of pellets manufactured for this purpose by the Slovak company Fytofarma, Bratislava. Effectiveness of treatment assessed by the healing of canker wounds ranged from 28-82 percent.

Related publications

Juhásová, G. & Berthelay-Sauret, S. 1993. Health condition of Castanea sativa Mill., incidence of the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr in Slovakia. Biotechnológia, 1, 20, 55-58 p.

Juhásová, G. 1993. The biology and distribution of the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr) Barr in Slovakia. In: Proc. from the Intern. Conference on Ecological Stability, Diversity and Productivity of Forest Ecosystems, Zvolen, 125 p.

Juhásová, G. & Radócz, L. 1995. Biological control of chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica /Murr./ Barr) with the hzpovirulent strains. Novényvédelem 31, 169-176 p.

Juhásová, G. 1995. Application of biological control with hypovirulence, liquidation of centres of infection by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr in Slovakia. Final report for the Ministry of Agriculture, Bratislava, 86 pp.

Project objectives

• Intensification of the knowledge on the function of hormonal mechanism influencing regeneration processes being directed to the role of growth regulators in the restoration of plant integrity.

• Defining the morphogenetic competence of explants in dependence on the type and age of donor tissues.

• Deriving tissue culture and defining its morphogenetic potential.

• Determining factors influencing stability tissue cultures in long-term storage.

Publications

Kamenicka, A. 1994. Micropropagation of Magnolia x soulangiana Soul.-Bod. after a long-term culture in vitro. In: Facsar G. (Eds), A Kertészeti és Élelmiszeripari Egytem Közleményei. Budapest, 129-132.

Kamenicka, A. 1994. Rapid micropropagation of Magnolia x soulangiana Soul.-Bod. from mature trees. In: International Plant Propagators Society in Bulgaria, 30 October-1 November 1994. Sofia, 31-35.

Kamenicka, A. & Valová, M. 1994. The effects of culture media on formation of axillary shoots of Magnolia x soulangiana Soul.-Bod, in vitro. Annali di Botanica (Italy) 12, 37-43.

Kamenicka, A. 1995. Micropropagation of Magnolia Species. Conference on Plant In vitro Culture, Mosonmagyaróvár, 1-3 September 1995, Hungary, 9 p.

Kamenicka, A. 1996. Environmental control formation of axillary shoots Magnolia x soulangiana Soul.-Bod. in vitro. IPP Society, 17-18 October 1996, Seek and Share, Budapest, 36-37.

Kamenicka, A. 1996. Rooting of Magnolia x soulangiana microcuttings. Biológia 51, 435-439.

Kamenicka, A. 1996. Micropropagation of saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana Soul.-Bod.) from mature trees. IPP Society, 17-18 October 1996, Seek and Share, Budapest, 31-35.

Kamenicka, A. 1996. Formation of axillary shoots of Castanea sativa Mill. in vitro. Annali di Botanica, 54, 183-187.

Kamenicka, A. & Lanakova, M. 1996. Rapid micropropagation of Magnolia species. Biológia 51, 82-83.

Kamenicka, A. & Lanakova, M. 1996. Axillary shoot regeneration and plant production from ex-plants of Magnolia x soulangiana Soul.-Bod. Folia dendrologica 20-21, 297-303.

Kamenicka, A. & Lanakova, M. 1996. Stomata of saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana) leaves cultured in vitro. Biológia 51, 42 p.

Kamenicka, A. & Valka, J. 1996. Optimization of cytokinin concentrations for regeneration of Rhododendron hybridum. 10^th FESPP Congres, 9-13 September 1996. Florence, Italy, 59 p.

Kamenicka, A., Lanakova, M. & Valová, M. 1996. Effects of culture media on the formation of axillary shoots of Magnolia x soulangiana Soul.-Bod. in vitro. Acta Agronomica Hungarica 44, 53-57.

Kamenicka, A., Valka, J. & Tomasko, I. 1996. Magnolias in the landscape. Int. Plant Prop. Soc. "Rozmnozovanie na dekorativni rastenija". 5-7 October 1996, Sofia, 62-66.

Lanakova, M. & Kamenicka, A. 1996. Differences in stomata anatomy of Magnolia x soulangiana Soul.-Bod. Medzinárodná konf. "Rastlina v podmienkach stresu", Nitra 18-19 June 1996, Slov. polnohosp. univerzita, 48-51.

Valova, M., Krajcova, D. & Kamenicka, A. 1996. Changes of mineral elements in explant of Magnolia x soulangiana Soul.-Bod. during the culturing in vitro. Folia dendrologica 20-21, 331-339.

Kamenicka, A. & Takats, J. 1997. Direct regeneration of Magnolia spp. via in vitro propagation. Magnolia 61, 1-6.

Project objectives

• Inventory of both distribution of harmful fungi and damage caused by them.

• Applying mechanical measures on drying out and damaged trees (cutting, pruning, conservation).

• Treatment of trees damaged with chestnut blight by means of hypovirulent strains

Project summary and results

Within project implementation 4 658 trees within the Slovakia Region were investigated. Out of them 1 685 were proved damaged by chestnut blight. Four hundred and fifty-five trees and nearly 10 000 significantly damaged stump sprouts were cut out and on the remaining infected trees, biological control by hypovirulent strains of Cryphonectria parasitica was carried out.

Related publications

Bolvanský, M. & Juhásová G. 1995. European Chestnut in ecological agriculture. In: Proc. of the seminar on "Sustainable management in agricultural habitat", Nitra.

Uhásová, G. Biological protection of European Chestnut against the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr) Barr in Slovakia. Proc. of the conference on "Forestry and research in the changing ecological conditions in Slovak Republic", Zvolen, 113-118 p.

For other publications see the form of research project: "Protection of European Chestnut against Cryphonectria parasitica in Slovakia".

Slovenia

Project objectives

In Slovenia, chestnut grows on more than 200 000 hectares. About 10 percent is chestnut forests, while the remaing area is divided between smaller chestnut stands or solitary trees on the borders of the forests or in the meadows. Due to generative multiplication through the centuries, genotypes are very different concerning morphological and pomological characteristics. Evaluation of this variability has been tried using classical pomological and morphological analysis, complemented with isozyme and DNA analysis (RAPDs).

Project summary and results

Some areas under chestnuts are systematically included into observations and a number of trees (approximatelly 7 percent to date) has been analysed. Extreme morphological and pomological variability is ascertained between chestnuts which belong to different regions. These results are in agreement with results of isoenzymatic analysis. They show great electrophoretic polimorphism in esterase. It is possible to distinguish chestnut genotypes from different regions using the electrophoretic pattern of this enzyme. DNA analysis are still in the initial stages. It is espected that they would explain genetic variability of chestnut genotype population better than any other analysis.

Related publications

Peric, V. 1990. Variabilnost pomoloških lastnosti selekcioniranih klonov kostanja (Castanea sativa Mill.) na obmoèju Goriških Brd, Vipavske doline, Krasa in Brkinov. Sad (1)11:11-13.

Podjavoršek, A. 1997. Pomological and isozymic analysis of different types of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.). Master of science thesis, Ljubljana, 1997: 84 p.

Podjavoršek, A. et al. 1997. Pomological analysis of different types of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Slovenia. Zbornik BF 69:85-90.

Solar, A., Štampar, F., Podjavoršek, A. & Šiftar, A. 1997. Chestnut research in Slovenia. COST G4. Multidisciplinary chestnut research. Workshop on "Tree physiology and genetic resources of chestnut". Torre Pellice (Turin), Italy, 18-21 June 1997:14.

Solar, A. et al. 1998. Pomological variability of the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Slovene. COST G4. Multidisciplinary chestnut research. 2^nd meeting, Santiago de Compostela, Spain, 14-16 May 1998. Book of summeries: 50,51.

Šibav, D. & Kodri, I. 1993. Inventarizacija marona in kostanja na Primorskem. Sad (4)10:9-12

Spain

Project objectives

Wild populations:

1) Spanish populations provenance test.

2) Open progeny test of nothwestern Castanea sativa Spanish populations.

3) Introgression of Castanea crenata in Castanea sativa Spanish populations.

Grafted varieties:

4) Selection of rootstocks and varieties.

5) Aptitude to conservation of chestnut varieties.

6) Morphological identification of central and south Spanish cultivars.

7) Influence of the pollen on nut size.

Project summary and results

The genetic variability of Castanea sativa wild populations is now being studied with funds from national projects. The actual objectives are:

• variability of Spanish provinces of wild chestnut: three provenance tests of seeds collected in 50 populations, located in ten provenance areas of all the chestnut Spanish area, were grown in the CIF nursery and are now growing in the field. Phenology, damages by frost and diseases are being recorded;

• progeny tests of Castanea sativa plus trees are growing in the nursery for estimation of additive variance and selection;

• introgression of Asiatic germplasm in C. sativa populations is studied by several isozyme markers useful for species identification.

Related publications

Pereira, S., Ascasibar, J. & Ramos, A. 1999. Spanish scheme in chestnut improvement for nut and timber production. FAO-CIHEAM-Nucis-Newsletter, 8: 32-34.

Pereira-Lorenzo, S., Fernández-López, J., Varela-Arias, I., & Sau, F. 2000. Comportamiento de patrones híbridos de castaño resistentes a la tinta en zonas de castañar. Investigación Agraria. Sistemas y Recursos Forestales, 9(1): 89-101.

Fernandez-López, J., Diaz-Vazquez, R., Cogolludo-Agustin, M.A. & Pereira-Lorenzo, S. 2000. Conservación de recursos genéticos de las frondosas nobles en España. Investigación Agraria. Sistemas y Recursos Forestales. Fuera de Serie, 2: 71-93.

Project Objectives

Applied chestnut research in Asturias

1. Sanitary status of chestnut in Asturias.

2. Selection and conservation of C. sativa grafted varieties.

3. Field clonal tests of hybrids (C. crenata x C.sativa) for forest use in areas with Chryphonectria parasitica. Variability of wild C. sativa in open pollinated progeny test and seed orchard establishment.

4. Biotechnology applied to rootstock production.

Related publications

Pereira-Lorenzo, S. & Fernandez-Lopez, J. 2000. El castaño. En: La Horticultura Española (F. Nuez y G. Llácer, Eds). Sociedad Española de Ciencias Hortícolas, 280-284.

Pereira-Lorenzo, S., Diaz-Hernandez, B., Ciordia-Ara, M., Ascasibar-Errasti, J., Ramos-Cabrere, A.M. & Sau, F. 2001. Spanish chestnut cultivars. Hort. Science, 36(2):344-347.

Turkey

Project objectives

To find one cheap, easy and productive method for multiplication of the desired chestnut materials.

Project summary and results

In this study, softwood and hardwood cuttings of some cultivars and rootstocks will be treated with various concentrations of IBA and placed in rooting beds which have bottom-heat and mist arrangements. No results have yet been obtained.