The tables in this publication summarize characteristics of the main hazelnut varieties produced commercially in the United States, list varieties’ susceptibility to eastern filbert blight (EFB), and show varieties’ compatibility with each other for pollination.
Barcelona is the principal hazelnut variety grown in the Pacific Northwest, accounting for more than 60% of the acreage in Oregon. It is used in both the kernel market and the in-shell market, which favors its round shape and superior flavor. Barcelona kernels have a coarse, brown, skin-like pellicle (outer coating), which is very difficult to remove completely, even after roasting. However, some processors have found ways to remove the pellicle. Many characteristics of Barcelona are undesirable for commercial producers. Barcelona trees tend to bear a heavy crop only every other year and produce a high percentage of blank nuts.
The variety Daviana had been used extensively as a pollinizer for Barcelona. However, it is very susceptible to EFB and should no longer be planted. It also is susceptible to filbert bud mite (Phytocoptella avellanae Nal.), which causes blasted or deformed flower and vegetative buds. We recommend replacing Daviana with York, a variety with the same pollen shed timing and the EFB resistance gene.
The Oregon State University hazelnut breeding program is continually developing varieties that have EFB resistance, good annual production, and more desirable kernel characteristics, such as fewer blanks and kernel defects.
Many Oregon State University Extension publications on hazelnut production are available through the OSU Extension Catalog: http://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/
