Walnut Tree Detailed Technical Information

Walnut cultivation can be a profitable investment when the right techniques are applied. Below is detailed technical information that should be considered at each stage of walnut cultivation:

Walnut BREEDING CHARACTERISTICS:

Climate Request:

• The walnut tree loves temperate climates.
• Regions with hot and dry summers and cold and snowy winters are suitable for walnut cultivation.
• Preference should be given to regions where there is no danger of late frost.

Soil Requests:

• Soils with good drainage, deep and rich in organic matter are ideal.
• Due to the height of the tree, the soil depth is important (at least 1 meter).
• Acidic soils are not suitable for walnuts.
• Soil pH should be between 6.0-7.0.

ROOTSTOCKS (Names of Rootstocks):

• Rootstocks commonly used in walnut cultivation are:
  • Juglans regia (Walnut Rootstock): It is the most widely used rootstock. It is strong and durable.
  • Juglans regia x Juglans nigra (Hi-Yield 63): Provides early fruiting and high yields.
  • Paradox (Juglans regia x Juglans hindsii): It is resistant to dry and salinity.
  • Mariana (Prunus serotina): It is a rootstock compatible with walnuts. Provides early fruiting.

POLLINATION BIOLOGY (Which Trees Are Used for Pollination Names):

• Walnut is a wind-pollinated plant.
• Male flowers bloom before female flowers. In this way, the possibility of pollination problems is reduced.
• To increase yields, it is useful to plant different varieties in the garden.
• Other tree species compatible with walnuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, chestnuts can also be kept in walnut orchards to help pollination.

VARIETIES (What Type of Tree Names Exists):

• There are many varieties of walnuts in walnut cultivation.
• Some of the most popular walnut varieties include:
  • Chandler: Shelled and open walnut. It has high yields and early fruiting.
  • Fernor: Shelled and large walnut. It is a tasty and hardy variety.
  • Lara: Thin-shelled and large walnut. Ideal for table walnuts.
  • Bilecik: It is a local walnut variety. It is a delicious and aromatic nut.
  • Kaman 1: It is a local walnut variety. It is a high-fat and durable variety.

GARDEN PLANT:

Sapling Planting and Time:

• Walnut seedlings are usually planted in the spring, after the freezing temperatures of winter have passed.
• The optimal time for planting seedlings varies depending on the region.
• Generally, March-April months are preferred.

Planting site preparation:

• Drainage should be provided by deep tillage in the planting area.
• If necessary, soil improvers can be used.
• Planting pits should be dug in such a way that the roots of the seedlings can fit comfortably.

Features Sought in Seedlings:

• Healthy, disease-free and smooth pruning traces should be preferred.
• The roots of seedlings should not be pruned.

Planting Distance and Shape (How many meters to plant):

• Since walnut trees reach a large size, attention should be paid to the planting spacing.
• The planting shape can be square or triangular depending on the terrain structure.
• Planting is usually done at intervals of 8-10 meters x 8-10 meters.

ANNUAL MAINTENANCE:

Tillage (Tilalama):

• Tillage can be done once or twice a year for weed control and soil aeration.
• However, to prevent root damage, digging should not be done close to the tree.

Irrigation (Irrigation):

• Although the walnut tree is relatively drought tolerant, regular watering is important, especially in summer.
• The drip irrigation system saves water.
• On average, a young walnut tree (up to 5 years old) needs 20-30 liters of water per week, and an adult tree needs 40-50 liters per week.
• These values may vary depending on the amount of precipitation and soil structure.

Fertilization (NPK Values):

• Soil analysis should be done and fertilization should be done according to the needs.
• In the first years, fertilizers containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) can be given.
• Generally, the recommended NPK values for fruit-bearing walnut trees are 100:50:80 kg/ha. However, these values may vary according to the results of soil analysis.

Diseases and Pests (Names of Diseases):

• Walnut blight
• Root collar tumor
• Anthracnose disease
• Leaf spot diseases

Pruning (how many types of pruning are there):

• Walnut trees are usually pruned by three types:
  • Formation pruning: It  is done for shaping young trees.
  • Fruiting pruning: It  is carried out to increase yields and rejuvenate branches.
  • Rejuvenation pruning: It is done on old and decreasing trees.

Harvest (In Which Months Does It Start And How Many Kilos It Gives):

• Walnut harvesting usually begins in September-October.
• Harvest time may vary depending on the walnut variety and region.
• Walnut yield varies according to age, variety and care practices.
• Walnut trees, which start to bear fruit after the age of 4-5, can yield between 200-300 kg per decare under ideal conditions.

Storage (How Many Days Can Be Stored):

• The storage time varies according to the way the walnut is processed.
• Shelled walnuts can be stored in a dry, cool and ventilated environment for up to 1 year.
• Walnut kernels, on the other hand, can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 months, as they deteriorate more quickly.

Additional Information:

• Bee pollination is important in order to increase yield and quality in walnut cultivation  .
• Walnut trees are nitrogen-fixing plants. Therefore, the need for nitrogen fertilization in the walnut orchard is reduced.
• Walnut tree has the property of allelopathy . For this reason, it can be difficult to plant other plants at the base of walnut trees.

Note:

This information provides a general framework. For success in walnut cultivation, it is important to obtain and apply knowledge specific to your region and walnut variety.

source:https://gemini.google.com