Corylus L.: Overview of the Plant and Its Common Names
Corylus L. is a genus of deciduous shrubs and trees that belong to the birch family, Betulaceae. This genus encompasses about 15-20 species that are distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. These species are commonly known as hazels.
The Appearance of Corylus L.
The hazel plant is typically a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 12 meters tall. It has broad leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The plant has a smooth, greyish-brown bark that becomes fissured and scaly as it ages. The leaves are alternate, rounded, and have a toothed margin.
The flowers of the hazel plant are monoecious, meaning that they have separate male and female flowers, but both flowers are found on the same plant. The male flowers are formed in long, hanging catkins, while the female flowers are formed in small clusters on the same plant. Both flowers bloom in early spring, before the leaves come out.
Usages of Corylus L.
The hazel plant has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. Hazelnuts, the fruit of the hazel plant, are a delicious and nutritious food that has been consumed since ancient times. The nuts can be eaten raw or roasted and are often used in confections and baked goods.
Aside from being used as a food source, the wood of the hazel plant is highly prized for its strength and flexibility. It is often used for making baskets, walking sticks, and other small crafts. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, fever, and inflammation.
Lastly, several cultivars of the hazel plant are grown as ornamental plants in gardens and parks for their unique and attractive features.
Light Requirements
The Corylus L. plant prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. It can grow up to 6 hours under direct sunlight but should not receive full shade during the day. When a specimen receives too little light, it can lead to weak growth, fewer blooms, and thinner leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The Corylus L. plant thrives under moderate temperature but tolerates cold and heat. Temperatures ranging from 16 to 27 degrees Celsius provide the optimal growth condition for the plant. At higher temperatures, the leaves would be drought-stressed and would wilt. Alternatively, when subjected to low-temperature conditions, the plants' growth would slow down, and the leaves would change their color to yellow.
Soil Requirements
The Corylus L. usually grows in well-draining soil and requires adequate soil nutrients. The plant prefers moist, fertile, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, but can also grow in slightly sandy soil types. Avoid planting in heavy soil types that would keep the roots submerged for long periods to prevent potential root rot and other plant diseases.
Cultivation Method for Corylus L.
Corylus L., commonly known as hazel, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Betulaceae family. The cultivation of the plant can be done by different propagation techniques such as seeds, cuttings, and suckers. However, seed propagation is the easiest technique for the cultivation of Corylus L.
Corylus L. grows best in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sunlight to partial shade and requires protection from strong winds that could break the branches.
Watering Needs for Corylus L.
Water management is crucial for the growth and development of Corylus L. The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. However, overwatering should be avoided as it could lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. The watering schedule should be adjusted according to weather conditions and the soil's moisture content.
Fertilization for Corylus L.
Corylus L. requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and development. The plant prefers a balanced fertilizer, which contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilization schedule should be adjusted to the plant's growth rate and the soil's fertility levels. Fertilizers should also be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-fertilization, which could lead to the accumulation of salts that burn the roots.
Pruning of Corylus L.
Pruning is essential for the growth and development of Corylus L. The plant needs to be pruned regularly to remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood, which can affect the plant's growth. Pruning should also be done to improve air circulation and light penetration, leading to better fruit quality. The plant should be pruned during the dormant season to minimize stress on the plant.
Propagation of Corylus L.
Corylus L., commonly known as hazelnut or filbert, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Betulaceae. This plant is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and is one of the widely cultivated nut plants worldwide. Propagation of Corylus L. can be done through both sexual and asexual means, and below are some methods commonly used:
Sexual Propagation:
Sexual propagation of Corylus L. involves growing plants from seeds. To propagate the plant through this method, it is advisable to collect fresh seeds. You can get these seeds in late summer or early autumn when the fruits begin to ripen. The seeds should be sown in the fall as soon as they are ripe. They can also be stratified for two to three months and then sown in the spring. Seedlings will take about two to three years to start yielding nuts.
Asexual Propagation:
Corylus L. can also be propagated asexually to produce clones that are genetically identical to the parent plant. Some of the asexual methods used to propagate Corylus L. include:
- Cuttings: Propagation by cuttings involves obtaining a 6-8 inches stem cutting from the current year's growth of the plant. The cutting should be taken in the late winter or early spring before the buds start to burst. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then placed in a well-draining medium. Rooting hormone can hasten the rooting process and increase the success rates of the propagation. Within a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots, and after six to eight weeks, it will be ready for planting in the field.
- Suckers: Suckers are shoots that emerge from the base of the plant. They can be removed and planted separately to produce new plants. The best time to obtain suckers is in the early spring when they first appear. Ensure that the sucker has some roots attached to it when transplanting it to a new location.
- Layering: This propagation method involves rooting plant stems while still attached to the parent plant. To use this method, bend a lower branch of the plant to the ground and cover it with soil. Ensure that the tip of the branch remains above the soil level. The covered stem will develop roots at the point where it touches the soil. After a few months, the layered branch can be separated from the parent plant and potted or transplanted into the field.
Propagation of Corylus L. through asexual means is faster and results in plants that mature earlier than those propagated through sexual means. Whichever method you choose to use, ensure you obtain plant materials from healthy plants to have healthy and vigorous propagules.
Disease and Pest Management for Corylus L.
Corylus L. is a genus of deciduous trees and large shrubs commonly referred to as hazels. While these plants are relatively resistant to pest and disease problems, they are not immune. Being proactive and identifying potential issues before they become more severe is crucial in minimizing the damage and optimizing plant growth.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Corylus L. plants is fungal leaf rust. It presents itself in the form of yellowish-orange spots on the leaves and can diminish the plant's overall health. Applying a fungicide early in the season can help prevent an outbreak. Another disease that might affect Corylus L. is bacterial blight, causing dead leaves and cankers on twigs. Pruning the affected parts and applying copper-based sprays can help control bacterial blight without causing more damage to the plant.
Common Pests
Corylus L. can be infested by different types of insects, including caterpillars, aphids, and scale insects. These pests can cause extensive damage to the plant's foliage and main parts, affecting its growth. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps, can be used to control the pest population without using harmful chemicals. Another effective approach is to use pheromone traps and sticky tapes to avoid the spread of the pest into the adjoining plants.
General Preventive Measures
Preventing problems before they occur is the most efficient way to manage the pest and diseases affecting Corylus L. plants. Choosing disease-resistant cultivars, maintaining healthy growing conditions, and practicing good cultural management can help prevent issues before they escalate. Providing adequate drainage, removing dead or damaged plant parts, and providing adequate air circulation can reduce the risk of fungal or bacterial infections. Proper watering, fertilization, and pruning will keep the plant healthy, reducing the odds of pest infection.
