Origin
Corylus chinensis Franchet, commonly known as Chinese hazelnut, is a deciduous tree native to China and parts of Korea. The plant belongs to the Betulaceae family.
Common Names
Chinese hazelnut is known by several names, including Chinese Filbert, Chinese Hazelnut, Chinese Pine Nut, and Wei Zi Guo in China.
Appearance
The Chinese hazelnut tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a broad, rounded crown. The tree's bark is grayish-brown, and the leaves are ovate, serrated, and have a pointed tip. The flowers of this plant are dangling catkins that appear in early spring, and the nuts, enclosed in husks, ripen in early autumn.
Uses
Chinese hazelnut is primarily cultivated for its nuts, which are an important food resource for humans and wildlife. In China, the nuts are commonly eaten fresh, roasted, or boiled and used in traditional medicines. The Chinese hazelnut wood is also used for making furniture, tools, and other wood products. The plant's leaves and bark also have medicinal properties and are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments.
Light Requirements:
Corylus chinensis Franchet, commonly known as Chinese hazelnut, prefers full sun to partial shade for its growth and development. The plant requires adequate sunlight to produce abundant fruits and nuts. Insufficient light can cause the plant to grow weak and leggy, which can affect the quality and quantity of the yield.
Temperature Requirements:
Corylus chinensis Franchet grows best in moderate temperature conditions. The plant prefers a temperate climate with an average temperature ranging from 20-25°C during the day and 10-15°C at night. Extreme temperatures can stress the plant, affecting its growth, flowering, and fruiting. Frost can cause damage to flowers and buds, and prolonged exposure to hot and dry conditions can cause wilting and dehydration.
Soil Requirements:
The plant prefers moist, well-drained, and fertile soils for its growth. Corylus chinensis Franchet thrives in soils with a pH range of 6-7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, the plant does not grow well in waterlogged soils that can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. Adequate soil fertility is essential for the proper growth, development, and yield of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Corylus Chinensis Franchet:
Corylus chinensis Franchet is a deciduous shrub that is native to China. It is best planted in the fall or spring. The plant thrives in well-draining soil with full to partial sun exposure. It also requires a moderate climate to grow and does not do well in extremely hot or cold temperatures.
When planting, ensure to keep the plant's crown above the soil to prevent rotting and allow for proper growth. Water the plant well during the first few weeks after planting to encourage strong root development.
Watering Needs for Corylus Chinensis Franchet:
Corylus chinensis Franchet requires moderate watering. During the growing season, which usually runs from spring to summer, water the plant once or twice a week. However, ensure not to overwater as excessive water may cause root rot and hinder growth.
In the winter, reduce watering to prevent the soil from getting too moist, which could damage the plant's roots. You can check the soil moisture by sticking your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it's dry, add water.
Fertilization for Corylus Chinensis Franchet:
As with all plants, Corylus chinensis Franchet requires proper nutrition to grow. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, during the growing season. You can spread the fertilizer around the plant's root zone, but avoid getting it on the plant's leaves or stems.
Additionally, you can add compost to the soil to enhance its fertility and add organic matter to improve the soil structure, which can help retain moisture and improve drainage.
Pruning for Corylus Chinensis Franchet:
To encourage a bushy growth habit, prune Corylus chinensis Franchet in the late winter or early spring before new growth forms. Cut off any dead, damaged or diseased branches and remove any weak or spindly stems to maintain a healthy plant.
Also, prune the plant after it has matured to remove any old or crossing branches and encourage more vigorous growth. It's advisable to sterilize your pruning tools with alcohol or bleach solution to prevent the spread of plant diseases.
Propagation of Corylus chinensis Franchet
Corylus chinensis Franchet, also known as Chinese hazelnut, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to China. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant or as a source of food and medicine. Propagation of Corylus chinensis can be done through various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method of propagating Corylus chinensis. The best time to collect seeds is in autumn when the husks have turned brown but before they begin to split. Seeds should be planted immediately in a pot or outside in a prepared bed. Corylus chinensis seeds require about 60-90 days of cold stratification to break dormancy.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Corylus chinensis. This method involves taking stems, leaves, roots, or buds from the parent plant and planting them to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent. One common vegetative propagation technique for Corylus chinensis is softwood cuttings taken in early summer.
Grafting
Grafting is the third method of propagating Corylus chinensis Franchet. Grafting is done by taking a shoot or bud from the desired cultivar and attaching it to the rootstock of a closely related species or variety. Corylus avellana is commonly used as a rootstock for grafting Corylus chinensis. Grafting is usually done in early spring.
Disease Management
Corylus chinensis Franchet, commonly known as Chinese hazel, is susceptible to several diseases that affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and methods to manage them:
Gray Mold
Gray mold is a fungal disease that affects different parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. The disease thrives in humid conditions and spreads rapidly through infected plant debris. To control gray mold, prune infected parts of the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens that affect the leaves of the plant. These spots appear as small brown or black patches that expand over time, causing yellowing and premature leaf drop. To manage leaf spots, remove infected leaves, maintain proper spacing between plants, and apply fungicides.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to stunted growth and poor yield. The disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and can spread rapidly in warm, humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected parts of the plant, maintain adequate spacing between plants, and apply fungicides regularly.
Pest Management
Corylus chinensis Franchet is also susceptible to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests and methods to manage them:
Twig Borers
Twig borers are the larvae of certain moths that bore into the stems of the plant, causing wilted and damaged foliage. To manage twig borers, prune infected stems and apply insecticides.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to curl and deform. The insects secrete a sticky honeydew that attracts ants and causes sooty mold growth. To manage aphids, spray the plants with a strong stream of water, apply insecticidal soap or oil, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs into the garden.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are shield-shaped insects that feed on the plant's fruits, causing them to develop spots and deformities. To manage stink bugs, handpick them off the plant and dispose of them, apply insecticides, or introduce natural predators like birds and praying mantises into the garden.
