NWMHRC Hybrid Chestnut Cultivar Evaluation

Project goal: To determine viability of chestnut cultivars under Michigan conditions.

Project description: Chestnuts offer a unique perennial crop for Michigan producers looking to diversify their farm business. Market demand for chestnuts is strong and a Michigan processing and marketing cooperative is active and recruiting new farm members. Chestnuts are unique in Michigan perennial crops, blooming in the summer after the risk of frost has passed and maturing in October to extend the work season for labor on the farm. Based on a number of factors that affect sustainable production, European and Japanese chestnut hybrids have been identified as likely the best germplasm for Michigan growers. This project evaluates their viability under northern Michigan conditions.

Project lead/collaborators: Erin Lizotte, Mario Mandujano, Dan Guyer

Funding sources: Rogers Reserve Endowment

Start year: 2015

End year: 2030

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