FOLIAR NUTRITION APPLIED AT EARLY HAZELNUT DEVELOPMENT SHOWS POSITIVE YIELD AND QUALITY FACTORS IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY OF OREGON

Hazelnut producers are continually looking for ways to improve nut production and the economic efficiency of their industry. A May application of foliar applied boron on hazelnuts is used to improve nut set and development. The use of timely applied foliar nutrients and nutrient enhancing amino acids are being explored as a means of improving nut quality, yield and tree health. Typical yield increases of 8-40% have been recorded and observed in replicated trials and large block commercial trials conducted throughout the hazelnut producing area. The applications of proprietary blends of calcium, boron and other micronutrients coupled with nutrient enhancing amino acids (First Choice^® Nut Chaser™) has resulted in increased hazelnut yields and nut quality in Oregon. This foliar nutrient application is specifically applied twice, first during shell development (mid-May), and second during embryo/kernel development (mid-June). This trial shows marketable hazelnut yields and quality have improved due to increased number of nuts per cluster (+21.8%), increased kernel weight (+8.6%), improved kernel:shell ratio (+8.9%), and reduced unmarketable nuts by reduced Brown Stain (-56.3%), and kernel mold (-41 to 100%).