The common walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a majestic, long-lived tree and a common companion of the Slovenian countryside. Its fruits are extremely nutritional and useful. Despite its susceptibilities to spring frosts, water stagnation and strong winds, the walnut plantations have been expanding in Slovenia, as the country has perfect growing conditions, especially if the location and the walnut cultivar are well chosen. The common walnut may be a terminal or a lateral fruit-bearing type. The terminal type bears fruits on terminal buds or apical buds while the lateral fruiting type displays fruits on terminal buds as well as on lateral buds of the one year-old shoot. The thesis presents both of these common walnut types. It focuses mainly on the cultivation, plantation management, differences in yield and sensibility to various diseases and pests. The terminal fruit-bearing type has been more common in Slovenia, but the more intensive cultivation has helped to spread the lateral fruit-bearing type as well. The advantages of the lateral fruit-bearing type are several, especially the smaller size of the tree, shorter juvenile period and higher yield per hectar. Lateral fruit-bearing type is technologically more demanding than the terminal fruit-bearing type. However, conducting more intensive orchard management, lateral type produces more than terminal one. Higher intensitivity also affects the profitability of the production. It is important to choose the right cultivar and intensity of the production. The decisions are made based on environmental conditions and mechanization and the available manpower.
|
