Origin and Common Names
Corylus maxima, commonly known as the giant filbert or Turkish hazelnut, is a deciduous tree or shrub in the Betulaceae family. It originated from southeastern Europe and western Asia and is widely distributed in different parts of the world for various purposes.
Uses
The plant has various uses, including food, medicine, and ornamental purposes. Its nuts are edible and are widely used in the food industry, especially in making Nutella spread, chocolates, pastries, and candy bars, among others. The nuts are also rich in vitamins B and E, which are essential to maintaining good health.
Additionally, the plant's wood is used for making furniture, handles of agricultural tools, and flooring, among others, due to its strength and durability.
Medicinally, Corylus maxima has been used to treat stomach aches, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Its leaves and bark have also been used to make a tonic that helps with chest infections, coughs, and asthma, among others.
General Appearance
Corylus maxima is a multi-stemmed tree or shrub that can grow up to 10-15 feet tall. Its leaves are green in color, oval-shaped, and have serrated edges. The tree produces male and female flowers separated by the same tree between January and March. The male flowers are yellow, long, and droopy, while the female flowers are small, round, and red or pink in color. The fruit is a nut that is enclosed in a spiky husk, which matures from August to October.
Light Requirements
The Corylus maxima plant, also known as filbert, thrives in areas with partial shade to full sunlight exposure. It prefers at least half a day of direct sunlight exposure, primarily in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not intense. Too much shade may cause the plant to grow tall and spindly instead of being bushy and full.
Soil Conditions
The Corylus maxima plant grows best in moist, well-drained, and fertile soil. It prefers mildly acidic to neutral soil with a pH level between 5.6 and 7.5. The plant is adapted to tolerate drought conditions and slightly cold weather, but it cannot survive in waterlogged areas. A soil that is rich in organic matter helps retain moisture and nutrients essential to the plant's growth.
Temperature Requirements
The Corylus maxima plant grows well in temperate climates. It prefers an average temperature of 60 to 70°F during the growing season. Temperature extremes, either hot or cold, stunt the plant's growth, thus affecting yields. The filbert tree requires a chilling period during the winter months for the flower buds to develop and open fully in the spring. A temperature range of 35°F to 45°F for at least 800 to 1,000 hours in the winter provides adequate chilling for the plant.
Cultivation of Corylus Maxima
Corylus maxima, commonly known as the giant or Turkish filbert, is a deciduous shrub species native to Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia. The plant is primarily grown for its edible nuts, which are harvested in the fall. As a grower, you should consider the following cultivation tips:
- Planting: Corylus maxima thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sun in cooler climates and partial shade in warmer regions. When planting, ensure adequate spacing of 10-15 feet between each plant.
- Propagation: Corylus maxima can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be stratified for about 2-3 months before planting, while cuttings should be taken from the previous year's growth during spring.
- Temperature: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, tolerating temperatures as low as -20 °F. It also requires temperatures between 60-80°F for optimal growth.
- Harvesting: Harvesting of the nuts is done in the fall when the husks begin to split and expose the mature nuts. The fruits should be separated from the husks and allowed to dry before storage or consumption.
Watering Needs
Corylus maxima requires adequate moisture, especially during the fruit development stage. The plant should be watered regularly in the absence of rainfall. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Mulching around the plant can help retain soil moisture levels.
Fertilization
Corylus maxima responds well to regular fertilization. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be applied in early spring just before new shoots emerge. The plant also requires periodic applications of phosphorus and potassium throughout the growing season. It's essential to follow the recommended dosages for proper nutrient uptake and avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to leaf burn or root damage.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Corylus maxima care, and it's essential to note that the plant requires minimal pruning. The pruning should be done during late winter or early spring to remove damaged or crossing branches. You can also shape the plant by removing weak or unproductive stems. Pruning should be done with sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant's bark, and the cuts should be made just above a bud or branch junction.
Propagation of Corylus maxima
Corylus maxima, commonly known as the giant filbert or Turkish hazel, can be propagated through various methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Corylus maxima is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected in the fall when the nuts are mature and starting to drop from the tree. The nuts should be stored in a cool, dry location until it is time to plant them. Seedlings will begin to emerge in the spring and can be planted in their permanent location once they have developed several sets of leaves.
Sucker Propagation
Corylus maxima can also be propagated through sucker propagation, where new plants are grown from the root system of the parent plant. These suckers should be dug up and transplanted in the spring or fall, taking care to include as much of the root system as possible.
Cuttings Propagation
Softwood cuttings taken from Corylus maxima can also be propagated. This is best done in early summer when the growth is soft and pliable. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be around 4-6 inches in length. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a light rooting medium. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until they have rooted and are ready for transplanting.
Introduction
Corylus maxima, also known as filbert tree or hazelnut tree, is a popular deciduous plant often grown for its delicious nuts. In addition to providing edible nuts, this plant is commonly used as an ornamental tree or shrub to enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes. However, like any other plant, Corylus maxima is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can severely damage its growth, productivity, and overall health.
Common Diseases
Corylus maxima is prone to fungal, viral, and bacterial infections that can affect its leaves, twigs, stems, bark, and roots. One of the most common diseases that affect hazelnut trees is Eastern Filbert Blight, a fungal disease that can cause cankers on branches and trunks, leading to the eventual death of the plant. Other common diseases include powdery mildew, bacterial blight, and crown gall.
Pest Management
Corylus maxima can also be affected by various pests, such as mites, aphids, filbertworms, and squirrels. These pests can cause extensive damage to the plant by feeding on leaves and nuts or burrowing into the plant tissues. To manage these pests, cultural practices such as pruning, sanitation, and mulching can be implemented to reduce pest populations. Additionally, insecticides and fungicides can also be used to control pest and disease outbreaks.
Disease Management
To manage fungal diseases, it is essential to maintain good plant hygiene and prevent the spread of spores from infected plants. One effective way to prevent disease outbreaks is by removing and destroying infected plant tissues and avoiding overhead irrigation. Fungicide applications may also be necessary to keep fungal populations in check.
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial blight can be managed by avoiding overhead irrigation and practicing good sanitation. Infected plant tissues should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of bacteria. Copper-containing fungicides can also be effective in managing bacterial diseases.
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to managing diseases and pests in Corylus maxima. Therefore, choosing disease-resistant varieties and planting in well-drained soil with good air circulation can help to reduce the likelihood of disease outbreaks.
Conclusion
In summary, managing diseases and pests in Corylus maxima requires a combination of cultural and chemical practices that can help to reduce pest and disease populations and prevent damage to plants. By following these guidelines, gardeners and farmers can protect their hazelnut trees and ensure their productivity and longevity.
