Shoot growth and yield of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) and the influence oí chmater Ten years of observations

Abstract

SummaryPlant growth and development is dependent on climate factors. Studies on the influence of climate on hazelnut behaviour are few although it is known that yield is influenced by the annual shoot growth and length with a markedly influence of cultivar. The Iberian Peninsula is an important region for hazelnut production. Thus, in this study we intended to characterize under the climate conditions of the northern region of Portugal over ten years, the type of growth and yield of four hazelnut cultivars selected according to their potential use for fresh market. The results showed that shoot growth and yield are related with climate factors. In cv. Butler the highest yield is well correlated with temperature, rainfall and sunshine accumulation during active shoot growth. Growth follows a S-shaped curve characterized by three phases; a logarithmic phase, followed by a linear phase and a third phase of decreasing growth rate. Tree spacing is of crucial influence on yield since pruning, which reduces shoot length, might have a detrimental effect on yield.