Articles
CHESTNUT PRODUCTION IN FRANCE: REVIEW, PERSPECTIVES
Article number
866_66
Pages
493 – 497
Language
English
Abstract
The French chestnut industry has strongly declined since the end of the 19th century.
First the rural exodus, then the many problems that have affected production (chestnut blight, ink disease) ended up discouraging the growers.
Nevertheless, production was perpetuated in the main traditional growing areas, where it is recognised today as an integral part of regional identity.
It has also extended to new zones more favourable to the establishment of modern orchards.
Research and experimentation programmes, driven in France by INRA, Ctifl and Regional Organisations for Experimentation (CIREA, SEFRA, ULRAC) tried to bring answers to technical problems, especially through the creation of new varieties and rootstocks.
The search for resistance to pests and diseases through interspecific crossings with C. crenata or C. mollissima led to the creation of hybrid rootstocks and varieties widely distributed worldwide: Marigoule, Bouche de Bétizac, Marsol, Maraval. Trials with new orchards using those new varieties were not always successful, because it is a mistake to think that chestnut is a hardy fruit species.
It is a delicate tree that requires a lot of attention.
Growers in SE France and Corsica opted for a production based on a renovated traditional orchard.
However, they remain confronted with serious problems linked to the extension of the ink disease, and are asking for the development of a research programme aimed to create a C. sativa rootstock resistant to this disease.
In SW France on the other hand, growers opted for planting new orchards with the Marigoule and Bouche de Bétizac varieties. Marigoule does not always generate enough yield and has a medium gustatory quality, but Bouche de Bétizac grafted on Marsol seems to prefigure the future of French chestnut orchards.
First the rural exodus, then the many problems that have affected production (chestnut blight, ink disease) ended up discouraging the growers.
Nevertheless, production was perpetuated in the main traditional growing areas, where it is recognised today as an integral part of regional identity.
It has also extended to new zones more favourable to the establishment of modern orchards.
Research and experimentation programmes, driven in France by INRA, Ctifl and Regional Organisations for Experimentation (CIREA, SEFRA, ULRAC) tried to bring answers to technical problems, especially through the creation of new varieties and rootstocks.
The search for resistance to pests and diseases through interspecific crossings with C. crenata or C. mollissima led to the creation of hybrid rootstocks and varieties widely distributed worldwide: Marigoule, Bouche de Bétizac, Marsol, Maraval. Trials with new orchards using those new varieties were not always successful, because it is a mistake to think that chestnut is a hardy fruit species.
It is a delicate tree that requires a lot of attention.
Growers in SE France and Corsica opted for a production based on a renovated traditional orchard.
However, they remain confronted with serious problems linked to the extension of the ink disease, and are asking for the development of a research programme aimed to create a C. sativa rootstock resistant to this disease.
In SW France on the other hand, growers opted for planting new orchards with the Marigoule and Bouche de Bétizac varieties. Marigoule does not always generate enough yield and has a medium gustatory quality, but Bouche de Bétizac grafted on Marsol seems to prefigure the future of French chestnut orchards.
Publication
Authors
B. Hennion
Keywords
Castanea sp., French industry, research and experimentation organization
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