ISHS Acta Horticulturae 556: V International Congress on Hazelnut
HAZELNUT SITUATION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM IN SYRIA |
| Author: | H. Katana |
| Keywords: | Corylus avellana, filbert, genetic biodiversity, association |
| Abstract:
Syria’s natural environment is ver diverse and includes desert to humid zones. This ecological diversity allows the successful cultivation of introduced and native fruit trees. The Syrian hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a native trees that grows on some tens of hectares in wild forests in association with Dryopteris aculeatae or chestnut. These two associations, considered unique genetic resources in the Arabic Middle East, are located in the humid zone in the Bteisset district on rich basaltic soil at 800 m above sea level. During the past decade, many hazelnut seedlings were propagated in state nurseries, distributed to farmers, and planted as isolated trees. Nevertheless, this tree remains unknown to most farmers. In addition, the first and most important state plantation of 2.5 hectares was established in 1992 with Turkish seedlings in Janoudyé area. Although hazelnut consumption has increased over the past 25 years, Syria will always be an importing country. A hazelnut research program is being suggested to the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with College of Agronomy in Damascus and will include an assessment of biodiversity in Syrian hazelnut seedling populations, introduction of high-yielding and high-quality cultivars and establishment of a field collection, propagation of rootstocks and cultivars, and studies of water requirement of trees and cultural practices. Modernized horticultural practices have the potential to revolutionize Syrian hazelnut production. | |
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