Varieties

THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF A NEW WALNUT ORCHARD IS PRIMARILY DETERMINED BY SELECTING THE APPROPRIATE VARIETY
FOR THE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENT.

Walnut trees can be classified into two primary categories based on their fruit-bearing characteristics: acrocarpous varieties, which produce fruit at the tip of the stem, and pleurocarpous varieties, which bear fruit on the sides.

Pleurocarpous varieties initiate fruiting as early as the third to fourth year of growth. Characterized by their relatively smaller size compared to acrocarpous trees, they offer advantages in terms of simplified and cost-effective practices for harvesting, pruning, and plant protection. Due to their quicker onset of fruiting, a greater number of pleurocarpous trees can be efficiently planted per acre. They exhibit superior productivity compared to acrocarpous ones, showcasing not only higher yields but also greater fruit uniformity and improved quality.

MAIN PLEUROCARPOUS VARIETIES:

Chandler,

Lara,

Fernor,

Ser, et al.

Pleurocarpous varieties are typically planted at 7x7 or 8x8 distances, approximately 15-20 plants per acre.

THE MOST KNOWN ACROCARPOUS VARIETIES ARE:

Franquette,

Ronde de montignac,

Hartley, et al.

Acrocarpous varieties are typically planted at 10Χ10 or 11Χ11 distances, approximately 8-10 plants per acre.

When it comes to pruning, acrocarpous varieties benefit from a 'cup-shaped' pruning technique, while pleurocarpous varieties are best maintained with an 'axis-shaped' pruning approach.

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