First, nursery selection and planning (I) Nursery selection The selection of a suitable nursery site is crucial for successful hazelnut cultivation. It should be based on local conditions, adapted to the environment, and properly improved to establish an effective nursery. Several key factors must be considered when choosing a site: 1. Terrain A well-drained, sunny location with a flat or gently sloping topography is ideal. Avoid steep slopes as they can lead to poor water drainage and erosion. The groundwater level should be below 1.5 meters. If it's too high, proper drainage systems like raised beds and ditches should be implemented. Fertile soil is essential for healthy seedling growth, but care must be taken to control water and fertilizer supply in later stages to promote strong branch development. 2. Soil Fertile sandy loam is the best soil type for hazelnut propagation due to its good aeration and microbial activity, which supports germination and early growth. Heavy clay, sandy, or saline soils require improvement through the addition of organic matter, sand, and soil amendments. Without these, the soil may not support healthy seedling growth. 3. Water Source An adequate and reliable water source—such as rivers, reservoirs, or wells—is essential. Hazelnut seedlings have shallow root systems and require consistent moisture, especially during germination and early growth. However, excessive water can cause root rot, so proper drainage is also important. 4. Accessibility Easy access for transportation is necessary to move materials and equipment efficiently. This improves operational efficiency and reduces costs. (b) Nursery Planning Once the site is selected, the nursery area should be planned according to technical requirements. Topographic maps are used for field measurements, and the layout is designed to optimize production and operations. 1. Zone Division The nursery is divided into manageable zones, often referred to as "blocks" or "fields." These should be designed for mechanized operations, with flat areas being rectangular and sloped areas smaller. Zones should be arranged to align with roads and irrigation systems for ease of management. 2. Road System Main roads should be wide enough (5–6 meters) to accommodate large machinery and trucks. Secondary roads (3–4 meters) serve smaller vehicles, while narrow working paths (2 meters) allow for small equipment. This ensures smooth logistics and efficient operations. 3. Irrigation and Drainage Irrigation systems are placed on one side of the roads, while drainage channels are on the other. Modern methods such as drip irrigation and sprinklers are preferred for efficient water use. Drainage should follow the natural slope, with a gradient of 0.3% to 0.5% to prevent waterlogging. 4. Nursery Facilities Key facilities include offices, storage areas, greenhouses, and workshops. These should be located near main roads for easy access and operation. Greenhouses are particularly important for propagation and seedling care. (c) Nursery Design A well-designed nursery includes specialized areas such as a mother garden, open field propagation zones, and conservation areas. These sections are organized based on propagation methods and cultivation needs. 1. Mother Garden This area provides scions and cuttings for propagation and helps maintain high-quality varieties. 2. Open Field Breeding Area Used for both sexual and asexual propagation, including layering, cuttings, and grafting. Seedlings are grown here before being transplanted to other areas. 3. Conservation Area Includes greenhouses, grafting stations, and other structures for controlled propagation and maintenance of young plants. Second, Cultivation of Self-rooted Seedlings (A) Concept of Self-rooted Seedlings Self-rooted seedlings are produced from cuttings or layering, ensuring genetic consistency and faster maturity. They are widely used in commercial hazelnut cultivation, especially in countries like Turkey and the U.S. (II) Types of Self-rooted Seedlings They include green cuttings, hardwood cuttings, and tissue culture seedlings. While green cuttings are most commonly used, tissue culture is still under development in China. (III) Layering Seedlings Layering involves encouraging roots to form on branches while still attached to the parent plant. Techniques vary, including upright layering, horizontal layering, and arched layering, each with specific timing and methods. (IV) Cuttings and Seedlings Green cuttings are the most effective method for hazelnut propagation due to their high rooting success. Proper environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light, are critical for successful rooting. Fourth, Nursery Stock and Storage (a) Raising Seedlings Seedlings are lifted in the fall after a growing season. Careful handling is needed to avoid root damage. Grafted and cutting seedlings are typically raised manually, while others may use mechanical methods. (II) Seedling Classification Seedlings are graded based on size, root development, and overall health. High-quality seedlings meet specific standards, such as stem diameter and root count, to ensure successful planting. (III) Seedling Storage After lifting, seedlings need proper storage to remain viable until planting. Methods include outdoor trench storage, underground cellars, and air-conditioned storage, all aiming to keep the seedlings moist and at low temperatures. (D) Seedling Packaging and Transportation Proper packaging and careful transport are essential to prevent dehydration. 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