Through the development of six new varieties that meet the strictest international quality standards, Argentina's National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) aims to promote walnut production in the country.
According to INTA's latest report, walnut production volumes have multiplied by four in the past 30 years, reaching 15,000 tonnes per year and yields of up to 3,000 kilos per hectare.
In this context, INTA developed six new walnut varieties with a 67% greater productive potential. These are Trompito INTA, Yaco Tula INTA, Argentina INTA, Chichi Jais INTA, Jais Franquette INTA and Davis INTA, which have already been registered at the National Crops Registry of the National Seeds Institute (INASE).
"The new varieties' yield could surpass the 5,000 kilos per hectare, while maintaining excellent quality standards, including good size, colour and food safety," explained Antonio Prataviera, technician at INTA Catamarca and breeder of the varieties. The project not only aims to promote walnut production in Argentina, but also boost the economy of regions such as La Rioja and Catamarca, which were pioneers in the activity.
With the new plantations and technology available, the technician estimated that the production "may reach up to 20,000 tonnes per year, with a larger percentage available for exports."
The new varieties also stand out for their precocity, as they start producing the year after being planted, frequently even before a year has passed since the grafting.
Varieties and their characteristics
The Trompito INTA is a tree of little vigour that allows for greater plant densities per hectare, which ensures a large yield in the medium term. It produces two mixed buds per node and very large walnuts with firmly sealed husks. It is also highly resistant to bacterial diseases.
In the case of the Yaco Tula INTA, the tree becomes productive very quickly. The fruit has short stalks, which in combination with the tree top's structure allows for a more stable productivity in case of adverse weather conditions, such as wind or hailstorms. The walnuts are large and oval-shaped, are resistant to diseases and have a pinkish shell which, despite being solid, is easy to remove. It is a very attractive walnut..
For its part, the Argentina INTA is a highly vigorous tree, with thick foliage and large leaves that protect the fruit from the sun. With an average budding rate and late female flowering, it is the walnut tree with the shortest cycle between settling and harvest. The fruit's size ranges from large to very large (and oval-shaped) and the shell detaches easily when ripe.
The Chichi Jais INTA is a highly productive tree with a good vigour. It produces large, oval-shape walnuts with a rounded base and pointed apex. It is also characterised by its hardiness and resistance to bacterial diseases.
As for the Jais Franquette INTA, it is a tree of average vigour with terminal budding. It bears strongly sealed, medium sized walnuts of good quality and easy to open; the nut can be easily extracted and the variety is only moderately vulnerable to anthracnose and bacterial diseases.
Lastly, the David INTA is a highly vigorous tree that produces large to very large walnuts with a firm seal, easy to open and commercially attractive, both externally and internally. It is also characterised by its hardiness and resistance to diseases.
Source: freshfruitportal.com