Nébih held a walnut presentation and sensory evaluation at the Pölöske Variety Experiment Station

(Photo: Nébih)

During the presentation, the opportunities and challenges facing the domestic walnut sector were discussed at the Nébih Variety Experiment Station. Ferenc Szili, head of the Nébih Pölöské Variety Experiment Station, presented the experimental work underway there, where more than 1,000 grape and fruit varieties from about 20 fruit-bearing plant species are being tested. He specifically addressed the plant protection characteristics of nuts, including walnuts. At the professional meeting, the producers confirmed that in recent years, in addition to biotic stress, more and more abiotic damage has been experienced in walnut plantations.

In addition to the well-known spring frost risk, during hot, dry summers, the crop may suffer sunburn in the part of the crown most exposed to sunlight

In addition to the already known walnut pathogens and pests, new ones are appearing, so protection against them has become a decisive aspect when planning plant protection. László Varga, MGEI propagating material supervisor, presented the characteristics of quality walnut propagating material and the advantages of grafted plant material. Zsolt Szani, supervisor, compared the experiences of former seedling plantations and today’s modern grafted plantations. One of the points of the presentation was the competitive situation that Hungarian walnut growers have to face today, as well as the intensive technological elements that can be used to create competitive plantations, with particular attention to the use of modern noble and rootstock varieties. During the sensory evaluation, the varieties were evaluated by the participants as both shelled and in-shell walnuts. As a closing point of the event, the plots of the new walnut variety collection were viewed.

Nébih