Sucker management methods in hazelnut cultivation

Abstract

Hazelnut is native to Turkey, and is found in abundance on the Black Sea coast in the northern part of the country. Turkey’s hazelnut production varies between 400,000 and 800,000 t and represents 70% of the world crop. In hazelnut cultivation, labor is needed for orchard management. Sucker management is one of the important activities because suckers compete with the main branches for nutrients and water. Also, they decrease air movement through the canopy. Sucker growth leads to reduced growth of flowering branches and reduced yield. Hazelnut orchards can be established with a multi-stemmed ocak (bush) or single-trunk tree system. Suckers can be managed using herbicides, esters, steam, fire, mulch or by hand with a knife. The best sucker management method should be selected with consideration given to the training system, ecology, slope and cultivation system. In this review, different sucker management methods in hazelnut and their pros and cons were discussed for each training system. © 2018 International Society for Horticultural Science. All Rights Reserved.