Castanea mollissima: Edward Goodell A Chinese Chestnut for the Northeast

Will the chestnut’s future equal its past? mercially successful: C. mollissima Blume, Since before recorded history, species in the the Chinese chestnut; C. crenata, the chestnut genus Castanea have been prime Japanese chestnut; C. sativa, the European sources of food and wood in vast areas of chestnut; and C. dentata, the American Asia, Europe, and North America. During chestnut. The Chinese chestnut is culti- the 20th century, however, the chestnut’s vated in its native China and Korea. Cen- contribution has been reduced drastically by turies of seed selection have improved its re- disease and pestilence. In response to these sistance to chestnut blight and its produc- setbacks, chestnut research has increased tion of nuts, but its wood remains very worldwide (Jaynes 1975). These efforts, lightweight and weak and therefore has no combined with the great genetic variability commercial value. Of the north temperate within the chestnut genus, seem destined to species, it is the most resistant to blight. reassert the chestnut’s preeminence as a The Japanese chestnut, which is also na- forest and orchard tree. Though commercial tive to southern Korea, has been cultivated plantings are still a questionable enterprise in Japan for at least 3000 years and perhaps in many areas, home production of as many as 7000. The planting of chestnuts chestnuts can be highly recommended for in both Japan and Korea has increased in re- suitable sites (zones 5 and 6) in the north- cent decades, yet total production has re- eastern United States. mained about the same because of increas- The chestnut genus, which has 12 (Camus ing damage from a devastating new pest 1929) or 13 (Jaynes 1975) species, is in the called the gall wasp. In addition to yielding same family (Fagaceae) as oaks and beeches. great quantities of nuts (27,000 metric tons The genus originally evolved in the Orient, annually), the Japanese chestnut produces spreading west to Europe and east to North strong, durable wood that is used in fine America via the Alaskan land bridge. The woodwork, ships, and railroad ties. chestnut blight fungus (Endothia parasitica/ For centuries the European chestnut has comes from Asia, and Castanea species of been a staple food and export commodity in that region have evolved various degrees of the rural, hilly areas of southern Europe. resistance, whereas European and American Production has been reduced 85 percent species are highly susceptible. since the turn of the century, both because Four species of Castanea have been com- of a decline of agrarianism in the region and 18 (

the combined effect of a root-rot disease and highly for its versatile decay-resistant wood, the chestnut blight. Even so, over 180,000 and its nut crops provided food for humans metric tons of European chestnuts are pro- and substantial forage for livestock and duced annually in France and Italy alone. wildlife. Then came the chestnut blight in More than 4500 metric tons are currently 1904. In that year chestnut trees in New exported to the United States yearly. The York City were found dying of an unknown nuts of the European chestnut are similar to cause. Investigations revealed a fungal, those of the Japanese chestnut. Both are rela- bark-canker disease that impeded the flow of tively starchy, and their sugars are less solu- sap. Large trees often died within two years ble than those of the other chestnut species. of the first infection. The chestnut blight, as In this country the American chestnut the disease was called, spread outward from was the most important deciduous forest New York City at the rate of 20 miles per tree at the turn of the century. It was valued year. Eventually, it completely decimated

Castanea mollissima nut emergmg from bur Al Bussewitz photo 19

the American chestnut as a commercial is complicated, however, because the differ- forest tree. This pestilence, which was prob- ent strains of fungus existing in different ably introduced from the Orient on nursery geographic areas are often incapable of stock around 1890, is one of the most devas- transmitting the virus to one another. tating epidemics of a plant disease caused by Natural spread and long-term control have a pathogen from a foreign country. not been observed in the United States. Because the blight fungus does not live Again, with further research the viral below the ground level, stumps of diseased method could provide practical control in trees continue sending up healthy sprouts the future (Elliston and Jaynes 1977). that eventually become infected and die, but in succession these sprouts keep the tree’s ~ root system alive for many years. As a result, Description chestnut saplings are a common sight in na- tive forests. A few mature trees remain, es- The Chinese chestnut is a coarse-textured, pecially beyond the northwestern extent of medium-sized tree with a round top. The the American chestnut’s range, where the spreading main branches usually diverge in infectious fungus spores are not so preva- an irregular pattern near the ground. The lent. For instance, over 6000 mature trees growth rate of this species is considered have been found in northern Michigan moderate, but both rate and form vary (Buisch 1978). among individual specimens. The glossy Oriental Castanea species have sufficient green foliage is handsome and disease resis- resistance to survive the disease. Although tant. Its color in autumn can be described as infected, the trees seldom die, even though somewhere between the dull yellow of hick- entire limbs may die. For this reason ories and the bronze of beeches. Japanese and Chinese chestnuts have been The Chinese chestnut is distinguished imported to replace the American species, from other species by pubescence (presence and breeders are now attempting to combine of hairs) on the undersurface of leaves and on the blight resistance of the oriental species the young branch tips. The winter twigs are with the timber form of the American. Some buff colored, sometimes with a red tinge on hybrid seedlings among the thousands the upper surface, unlike the dark brown to planted show promise. Richard Jaynes purplish brown of other chestnut species. (1979), geneticist with the Connecticut Ag- The leaves of the American chestnut are ricultural Experiment Station, summarized narrower, with a distinctly toothed margin. the prospects: "With time and substantial The Japanese chestnut leaves are distin- effort it should still be possible to develop guished by a bristle-tipped margin and by clonal selections and even relatively true small glands appearing as tiny, pale dots on breeding lines of blight-resistant timber the undersides of young leaves. Crosses be- chestnuts for the eastern United States." tween these species have produced hybrid In Italy and France control of the blight plants with a full range of intermediate has been achieved with a virus that infects characteristics. the blight fungus and renders it incapable of The individual flowers are not impressive, continued attack. Control with this method but a Chinese chestnut tree in full bloom is 20 (

striking. An abundance of long, light yellow ularly mature nuts, but a better crop and catkins offsets the glossy foliage. In Boston denser habit occur in full sunlight. Estab- flowering occurs in late June and early July. lished trees withstand drought well. The site The plants are monecious (having staminate adaptability, handsome foliage, and the un- [male] and pistillate [female] flowers on the usual flowering effect of this productive nut same plant). The catkins, which are erect tree make it a highly desirable element in relative to the twig, are borne near the ter- the landscape. minal end of the current season’s growth. The long (eight-inch) catkins are comprised of scented staminate flow- mainly strongly Fruit ers. One to three pistillate flowers are lo- cated at the base of the catkins closest to the The developing chestnuts are surrounded terminal end of the shoot. The staminate by a green, spiny involucre, commonly flowers are frequently visited by bees and known as a bur. The spines are soft at first other insects, including small beetles, but but become stiff and sharp as the nuts inside these agents are not necessary for pollina- ripen. There are usually three nuts inside tion (Jaynes 1975/. The pistillate flowers are each bur, although one or two often fail to inconspicuous, without scent, and have long develop. When the nuts are ripe, the burs styles. open and the nuts fall free. The size of nuts Chinese chestnuts adapt to a wide range of from unselected Chinese chestnut seedlings well-drained sites, doing best on light- varies widely, but cultivated varieties have textured, acidic (pH 5.5) soils. They appar- large, dark mahogany-colored nuts. The lat- ently are much more productive in warm ter are similar in size to the commonly soil than in cool, high humus bottomland available European chestnut, about one inch soil. Vegetation characteristic of such sites in diameter, with 30 to 50 chestnuts com- is red oak, pine, sassafras, and bitternut prising a pound. A dark brown leathery seed- hickory. It is commonly stated that Chinese coat about one millimeter thick forms the chestnuts are hardy in zone 5, surviving at outer covering of the nut. Inside this, a pa- -20°F. However, the buds near the terminal pery thin fibrous brown pellicle (skin) end of the shoot may be injured by tempera- adheres to the nut. The pellicle is more read- tures slightly warmer than that if a rapid de- ily peeled from Chinese chestnuts than from crease occurs (personal communication European or Japanese chestnuts. Like that of from Alfred Szego). Since most of the flowers other oriental chestnuts, the Chinese nut- are produced on terminal buds, significant meat has a rich yellow color. The nutmeat of decreases in yield may result in zone 5. American and European chestnuts is white. The Japanese chestnut is generally less The edible portion of a fresh nut is 40 to 50 hardy. However, many variations exist percent carbohydrate (mostly starch), 5 per- among individual plants. Frost pockets must cent oil, 5 percent protein, and about 50 per- be avoided because new growth in both cent water. Chinese chestnuts are consid- species is susceptible to injury from late ered generally less sweet and flavorful than spring frosts. Partially shaded Chinese American chestnuts but much better tasting chestnut trees at the Arnold Arboretum reg- than European or Japanese chestnuts. 21

Chestnut trees in full sun can bear crops stock diameters should be equal. The scions annually, in contrast to many other nut should be stored with a slightly damp paper trees, which do so only biennially. The flow- towel in a sealed plastic bag at normal re- ers appear on the current season’s growth frigerator temperatures. Grafting must be well after the danger of frost has passed. At performed after all danger of late spring least two seedlings or cultivars must be frosts is past. Because only a single bud oc- planted within 100 to 200 feet of each other curs per node, no reserved buds are available to ensure cross-pollination and optimal fruit to break dormancy. The root stock will have set. Seedlings commonly bear fruit in four to leaves at the time of grafting, but all growth seven years, while grafted trees often bear within 15 inches below the graft area should within two years. Mature trees may yield 35 be removed. Grafts are most successful to 55 pounds of nuts each year. when located at least a foot above ground In the United States commercial plantings level. of Chinese chestnut trees exist only in the Chestnuts respond well to bench grafting southeastern states. However, observations in a greenhouse. Root stocks must be dug as at Vineland, Ontario, Canada suggest that soon as possible in the spring, brought into commercial-size crops are possible in the the greenhouse, and grafted immediately. northeastern United States (Society of On- Successful grafts can grow 20 inches before tario Nut Growers). Seedling trees are being moved outdoors in early June. widely available from commercial nurseries A simple splice or whip graft is most effec- and state conservation agencies, but cul- tive with scions that have the same diameter tivars, which are not widely available, are far size as the root stock. When grafting estab- more valuable as nut producers. Several cul- lished trees, it is best to splice-graft small tivars worthy of mention for the Northeast stems. Grafts on main scaffold branches are described on page 26. usually fail. Summer budding is not success- ful with chestnuts, but grafting in spring using dormant buds on a growing root stock common in Growth from Propagation is Europe. grafted buds is apparently more vigorous than that The scarcity of Chinese chestnut cultivars from grafted scions. Desiccation of the graft results from the difficulty of propagating union may be prevented by any means ex- these plants vegetatively. Graft-union fail- cept using an asphalt-based compound, to ures often occur after several years of vigor- which chestnuts are sensitive. The entire ous growth. The suspected causes are a union may be wrapped in a plastic bag that combination of factors, such as incompati- has been sprayed with white paint. This bility between the stock and the scions, lack helps retain moisture and keeps the union of stock hardiness, poor grafting technique, warmer for optimal healing. and blight fungus in the union. The greatest Buds should be rubbed off the root stock at success is obtained by grafting a cultivar two-week intervals. After a month all mate- onto its own seedlings. rials except the budding rubber must be re- To do this dormant scions must be col- moved. Scion shoots should be growing at lected in late winter. The scion and root this time. Tying the new shoots to a support- 22 (

will wind ing splint protect them from dam- Chip-budding sprouted chestnut seed is a age. recently developed propagation method with promise for both amateur and professional horticulturists (Jaynes 1980). Using this Steps in Propagating Chestnuts by the Chip-Bud technique, I successfully grafted 29 plants Method. 1. Harvest nuts in fall and place m out of a total of 48. It eases the moist, cold storage (32°F to 40°F) for 90 days. 2. grafting pro- Place nuts in moist, warm /70°F to 75°F/ ger- cess somewhat and greatly reduces the minatmg medium. 3. When shoots emerge and amount of time required to produce from leaves remove from begm unfolding, sprouts seed a grafted plant ready for transplanting germinatmg medium and cut off leafy portion of (see diagram below). shoot. 4. Cut shield-shaped chip from remammgg propa- portion of shoot. 5. On plant to be grafted, cut Despite improvements, vegetative is still chip of same size and shape around bud on basal gation considered difficult, and justly two-thirds of previous year’s growth. 6. Bind bud so. In contrast, growing plants from seed is and shoot together m position of maximum cam- relatively simple. Consequently, virtually bial contact. 7. Place in contamer graft deep all of the chestnuts sold or grown in orchards enough to accommodate tap root. 8. Place con- in this country come from seedlings. tainer m humidity case at 70°F to 75°F. 9. When Seed should be collected from trees graft umon has healed and bud is leafing out, parent begm to reduce heat gradually. 10. Plant outdoors that are known for blight resistance, heavy m June. Drawmg by Michael Grassi yields, high quality nuts, and good form. The 23

nuts dehydrate rapidly after releasing from The culture of Chinese chestnuts is simi- the bur, losing their ability to germinate un- lar to that of peaches. Frost pockets must be less promptly sown or stored at high humid- avoided to protect the easily injured young ity between 32°F and 40°F. A good method is foliage from late frosts. Light, slightly acidic to mix freshly harvested nuts with an equal soils are best, although heavier, calcareous amount of peat moss. This mixture should soils are satisfactory if drainage is sufficient. be sealed in a sturdy plastic bag and stored in Young chestnut trees are affected by drought the crisper in a refrigerator until ready to conditions. This is unlikely to be a problem plant. A few drops of water may be substi- in the northeastern United States except tuted for the peat moss. Condensation on during the first growing season. the inside of the bag indicates an over damp Dormant chestnut trees transplant suc- condition. Nuts may germinate in storage cessfully. It is important to spread the roots but if carefully handled may be successfully evenly and provide adequate water until grown. they are established. Mulching (after the soil The tendency of chestnuts to sprout pre- has warmed up) will reduce weeds, conserve maturely makes fall a good time to sow soil moisture, and add organic matter to the seeds. Even at near-freezing temperatures soil. Spring is the best time for fertilizing, al- during late winter and early spring, the nut though fertilizing is not necessary in the will germinate and establish its rudimentary first year. Since fertilizers may burn the root system. There are some pest problems bark, they must not be allowed to come in with fall sowing, however. Weevil larvae in contact with it. the nuts can enter the soil, pupate, and pose Mature chestnut trees need approximately a threat to subsequent crops. Another pest is a 25-foot space between them. Seedling the squirrel. Regardless of the planting time, chestnuts can be planted much closer to- rodent protection must be provided until the gether until their fruiting characteristics can seedlings are about a foot high. Otherwise, be evaluated, but the poor producers must the kernel may be dug up and the entire then be eliminated. As little as a five- to plant killed or stunted. Covering the seeds eight-foot space is sufficient for the first two with woven wire during storage and after the fruiting years (Jaynes 1979). Seeds can be seedlings have germinated will also protect sown closer, because sick and stunted plants the plants against rodents. can be eliminated each year as they approach To sow seeds, place nuts on their sides fruiting age. Depending on the parent trees about two inches below the surface of fertile, and the grower’s standards, up to 10 percent well-drained soil. A thick insulative mulch of the offspring will be worth keeping. The will protect the seeds from damage (chestnut pollen parent is equally important for pro- seeds are damaged by temperatures below ducing superior offspring. -24°F), but the seeds’ location must be care- Pruning should be kept to a minimum. In fully marked so the mulch can be pulled young trees it delays the onset of bearing, back in the spring. About 95 percent of and in older trees it can reduce yields. Prun- sound chestnut seed can be expected to ger- ing in early summer will help direct the minate. It is best to plant as early in spring as tree’s energy into fruit production rather possible. than stimulate vegetative growth (Society of 24

Ontario Nut Growers 1980). However, open and to a lesser extent Japanese beetles, can wounds are more susceptible to infection at cause severe defoliation. Mites can build up this time than during the dormant season to harmful levels if Sevin has been used to (Bey 1979). The best overall tree shape is control leaf eaters. The southern and west- conical with a central leader and horizontal ern regions of the United States have scaffold branches. This shape serves two troublesome pests, and a couple of these - functions. First, it allows the most sunlight oak wilt and blossom end rot - have been to reach the fruiting ends of the branches, reported as far northeast as Pennsylvania and second, it provides the most shade to the and New York. trunk, which is susceptible to sunscald. Un- The symptoms of blight infection begin shaded horizontal or drooping branches re- with the appearance of bark cankers on tain more carbohydrates and produce more stems three or more years old. Cankers on fruit than do ascending branches. The young, smooth bark are orangy brown in Chinese chestnut’s natural tendency for contrast to the gray-green normal bark. Tan spreading branches may make a central- spore-containing processes extend from leader shape impossible to maintain without these during wet weather. The spores are excessive pruning, however. washed away by rain or carried long dis- tances by birds and insects. Cankers do not show up immediately on older thick bark but as abnormal and in Pests appear splits bulges the bark as the infection advances. Remov- The blight is the most prevalent pest prob- ing the dead bark will usually reveal a fan- lem of chestnuts in the northeastern United shaped pattern of threadlike, fungal growth. States (Payne and Johnson 1979), but the ori- Minimizing bark damage and treating ental chestnuts have coevolved with the wounds can help reduce infections. The and have resistance to blight fungus developed blight rarely reaches more than a centimeter it. more The Chinese chestnut species is resis- below the soil surface, and many soil or- tant than but the Japanese chestnut, the resis- ganisms (tentatively identified as fungal tance of individual plants varies within each Trichoclerma sp.) are believed to be an- species and with site conditions. Chinese tagonistic to the blight fungus. Some cank- chestnuts may become infected but usually ers have been successfully treated with soil heal quickly and are not severely affected. compresses (Weidlich 1978). The treatment The chestnut weevil (Curculio sp./ can involves covering the canker with soil and pose a serious problem. Immediate removal wrapping it in plastic for several months of fallen fruit from beneath trees prevents during the growing season. The canker the weevil larvae from pupating in the soil undergoes a complete remission and is and keeps the population at tolerable levels. sealed off with a healthy callus. Admittedly, Chestnuts must have adequate zinc, but this technique is labor intensive and suitable this should not be a problem in the North- only for a small number of trees. east. A deficiency will show up as yellow, The chestnut crop ripens in late Sep- mottled leaves. tember and October. Until then the spiny High populations of gypsy moth larvae, burs remain tightly closed around the nuts. 25

At this stage gloves are an absolute necessity with a plastic bag stored in the crisper in a in handling the burs. As the nuts ripen, the refrigerator, but no free moisture should be mature nutshells change from white to present. The nuts should be checked occa- brown, and the burs begin to split open, al- sionally and molded ones discarded. lowing the nuts to drop to the ground. Peeling the leathery seed coat of chestnuts The nuts must not be allowed to lie on the is the first step in any preparation except ground, because heat will cause the seeds in- roasting. The easiest way to do this is to side to deteriorate rapidly, and squirrels and make a slit across the scar side (opposite the other wildlife will quickly carry the point) and then bake the nuts in a preheated chestnuts away. The nuts can be collected oven at 250°F for 10 minutes. The seed coat without repeated visits to the tree if, when will dehydrate and shrink, causing the nut to the first burs begin to open, as many as possi- protrude through the opening. A gentle ble are harvested by shaking the limbs and squeeze on the pointed end will pop the nuts gathering the burs from the ground. A hat, free. jacket, and gloves are needed to ward off the Chestnuts may be eaten in many forms. spiny burs as they fall. The burs should be Poultry stuffing is perhaps their most com- stored in a cool, humid location, where they mon use. The nuts may be stir fried, boiled will continue to ripen and release their nuts and mashed like potatoes, and used raw or within about a week. The nuts can then be cooked in casseroles, salads, soups, and hot easily separated from the bur chaff. breakfast cereals. They may be cooked in syrup to create a glace dessert. Boiled chestnuts be frozen for stor- Uses may long-term age. The traditional method of preparing chestnuts for is in a skillet or eating roasting Cultivars oven. The resultant sweet snack has a grilled, tangy flavor. Chestnuts may also be Except where noted, the following de- eaten raw after drying the fresh nuts in a scriptions are adapted from Nut Tree Cul- cool, airy place for a few days until they feel ture in North America (1979) by Richard spongy. This slight drying increases the Jaynes. ’Nanking’ is the most widely dis- sugar content, producing a sweet, milky tributed Chinese chestnut cultivar. It cus- flavor. If they are allowed to, chestnuts will tomarily bears heavy annual crops of large continue to dry until hard. At this stage their nuts, but these are not highly regarded for primary value is for grinding into flour, their flavor or storage qualities. ’Nanking’ which can be used in baked goods, although ripens nuts at the Arboretum in mid- it may be possible to rehydrate the nuts by October, about the time of the early au- steaming them for a half hour (Westwood tumn frosts. 1978).). ’Eaton’ is the selection with which to Cold storage at a high humidity level will compare others in the Northeast. An attrac- keep the nuts fresh for at least eight weeks tive tree with large, waxy leaves, it averages and often much longer, even until the next 40 pounds of large nuts per year, and these harvest. These conditions can be achieved mature two weeks earlier than those of 26

’Nanking’ (Jaynes 1970). ’Eaton’ probably Douglass says that they, too, eventually will has Chinese, Japanese, and American par- succumb unless sprayed with fungicides. entage, but it bears the closest resemblance ’Au Cropper’, ’Au Homestead’, and ’Au to the Chinese species. ’Eaton’ nuts compare Leader’ were all selected and recently re- favorably in taste with most American leased by the Auburn Experiment Station in chestnuts. Auburn, Alabama, but I have no data regard- ’Orrin’ grows slowly in a compact upright ing their suitability for the Northeast. habit, yet it is a prolific producer of large, dark nuts. The tree is reportedly hardy to Chinese chestnuts are a valuable food- -34°F (Campbell 1979). The nuts ripen a few producing tree for home landscapes in the days earlier than those of ’Nanking’ and Northeast and may someday be a commer- store better than most. The glossy, dark cial crop. With the natural variability of the green foliage of ’Orrin’ is relatively pest free, Castanea genus, great genetic potential making this a productive ornamental tree for exists for producing trees with superior nuts, small spaces. The only disadvantage of ’Or- timber, and pest resistance. The realization rin’ is that its upright branch crotches may of that potential is proceeding through the be susceptible to breakage under load. In efforts of both professional geneticists and general, ’Orrin’ seedlings are regarded as amateur growers. Fortunately, several superior. superior cultivars and seeds are currently ’Sleeping Giant’, as the name implies, is a available. large tree. This cultivar is a seedling of a Chinese chestnut that was a pollinated by Author’s Note: Japanese and American hybrid. Its leaves are large and very glossy, and the original tree, I would like to acknowledge the invalu- located in Connecticut, consistently yields able comments and support of the following large nuts that have a flavor comparable to persons, whose contributions immeasurably that of ’Nanking’. ’Sleeping Giant’ is re- added to the depth and scope of this article: portedly difficult to graft, although I have Stephen Breyer, Earl Douglass, Henry had success using the chip-bud technique. Hartman, Richard Jaynes, Elwyn Meader, ’Henry VIII’, from New Jersey, is a seed- and Alfred Szego. ling of ’Crane’ x ’Orrin’. It produces top- quality nuts and has dark, pest-resistant foliage. Its shape is pleasantly round. Earl Douglass, who lives east of Rochester, New York, has hybrid seeds and seedlings of an oriental chestnut crossed with a native American chestnut. Some of these hybrids reportedly have timber form, are cold-hardy, and ripen nuts in September. They also have a relatively high resistance to blight com- pared to most American chestnuts, but 27

Sources for Chestnut Seeds and Seedlings Buisch, W. 1978. Spreadmg the chestnut trees. Nut- shell, 31 ~2/:2-3. The following is a list of nurseries special- Campbell, R. D. 1979. The merry nut growers. Nut- shell, 32 /4/: not in tree are run as small paged. izing crops. Many Camus, A. 1929. Les Chataigmers: Monographie des part-time businesses. Orders should be Genres Castanea et Castanopsis. Pans: Paul placed well in advance, because supplies are LeChevalier. often limited. Most have catalogues avail- Elliston, J., and R. Jaynes. 1977. Biological control of chestnut blight: A progress report. Annual Re- able upon request. port of the Northern Nut Growers Associauon, Auburn Nursery, 1930 South College Street, Auburn, 68:84-90. AL 36830. Hartmann, H. 1972. An evaluation of chestnut vari- eties : and a of the two. An- Campberry Farms, c/o Mr R. D Campbell, R R 1, Crane, Ornn, hybrid nual the Northern Nut Growers As- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontano, Canada LOS 1J0. Im- Report of sociation, 63:73-75. proved strains of nuts. R. A. 1980. chestnut Earl Douglass, Red Creek, NY 13143. Seeds and seed- Jaynes, Chip budding sprouted seed. Annual the Northern Nut Grow- lings of Chinese and American chestnut hybrids. Report of John H. Gordon, Jr., 1385 Campbell Boulevard, North ers Association, 71:53-55. . 1979. "Chestnuts." In Nut Tree Culture m Tonawanda, NY 14120. Seeds, seedlings, and root stocks. North America, edited by R. A. Jaynes, Hamden, Connecticut: Northern Nut Growers Associa- Grimo Nut Nursery, R R 3, Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada LOS IJO. Good tion. . 1975. "Chestnuts." InAdvances m Frmt Breed- selection of cultivars and seedlings. Custom propaga- edited and N. Moore. tion available. mg, by Jules Janick James West Indiana: Purdue International Tree Crops Institute, Appalacluan Re- Lafayette, University Press. Route Gravel KY 40328. Seed- gional Office, 1, Switch, " lings and cultivars. . 1970. "The ’Eaton’ Chestnut : A New Cultivar." Annual the Northern Nut Growers As- Jersey Chestnut Farm, 58 Van Duyne Avenue, Report of 61:82-84. Wayne, NJ 07470. Selected seedlings. sociation, and W. T. 1979. "Plant Pests." In Leslie Wilmoth Nursery, Route 2, Box 469, Payne, J. A., Johnson. Nut Tree Culture in North edited Elizabethtown, KY 42701. Seedlings and cultivars. America, by R. A. Connecticut: Northern Louis Gerardi Nursery, R R 1, O’Fallon, IL 62269. Jaynes. Hamden, Seeds, seedlings, and cultivars. Nut Growers Association. of Ontano Nut Growers. 1980. Chestnuts. On- Nebraska Nut and Fruit Tree Seed Program, Nebraska Society tario Canada: of Ontano Nut Growers. Nut Growers Association, Box 4644, Lmcoln, NE Society W. H. 1978. A on a method 68504. Seed packets of native trees. Weidlich, preliminary report of control of the chestnut Pro- Ray Guidi Nursery, 193 Curtis Avenue, Dalton, MA biological blight. 01226. Seedlings. ceedings of the Amencan Chestnut Symposium St. Lawrence Nursery, R D 2, Route 56A, Potsdam, in West Virginia, pp. 79-83. Westwood, M. N. 1978. Zone San NY 13676. Exceptionally hardy nuts. Temperate Pomology. Robert G. Seip, R D 1, Box 683, Alburns, PA 18011. Francisco: Freeman. Cultivars and seedlings. Stark Brothers Nursery, Louisiana, MO 63353. Seed- lings and cultivars. Talbott Nursery, R R 3, Box 212, Lmton, IN 47441. Seedlings.

References Bey, C. F. 1979. "Pruning." In Nut Tree Culture in North America, edited by R. A. Jaynes. Hamden, Edward Goodell is the author of "Two PromismgFrmtt Connecticut: Northern Nut Growers Associa- Plants for Northem Landscapes," which appeared in tion. the fall 1982 issue of Amoldia.