OSU Has Tips For Hazelnut Growers Dealing With Heat Stress

The high summer heat is taking its toll on this year’s hazelnut trees in Oregon.  Growers across the Willamette Valley experienced a second straight year of above normal temperatures.  Pacific Nut Producer Magazine spoke with Nik Wiman, orchard crops extension specialist with Oregon State University, who said hazelnut trees are very sensitive to heat.

“Even with excellent irrigation, the trees tend to shutdown, and it doesn’t matter how much water is available in the soil."

This, Wiman said, leads to the trees shutdown photosynthesis trying  to conserve the water their have.  And growers could start to see die back on their tree canopies.  Wiman said proper nutrition can help.

“Particularly if you're low in potassium on your foliar tests at this time in the season than your orchard might have more of a defoliation response to this hot weather.”

He added cooler fall days usually lead to recovery, just in time to prepare for the next growing season.  Wiman said research may offer a solution.

“Well, we're really interested in potential products that could be applied to the orchard to sort of reduce the heat stress.”

Catch Wiman's entire interview Here.

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