Chestnuts

The Working Group Chestnuts aims to foster international cooperation, scientific exchange, and innovation related to chestnut (Castanea spp.) within the framework of the International Society for Horticultural Science. The aim of the Working Group is integrate knowledge on chestnut from all over the world combining information on traditional and advanced cropping systems. The Working Group encompasses the advancement of knowledge across the entire chestnut value chain, from genetic resources to production, postharvest, and socioeconomic dimensions, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and resilience. It addresses key plant health challenges, such as pests and diseases affecting chestnut orchards and forests and environmentally sustainability management practices, particularly in the context of climate change. The Working Group also covers innovative orchard management and production systems, including soil, water, and nutrient management, mechanisation, and their potential digitalization with the aim to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Postharvest physiology, storage, processing technologies, quality evaluation, nutritional properties, and innovative chestnut products are also components of its scope. The socioeconomic cultural and heritage importance of chestnut species, especially their role in rural mountain development, landscape management, biodiversity conservation, and the preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage are of keen interest to the group. Evaluation of production and profitability including market dynamics, value chains, and consumer trends are considered to help understand the competitiveness of the chestnut sector.

To achieve its objectives, the Working Group Chestnuts facilitates networking among researchers, producers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. The organization of the International Chestnut Symposia promotes collaborative research initiatives and scientific publications through Acta Horticulturae. Through these activities, the Working Group contributes to scientific excellence, knowledge transfer, and the sustainable development of the chestnut sector at a global scale.