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Why Hybrid
Eastern Black Walnuts in Tennessee?
Joshua
Idassi
Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research
Seminar Series
Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
December 14, 2005
In Tennessee, small scale farmers and
especially those underserved are seeking efficient agroforestry
technologies that will improve their income and enhance environmental
conservation. Growing hybrid Eastern Black Walnuts in Tennessee for nut
productions may be a viable option for landowners research trials of
varieties over a wide range of environmental conditions. There is a need
for more site-specific recommendations for growing black walnuts using
various agroforestry systems in Tennessee. As a result of that, the
Tennessee State University, Cooperative Extension Program and the
USDA-Small Farm Research Center are collaborating in establishing these
three demonstration plots in North Tennessee. Why Hybrid Eastern Black
Walnuts in Tennessee? Nuts from wild trees yield a relatively low
percentage of nut meat, usually only 5% to 10% of the weight of a nut is
extractable meat. There is a growing evidence that there are a number of
named varieties of Eastern Black Walnuts that produce nuts which yield
20 to 40% after being processed.
The North
Tennessee demonstration trial plots are located in three sites: at
Tennessee State University, Research and Extension Demonstration Farm
(near Ashland City-Tennessee), a plot just west of Clarksville, and the
University of Tennessee, Highland Rim Tobacco Experiment Station,
Springfield, Tennessee. The three North Tennessee demonstration trial
plots compare the growth of four varieties, Sauber, Sparrow, Emma K and
Kwik Krop. These four scions were selected due to their success at the
Booneville, Small Farm Research Center trial plots and also on going
trial at the Forrest Keeling Nursery located near Elsberry Missouri. The
scions for the North Tennessee demonstration plots were grafted onto
Kwik Krop rootstock. The three trial plots were established during the
winter of 2000-2001. The demonstration trial plots were completely
randomized design with four varieties, mainly Sauber, Sparrow, Emma K
and Kwik Krop. The location and position of the planting black walnuts
in the landscape is important to survival. To achieve high rates of
survival of these various species, i.e., Emma Kay, Kwik Krop, Sauber and
Sparrow select sites with well drained soils. Emma Kay seedlings were
more sensitive to flooding as demonstrated by the results at Clarksville
location.
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