Chestnut Cultivars Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF POLLEN ON PELLICLE REMOVABILITY AND NUT WEIGHT OF JAPANESE CHESTNUT (CASTANEA CRENATA SIEB. ET ZUCC.) 'POROTAN'

'Porotan' is a new cultivar of Japanese chestnut that has easily peeled pellicles similar to Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume). The objective of this study was to identify a suitable cultivar that could serve as a pollenizer to 'Porotan' by examining the influence of pollen on pellicle removability and nut weight. 'Porotan' was pollinated with pollen from the major cultivated chestnut cultivars in Japan ['Tanzawa', 'Tsukuba' and 'Ishizuchi' (Japanese chestnut) and 'Riheiguri' (a hybrid between Japanese and Chinese chestnuts)] in 2007 and 2008, and the resulting nuts were used in this study. Pellicle removability was estimated by measuring the time necessary to remove the pellicle from the kernels of deep-fried nuts. Peeling time for pellicles ranged from 5.6 s to 6.8 s per nut and no significant difference was observed between pollen donors. In contrast, nut weight ranged from 26.0 g to 30.1 g; nut weight of 'Porotan' trees pollinated by 'Tsukuba' was significantly higher than those pollinated by 'Ishizuchi', and nut weight of 'Porotan' trees pollinated by 'Riheiguri' was significantly larger than those pollinated by 'Tanzawa' and 'Isbizuchi'. These results show that cultivars 'Tsukuba' and 'Riheiguri' are best suited for serving as pollenizers to 'Porotan'.

GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF CHESTNUT ACCESSIONS FROM 'CENTRO REGIONALE DI CASTANICOLTURA' (CUNEO, ITALY)

The Dipartimento di Colture Arboree at Torino, with the financial support of three public partners (Regione Piemonte, Ente Gestione Parchi e Riserve Cuneesi, and Comunita Montana 'Valli Gesso, Vermengna e Pesio'), established in 2005 the 'Centro Regionale di Castanicoltura' located in Chiusa Pesio (Cuneo province, northwestern Italy). A germplasm collection field of chestnut genetic diversity was realized. It includes the main local and national cultivars, together with several European varieties from Portugal, Spain, France, and Switzerland and accessions from the USA, China, and Japan. A set of 7 SSR loci was used to fingerprint 36 accessions, in order to start the genetic characterization of all plants in collection. The results obtained showed that microsatellite loci detected considerable polymorphism and thus particularly suitable for DNA-typing of chestnut cultivars. Genetic relationships among the accessions were investigated by UPGMA cluster analysis.

A RESEARCH ON SUITABILITY OF SOME CHESTNUT CULTIVARS FOR CANDIED CHESTNUT

Recently, an increasing concern on chestnut and chestnut cultivation has been showing again in Turkey. The nuts are consumed directly in roasted or boiled form or evaluated as value added products such as chestnut desserts and candied chestnut. In this research, the suitability to candied chestnut of some native chestnut cultivars, 'Haciomer', 'Sariaslama', 'Osmanoglu', 'Ali Molla' and the French hybrid cultivars 'Marigoule 15' and 'Maraval 74' has been studied. For this purpose moisture (%), protein (%), total sugar (%), starch (%), total carbohydrates (%), polyphenol oxidase activity, L-a-b color values of raw materials and candied chestnut were determined. Following results were obtained from the study. Seed composition of the cultivars were: 5.58-7.35 g/100 g protein; 15.24-22.11 g/100 g total sugars; 34.24-45.37 g/100 g starch; 58.18-66.21 g/100 g total carbohydrates (on the dry matter basis). The polyphenol oxidase activity of the cultivars were found between 442.54-1730.67 U/g. Additionally, peeling easiness of shell and seed pellicle, proportion of remnant of pellicle in the seed, and syrup absorption characters of the seeds were analyzed. It was determined that 'Haciomer' is the most suitable cultivar if the autoclave method is used in candied chestnut production. Also, seeds of this cultivar took the second row in relation to syrup absorption rate with 44%. According to sensory analysis results, 'Ali Molla', 'Haciomer' and 'Osmanoglu' were the most preferred cultivars taking the highest points.

Variation in grafted European chestnut and hybrids by microsatellites reveals two main origins in the Iberian Peninsula

This is the first known large-scale molecular study of simple sequence repeats (SSR) loci based on samples from grafted trees found in the Iberian Peninsula and Canary Islands and hybrids. Interspecific hybrids resistant to ‘ink disease’ (Phytophthora spp.) were obtained in France, Portugal and Spain, although difficult to distinguish by morphology. This study focuses on genetic variation using 10 SSRs (11 unlinked loci) from clonally propagated cultivars (574 accessions) of European chestnut (Castanea sativa) and hybrids (71 accessions). They were compared with a representative sample of exotic chestnut species present in the Atlantic area, 47 accessions of Castanea crenata, 37 of Castanea mollissima and 33 of Castanea henryi. Accessions were analysed using a model-based Bayesian procedure (Structure), factorial correspondence analysis and analysis of molecular variance. The main chestnut species, hybrids and alien introgressions were differentiated. Two main origins of variability in European cultivated chestnut were found in the Iberian Peninsula, one in the North and a second in the Centre. Andalusian and Canary Island accessions could be assigned to both of these zones, which indicate that they could have been colonised with cultivars originating from either zone, in the case of the Canary Islands from the sixteenth century on.

Industrial processing effects on chestnut fruits (Castanea sativa Mill.) 3. Minerals, free sugars, carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins

SummaryThe major aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of industrial processing on the composition of minerals, free sugars, vitamins and pigments in fruits of chestnut cultivars at four stages of industrial processing (A–fresh; B–after 3 months storage at ± 0 °C and relative humidity = 90%; C–after flame peeling at 800 °–1000 °C for 1–2 s; D–after freezing in a tunnel with a CO2 flow at −65 °C for 15–20 min) from two harvest years. Potassium and phosphorous were predominant in the fruits of all cultivars for both harvest years. Calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and manganese were also present in the fruits. Fruits from both harvest years had a significant content of free sugars, with sucrose predominating, and these sugars were more affected by the processing stage. Significant levels of lutein, lutein esters, γ‐tocopherol and vitamin C were also found in the chestnut fruits. Fruit carotenoids and vitamin C significantly decreased during the industrial processing.

Comparison of Phenolic Content of Easily Removed Pellicle of Japanese Chestnut ‘Porotan’ with Other Japanese and Chinese Chestnut Cultivars

The amount of phenolic compound contained in the chestnut pellicle determines the degree of adhesiveness between the pellicle and kernel. The difficulty involved in pellicle removal in Japanese chestnut results from the accumulation of a large amount of phenolic compound in the pellicle. A new Japanese chestnut cultivar, ‘Porotan’, has a pellicle that is easily removed, like Chinese chestnut. In this study, the phenolic content of ‘Porotan’ pellicles was quantified and compared to those of Japanese (‘Kunimi’ and ‘Tsukuba’), Chinese (‘Houji 360’ and ‘Miyazakishinaguri’), and interspecific hybrid (‘Riheiguri’) chestnuts. Even though total phenolic content in ‘Porotan’ was highest among the cultivars measured, the ‘Porotan’ pellicle could be removed quickly. On the other hand, the phenolic content in a water-soluble extract, which shows the amount of phenolic compound accumulated on the inner surface of the pellicle, was low for ‘Porotan’ comparable to Chinese chestnut. Similar to total phenolic content, the phenolic content in an alcohol-soluble extract of ‘Porotan’, which shows the amount of phenolic compound accumulated in pellicle tissue, was highest among the cultivars. These results showed that the accumulation of phenolic compound on the inner surface of the ‘Porotan’ pellicle was low despite a large amount of phenolic compound in the pellicle tissue, and that the low accumulation of phenolics on the inner surface of the pellicle resulted in weak adhesion between the pellicle and kernel in ‘Porotan’.

Sugars Profiles of Different Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and Almond (Prunus dulcis) Cultivars by HPLC-RI

Sugar profiles of different almond and chestnut cultivars were obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), by means of a refractive index (RI) detector. A solid-liquid extraction procedure was used in defatted and dried samples. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a Eurospher 100-5 NH(2) column using an isocratic elution with acetonitrile/water (70:30, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. All the compounds were separated in 16 min. The method was optimized and proved to be reproducible and accurate. Generally, more than 95% of sugars were identified for both matrixes. Sugars profiles were quite homogeneous for almond cultivars; sucrose was the main sugar (11.46 +/- 0.14 in Marcona to 22.23 +/- 0.59 in Ferragnes g/100 g of dried weight), followed by raffinose (0.71 +/- 0.05 in Ferraduel to 2.11 +/- 0.29 in Duro Italiano), glucose (0.42 +/- 0.12 in Pegarinhos two seeded to 1.47 +/- 0.19 in Ferragnes) and fructose (0.11 +/- 0.02 in Pegarinhos two seeded to 0.59 +/- 0.05 in Gloriette). Commercial cultivars proved to have higher sucrose contents, except in the case of Marcona. Nevertheless, chestnut cultivars revealed a high heterogeneity. Sucrose was the main sugar in Aveleira (22.05 +/- 1.48), Judia (23.30 +/- 0.83) and Longal (9.56 +/- 0.91), while glucose was slightly prevalent in Boa Ventura (6.63 +/- 0.49). The observed variance could serve for inter-cultivar discrimination.

Evaluating the potential of chestnut ( Castanea sativa Mill.) fruit pericarp and integument as a source of tocopherols, pigments and polyphenols

The chestnut fruit processing generates large amounts of residues as pericarp (outer shell; 8.9–13.5%) and integument (inner shell; 6.3–10.1%). These materials clearly have the potential as sources of valuable co-products. The analyses of the pericarp and integument of four Portuguese chestnut cultivars (Judia, Longal, Martaínha and Lada) revealed significant contents of total phenolics, low molecular weight phenolics (gallic and ellagic acid), condensed tannins and ellagitannins including castalagin, vescalagin, acutissimin A and acutissimin B. The integument tissues had the highest levels of total phenolics and condensed tannins. The most efficient extraction solvent for the total phenolics, total condensed tannins and low molecular weight phenolics (in Longal) was 70:30 acetone:water at 20 °C. The pericarp and integument tissues of the cultivar Longal were richest in gallic acid and castalagin. It is clear that these materials could be used for the extraction of valuable phenolics.

Morphological and phenological description of 38 sweet chestnut cultivars (Castanea sativa Miller) in a contemporary collection

Thirty eight traditional chestnut cultivars, from a contemporary collection, were described using nine characteristics, seven of which are included in the guidelines for carrying out tests of distinctness, homogeneity and stability of chestnut established by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). The nine variables were chosen from among 13 characteristics evaluated in the collection with regard to the criteria for distinctness, uniformity and stability. The evaluations were carried out over the years 2003, 2004 and 2005, in two plantations, situated in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Each mean value obtained for each cultivar, plantation and year were assigned a state and numerical number using the UPOV system or proposed new descriptors. No cultivar showed a very late time of leaf bud burst nor a very late time for the start of male and female flowering, nor a strong penetration of the seed coat into embryo. In five variables there was no or few differences among years and between plantations. Consequently they can be evaluated at one site in one year. These characters were: filament length of male flowers, percent of chestnuts with a split pericarp, the degree of penetration of the seed coat into the embryo, fruit shape and the ratio of hilum length to hilum width. Of the remaining four variables, three were phenological (time of leaf bud burst, time of beginning of male and female flowering) and one related to fruit size (size of fruit hilum). They varied among years and between plantations and consequently need to be evaluated under contrasting site conditions for a minimum number of years.

Development of Simple Sequence Repeat Markers in Chinese Chestnut and Their Characterization in Diverse Chestnut Cultivars

To develop and characterize valid simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in chestnut (Castanea spp.), we used a selective hybridization method to perform SSR sequence enrichment in the genomic library of chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima). From 47 sequences of the enriched library, we designed 24 primer pairs for SSR polymerase chain reaction (PCR). SSR PCR was performed for 23 chinese chestnut cultivars. Among the 24 primers, 22 primers amplified their respective SSR loci; 21 primer pairs yielded polymorphic fragments across the cultivars. Among these 21 primer pairs, 17 primer pairs amplified single SSR loci with polymorphisms. Multilocus amplification patterns were observed in the other four primers. For the corresponding 17 SSR loci, the number of alleles per locus was two to 13, and the average number of alleles was 7.19. The observed heterozygosity (number of genotypes of the heterozygote/total number of genotypes scored at that locus) ranged from 0.00 to 0.87 (average = 0.68), and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 0.87 (average = 0.68). One of the SSR loci—ICMA014—was a unique locus, because the primer pair for this locus did not amplify any fragment in any of the cultivars, except in Qianchi, which was used to construct the SSR-enriched genomic library. Cross-species amplifications using the 17 primer pairs were also successful in the other species of genus Castanea. A dendrogram depicting the relationships among the genotypes on the basis of genetic distances was generated using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean cluster analysis. The genotypes were clearly separated into three large groups, which reflected the three cultivated species, namely, C. mollissima, C. crenata, and C. sativa.

THE PRESENCE OF MYCOTOXINS AFTER NINETY DAYS OF STORAGE IN FRESH CHESTNUTS

A preliminary study in 2006 demonstrated that chestnut kernels from the Japanese × European cultivar 'Colossal' stored fresh (4°C) for more than 120 days could accumulate mycotoxins. In 2007, chestnuts from two traditional cultivars, 'Colossal' (Castanea sativa × C. crenata), and 'Eaton' (C. mollissima x C. crenata), and a Chinese selection (C. mollissima) called 'Ever-Fresh' were harvested and stored at 4°C in a produce cooler. After zero, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of storage, the chestnuts were assayed for the presence of three mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin and zearalenone, by competitive direct ELISA (Acumedia; Neogen Corp., Lansing, MI, USA) Five, healthy 350 g kernel samples of each cultivar were processed to extract the mycotoxins as specified by the manufacturer. Average concentration for each mycotoxin was recorded for each sample. For 'Colossal', 0.36 ppm, 64.92 ppb and 427.00 ppb, were found for deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin and zearalenone, respectively. For 'Eaton' 0.32 ppm, 13.02 ppb, and 388.34 ppb were found for deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin and zearalenone, respectively. For 'Ever-Fresh', 0.10 ppm, 4.28 ppb and 245.02 ppb were found for deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin and zearalenone, respectively. Mycotoxins were found in fresh chestnuts and increased each month after storage. However, each chestnut cultivar and selection had differing concentrations of mycotoxins and 'Colossal' showed the largest increase after 120 days. Before 90 days, mycotoxins concentrations never exceeded federal maximum tolerance or recommendation levels; however after 90 days 'Colossal' exceeded federal tolerance levels for deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. The Michigan selection known as 'Ever-Fresh' accumulated significantly (p<0.05) lower concentrations of mycotoxins when compared to mycotoxins present in 'Eaton' and 'Colossal'.

TISSUE CULTURE FROM VARIOUS EXPLANTS OF CHINESE CHESTNUT CULTIVARS

Eleven Chinese chestnut cultivars were selected for callus induction by tissue culture. The results showed that the better media for callus induction were WPM and MS media. 'Tanqiao', 'Xintian', 'Shao Shiba', 'Huaguan', and 'Hongli' were induced callus successfully. The induction rate, 75%, from embryo as the explant was higher than that of other tissues. The inducement rate from young stems was 65%. Both petioles and leaves as explants produced less callus. The better hormone combinations for some Chinese chestnut cultivars were 0.5 mg/L of 6-BA and 0.2 mg/L of NAA. Adventitious buds were induced from callus of 'Tangqiao' and roots could be produced from callus of 'Huaguan'.

GRAFTING COMPATIBILITY AMONG ELEVEN CHESTNUT CULTIVARS AND HYBRIDS

Among the four commercial chestnut species the C. dentata (Marsh.) Boskh. and C. sativa P. Mill. has excellent quality but more susceptible to diseases when compared to C. mollissima Blume and C. crenata Siebold & Zucc. which has inferior quality but can be used as rootstocks. This work aimed to evaluate the behavior of chestnut varieties grafted in different rootstocks under Sao Bento do Sapucai, Sao Paulo, Brazil condition. In 1986, eleven chestnut cultivars and hybrids - Ibuki (IB), Izumo (IZ), Kinchu (KI), KM1 (KM2), KM(2) KM(2), Moriowase (MO), Okuni (OK), Taishowase (TAI), Tamatsukuri (TAM), Tiodowase (TIO) and Senri (SEN) (only graft) - were grafted each other resulting in hundred ten combinations. Fifteen-year later grafted trees with minimum of three plants were evaluated for tree height, trunk diameter above and below graft union and graft compatibility. Randomized blocks with three replications were submitted to analysis of variance for tree height and trunk diameter. Grouping analysis using the PROC CLUSTER-SAS system was used to describe the pattern of variance among different combinations. Seventy eight combinations in hundred ten showed perfect grafting compatibility 6 months after grafting. Forty seven combinations showed incompatibility after transplanting and the dieback rate in each combination ranged from 25 to 100%. Among seventy eight combinations established in the field twenty six had enough plants for evaluation fifteen-year later. Tree height and trunk diameter showed highly significant difference among the combinations. The highest plant (6 m) was grafted on Moriowase and Tamatsukuri which showed the highest compatibility as rootstock. The harvesting season is from November to May where MOR, IB, TAM, OK and TAI behave as early-season-cultivar and SEN the latest one.

EVALUATION OF SWEET CHESTNUT CULTIVARS AND SELECTIONS INTO THE VÂLCEA AREA

Sweet chestnut cultivars and selections of French and Romanian origin were planted in 1998 into a trial organized at SCDP (Fruit Growing Research - Extension Station) Vâlcea, which is located in South West of Romania, into the Oltenia Region. Several French sweet chestnut cultivars were provided by INRA-UREFV Bordeaux: 'Bournette CA 112', 'Marissard CA 122', 'Marigoule CA 15', 'Maraval CA 74', 'Marsol CA 07', 'Precoce Migoule CA 48', 'Marron Comballe CA 106', 'Bouche Rouge CA 102'. Selections like 'VL 503 H', 'VL 504 H', 'VL 530 B', 'VL 602', 'VL 603' and 'VL 604' originated into the local populations of Castanea sativa Mill. from Vâlcea area were included into this trial. The cultivars and selections were grafted on C. sativa seedlings. Evaluation of the trial was carried out during 1999-2008 period, data regarding growth and development of plants, phenology, yield, fruit characteristics and occurrence of diseases and pests was collected. Some cultivars and selections proved to have good adaptability to the local conditions, proved precocious from the point of vue coming into bearing and produced largest yields: 'Marigoule CA 15', 'Marissard CA 122', 'Bournette CA 112', 'VL 503 H', 'VL 530 B', 'Marsol CA 07'.

SHOOT APEX CULTURE OF DORMANT BUDS IN CHESTNUT

Chestnuts (Castanea spp.) can be propagated by tissue culture methods such as meristem tip culture, shoot tip culture and bud culture. However, some limiting factors prevent using these methods extensively. For example, the explant collection periods of these methods are short, and the collection time is critical. In addition, shoot formation ratios of explants on the initial media and survival of these shootlets thereafter are generally low due to factors such as infection, browning, and vitrification. In this study the shoot apex of the dormant buds were used as the explants source for the first time. By use of this method the explant collection period was much longer and the mass multiplication probability increased. Three chestnut cultivars native to Turkey - 'Sanaslama', 'Osmanoglu' and 'Haciomer' Castanea sativa Mill. - were used in the study in two years of experiments 2007 and 2008. Two main media were used as initial to obtain shootlets: MS (1/2×NH 4 NO 3 and KNO 3 ) and DKW (Driver-Kuniyuki walnut medium). In multiplication step MS (1/2×NH 4 NO 3 medium was used with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg/L BAP concentrations and in rooting MS (1/2×NH 4 NO 3 with 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L IBA concentrations were used. Shootlet formation from the explants in 2008 was higher (66.66-95.45%) than in 2007 (42.00-75.00%). MS (1/2×NH 4 NO 3 and KN0 3 ) medium has given successful results in this respect. Therefore it can be recommended as a growing medium. The multiplication coefficient varied between 3.12 to 3.57 in 2007 and 3.95 to 4.76 in 2008 according to the cultivars. Rooting of the shootlets was difficult, and no rooted shootlet was obtained. However the experiment is now being continued, and new rooting media will be tested. The results obtained from this study showed that this method can be efficiently used in the mass multiplication of chestnuts.

Identification and characterisation of traditional chestnut varieties of southern Spain using morphological and simple sequence repeat (SSRs) markers

AbstractThe maintenance of plant genetic resources requires the identification of places and agroforestry systems that support high levels of genetic diversity. The aim of this work was to clarify the number and names of chestnut (Castanea sativa) cultivars in the south of Spain. Accordingly, 100 grafted chestnut trees corresponding to 34 traditional names were evaluated using 10 qualitative morphological traits and seven simple sequence repeat (SSRs) markers. We identified 38 varieties, 12 in the Huelva region and 26 in Malaga, and synonymies and homonymies were discussed. This work demonstrated that the joint use of morphological traits and SSR markers is an efficient method to evaluate the agrobiodiversity of chestnut in this region. It was also stated that chestnut production in the south of Spain is a traditional system using varieties developed ‘in situ’. This constitutes a genuine system of on‐farm conservation, which is now threatened. Consequently, adopting strategies for its safeguarding are urgently recommended.

Nutritional, Fatty Acid and Triacylglycerol Profiles of Castanea sativa Mill. Cultivars: A Compositional and Chemometric Approach

Four Portuguese chestnut cultivars from the "Castanha da Terra Fria" protected designation of origin were selected: Aveleira, Boa Ventura, Judia and Longal. The nutritional parameters (moisture, fat, protein, carbohydrates, ash and energy) as well as fibers (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin and cellulose) were characterized. Moisture was the major component followed by carbohydrates, protein and fat, resulting in an energetic value lower than 195 kcal/100 g of fresh fruit. In order to find significant differences among cultivars, the lipidic fraction was studied in detail. Fatty acids (FA) were determined by gas-liquid chromatography with flame ionization detection, revealing a clear prevalence of C18:1 and C18:2, two FA very well-known due to their beneficial effects on human health, e.g., in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. A triacylglycerols (TAG) profile was obtained by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light-scattering detection. TAG analysis is very important because it furnishes highly specific information due to genetic control of the stereospecific distribution of FA on the glycerol molecule. OLL, PLL, OOL and POL were the major compounds. As far as we know this is the first complete characterization of TAG in chestnut. The obtained data were screened through an analysis of variance (to evaluate the accuracy of the method as well as the uniformity of results for each cultivar) and a discriminant analysis (DA), which gave good results, once that, in some cases, the four cultivars were clustered in four individual groups, obtained through the definition of two DA dimensions.

PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE SEGREGATION OF RESISTANCE IN CHESTNUTS TO INFESTATION BY ORIENTAL CHESTNUT GALL WASP

In 1995, h y brid chestnuts were planted in North Carolina, (southern U.S.A.), where the introduced insect Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp (D,vocos'Inu.s hiiuiphi/us) is present. Of the 93 trees planted. 53 survived 12 years and were evaluated for the presence of Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp infestation. Among the survivors, 11 had no wasp galls and 25 had few galls. Because the female parents were all susceptible, the genes controlling resistance to infestation cannot be cytoplasmic. Numbers of trees with little or no infestation suggest that genetic control ma be a single, dominant nuclear gene. If this is true, resistance can easily be transferred into timber chestnuts and orchard chestnut cultivars. INTRODUCTION Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp, Drvocosmus ki.iriphi/us. (Payne et al.. 1976) has now spread from the state of Georgia in the southern United States, where it was introduced in 1974, to most of the southern growing area of chestnut trees in the United States, and to Cleveland, OH in north-central U.S. (Fig. 1) (Stehli, 2003, 2006). There is apparently nothing to stop it moving north, throughout the native range of American chestnut trees. Eggs are laid in leaf and flower buds, and the resulting galls kill the leaves and flowers and sometimes result in death of the trees. No pesticides are registered for control of this insect. Allegheny (American) chinquapin, Caslanea nimiJa, and Chinese chinquapin, C. Henrri, seem to be resistant to infestation (AnagnoStakis. 1998), and all other species of Castanea are susceptible to infestation. Breeding experiments were therefore begun to study the genetic control of this resistance, and to produce Ca.sia,iea that can survive in the presence of the insect for both forest and orchard plantings. In 1995, hybrid chestnuts were planted in the state of North Carolina. in cooperation ith the U.S. Forest Service, to test the trees for resistance to infestati � w on in an area where

MORPHO-BIOLOGICAL AND SENSORIAL QUALITY EVALUATION OF CHESTNUT CULTIVARS IN AOSTA VALLEY (ITALY)

MORPHO-BIOLOGICAL AND SENSORIAL QUALITY EVALUATION OF CHESTNUT CULTIVARS IN AOSTA VALLEY (ITALY)

국내산 밤들의 영양성분 분석

The Nutraceutical Bio Brain Korea 21 Project Group, Kangwon National University, Gangwon 200-701, KoreaAbstractEighteen Korean chestnut cultivars were collected from various places and the proximate compositions, dietary fiber, amino acid and free sugar contents in three parts (whole kernel, white kernel, yellow kernel) of eighteen Korean chestnut cultivars were analyzed. The white kernel of Chukfa and the yellow kernel of Ipyung contained the highest amount of moisture and crude protein, respectively. Carbohydrate content of whole kernel showed a range of 30.8~52.0% and crude ash content of whole kernel showed a range of 0.9~1.8%. The amount of crude lipid was the highest in Byunggo. The amount of dietary fiber in Kwangeun, Daebo, Parkmi 1 ho, Yooma and Pyeonggi were higher than that of other Korean chestnut cultivars. Seventeen amino acids were detected. Major amino acids of the various chestnuts were aspartic acid and leucine. The amount of amino acids was higher in Ichui, Ipyung and Pyeonggi but was lower in Dantaek and Sandae than that of other samples. The major free sugar in the chestnuts was glucose. The free sugar amount of yellow kernels was higher than the white kernels.Key words: chestnut, dietary fiber, amino acids, free sugars