ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR WALNUT HEDGEROW ORCHARDS

The performance of nine cultivars was compared under two different soil conditions. The vigorous cultivar Tulare was the highest yielding. Paradox (Juglans hindsii x Juglans regia) rootstock consistently produced higher yields than Juglans hindsii even though tree size was similar under excellent soil conditions. Tulare had significantly greater yield and trunk cross-sectional area at a wider spacing of 7.3 m x 4.7 m than at 7.3 m x 3.5 m, whereas the less vigorous Howard exhibited no difference in trunk size and significantly higher yield at the closer spacing. A study conducted in 1993 showed that Chandler initiated growth of fewer lateral buds on one-year-old shoots than other cultivars which helps explain why yields of hedgerow plantings of Chandler have fallen below grower expectations. Results from a trial comparing crop yields following one-, two-, three-, and four-year hedging intervals indicate an incremental yield increase when Chandler trees are hedged on a three-year rather than the standard alternate side two-year hedging rotation. Extending the hedging interval beyond three years shows little advantage and possibly long-term negative consequences as a result of prolonged shading and loss of lower fruiting wood.

IV International Walnut Symposium

D. Ramos, K. Kelley, W. Reil, G.S. Sibbett

hedgerow, spacing, hedging interval, rootstocks, varieties

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2001.544.58