CHESTNUTS IN NORTH AMERICA

Abstract

Prior to the 20th century, the American chestnut, native to the Appalachian region, was highly valued for its timber and sweet nuts. The introduction of chestnut blight, ca. 1900, has destroyed the species economically, but enough germplasm survives to resurrect the species, if blight can be overcome. Most research in the USA has focused on chestnut blight, neglecting other problems and opportunities, especially commercial production of exotic chestnut species. A large commercial industry does not yet exist in the USA, but does in other parts of the world. Blight-resistant exotic species could be cultivated as a highvalue crop adapted to well-drained, acidic soils. In contrast to other nuts, chestnut kernels are low in fat and high in carbohydrate giving them unique culinary and food processing uses. Current problems are cultivar selection, propagation, insect pests, postharvest quality, and marketing.