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Following on from the discussions on flowering at the November 2022 field visit to Lincoln, we’re keen to learn more about optimal timing and manner of pruning. The research would involve recording:

• dates when you prune trees, to help us identify timing (a running log as you move through your orchard)
• basic description of your style of pruning (topping vs removing outside growth)
• sunshine and temperature at each timing point
• extent and timing of flowering the following winter

We’d like as many members as possible to contribute, so we can also understand the effect of location and cultivars. If you’re interested in joining this project, please contact secretary@hazelnut-growers.org.nz.

While the bulk of our growers are in the South Island (mainly Canterbury and Nelson regions) we have a fair few in the North Island – and more joining all the time.

In late 2022 a few asked about organising catch-ups with other near-by growers so that they can exchange information and just chat about hazelnuts.

As a group we have now had 2 meet-ups with various numbers of members being able to attend. These meet-ups have allowed members to connect with others near-by and to also ask questions and share their knowledge. For now they have all been online (using Zoom) but hopefully later this year an in person one can be organised.

Any North Island growers who would like to join in, just drop Paul an email – paul@rehuaorchard.co.nz

One of the North Island growers is looking to create a list of what harvesting/processing equipment others in the North Island might have, with the aim of circulating it as both a source of information for others looking to purchase such equipment (nothing better than a review from a real user) and also to create an “open to borrowing/lending” register. If you are interested in sharing your equipment information then drop Peter an email at littlebartonharvest@outlook.com

The International Hazelnut Congress is the industry’s leading event to share advances in research and industry. In September 2022, the Congress will be held in Corvallis, Oregon (USA).

Invitation from the conveners:

The International Congress on Hazelnut has been organized every 4 years in different countries for over 30 years. Academics, researchers, farmers, private companies and governmental organizations from many countries attend the congress.

Topics of sessions:

• Breeding, genetics, and germplasm
• Biology, physiology, rootstocks, and propagation
• Orchard management
• Pests and diseases
• Post-harvest handling and quality
• Marketing, economics and policies
• Status of hazelnuts in different countries

Abstracts will be published in an abstract book. Full-text papers will be published in Acta Horticulturae.

For more information, please visit the congress website, available at https://www.ishs.org/symposium/402

See you in Corvallis (Oregon, USA) in 2022! – Feel free to spread the news and invite friends and colleagues to submit.