ISHS Acta Horticulturae 517: XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 7: Quality of Horticultural Products
STRUCTURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HAZELNUT SHELL IN DIFFERENT CULTIVARS AND THEIR AGRONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL INFLUENCE |
| Authors: | R. Caramiello, G. Me, L. Radicati |
| Keywords: | hazelnut, shell structure, filbert weevil, scanning electron microscope |
| Abstract:
Shell characteristics in cultivated hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) have a basic importance either during developing and ripening of nuts with reference to possible damages of them by insects, or after fall of nuts in the collecting, drying, storing, and processing phases. In fact, the thickness and the structure of shell can affect the resistance to break, the entrance of parasites, the exchange of gases and humidity from the exterior to the seed and viceversa. These characters, although partly influenced by environmental factors, have surely a genetic basis, and differences among cultivars, with regard to these aspects can be hypothesized. Some of the most important hazelnut cultivars grown for table consumption (Ennis, Butler) and for processing (Tonda gentile delle Langhe, Negret, and recent selections) were therefore evaluated to highlight differences of eso-, meso-, and endocarp structure by means of scanning electron microscope observations of transversal and longitudinal sections in different parts of shell. Differences were pointed out regarding total thickness, number and aspect of fibers, sclereids, vessels, etc. Furthermore assays were performed concerning the mechanical resistance of shells to cracking and the susceptibility of nuts to hazelnut weevil (Curculino nucum). Relationships between these aspects and the above observations are discussed. | |
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