Oregon State University

Two Legislatively Mandated Focus Areas Are ADDRESSED:1. Research in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Genomics and Other Methods Improve Cropcharacteristics (80%).A. Product Taste, Quality and Appearance, B. Environmental Responses and Tolerances, D. Pest and Disease Management, Including Resistance to Pests and Disease Resulting in Reduced Application Management Strategies. We Will Investigate the Feasibility of R Gene Pyramiding for Durable RESISTANCE.2. Identify and Address Threats From Pests and Diseases (20%). the Proposed Work Includes the Use of Molecular Markers to Investigate Genetic Diversity Among Isolates of Anisogramma Anomala, the Causal Fungus of Eastern Filbert Blight (efb). We Will Also Collect Corylus Germplasm, Evaluate Accessions for Response to Efb Inoculation, and Study the Inheritance of Resistance From Our Native Corylus Americana.note That Production Is the Primary System, Although Components Address the Consumer and Markets System (human Nutrition and Health, Vitality of Rural Communities).critical Stakeholder Needs Addressed and Long-term Goals. Hazelnuts Are a Profitable, High-value, Low Input, Sustainable Crop for Which Steadily Increasing World Demand Now Exceeds Supply and Stakeholders (from Producers Through Consumers) Show a Significant Desire for Expanded Us Production. However, Susceptibility to Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB) Caused by the Fungus Anisogramma Anomala and the Limited Climatic Adaptation of Existing Cultivars Severely Limit Production in the Eastern and Midwestern Regions and Threaten the Sustainability of Current Production in Oregon. the Genetic Resources and Knowledge to Overcome These Limiting Factors Now Exist. This Srep "center of Excellence" Project Leverages Substantial Resources and Prior Investments to Develop Genomic Tools for Hazelnut (approach 1), Study Gene Expression Following Efb Inoculation (approach 2), Map Dominant R Genes and Study R Gene Genomic Tools, Genetic Resources, and Outreach to Expand Commercial U.s. Hazelnut Production - 7 Pyramids and Resistance in Corylus Americana (approach 3), Enhance Corylus Americana Germplasm Collections (approach 4), Improve Knowledge of the Pathogen a. Anomala (approach 5), Identify Superior Cultivars and Pollenizers (approach 6), and Bolster and Implement Strategic, Coordinated Outreach Efforts (approach 7) to Address These Limiting Factors in a Targeted, Effective, and Comprehensive Way With Longterm Goals That Include: a) the Expanded Planting of Hazelnut as a Food Crop, B) the Development of New Economic Options for Producers and Entrepreneurs, and C) the Improvement of National Food Security by Enhancing Crop, Farm System, and Product Diversity, Adaptation to Climatic Fluctuations, and Improved Disease Resistance.outreach Plan. Our Outreach Plan (approach 7, PG. 27) Will Directly Engage New and Existing Stakeholder Groups and Address Stakeholder Concerns and Needs That Are Related But Vary Across Three Climatic Zones: the Pacific Northwest Wherecommercial Production Now Exists and Is Rapidly Expanding; the Temperate "fruit Belt" Region of the Eastern Us, Where New Efb-resistant Cultivars Are Expected to Be Released in 3-4 Years; and the Midwest and Great Plains, Where New Hybrids Are in the Process of Being Identified With Superior Nut Quality, Yield, and Adaptation to Demanding Climates. We Will Use Comprehensive, Coordinated, and Innovative High-touch, High-tech Outreach Approaches for Education and Training Activities in the Three Regions Bolstered by Demonstration Trials and New Cooperator Field Trials, Including Field Tours and "edutainment" Events, Social Media Campaigns, Stakeholder Trainings, and Webinars, With Publications and Presentations Focused on the Translation of New Knowledge and Practical Applications to Engage New and Existing Local, Regional, and National Partner Stakeholder Groups. the Oregon Industry Has Many Newcomers Who Need Educational Programs. in the Fruit Belt, an Emphasis Will Be Placed on "train-the-trainer" Meetings Early in the Project to Rapidly Disseminate Knowledge in Support of the First Cultivar Releases for the Region (to Be Made During This Grant Period). Targeted, Comprehensive, and Coordinated National Outreach Efforts Will Also Be Made Through the Pi Institution's Web Resources and Social Media, Including the Arbor Day Foundation's Extensive National Membership and Related Partner Connections via Their Educational Website Devoted to Hybrid Hazelnuts and a Print Newsletter That Reaches One Million People Per Year, and a Hybrid Hazelnut Membership Program With 80,000 Members.potential Economic, Social, and Environmental Benefits. Extensive and Strong National/international Markets (currently $3.26 Billion) Exist for Hazelnut Products and Powerful Environmental and Economic Benefits (for Producers and Rural Communities) Would Be Generated by Large-scale Production of Hybrid Hazelnuts in the Us. Hazelnuts Are an Ideal Choice to Integrate Into Profitable, Sustainable Agricultural or Agroforestry Production Systems, and Are Family-friendly for Small Producers Focused on Local Food Issues. Hazelnuts Could Become a "third Crop" in the Midwest and Great Plains (along With Corn and Soybeans), and Have Considerable Value as a Specialty Crop in Eastern States (fruit Belt Region). Environmental Benefits of Hazelnut Production Include Reduced Runoff and Soil Erosion, Enhanced Water Quality, Relatively Few Inputs of Fertilizers and Pesticides, Improved Wildlife Habitats, and Increased Carbon Sequestration - Impacts That Benefit Farm Families and Residents of Both Rural and Urban Communities. Further, They Can Be Grown Without Irrigation in Many Regions and Do Not Require Bees for Pollination. Hazelnut Kernels Are Widely Recognized for Their Health Promoting Effects, Have a Long Storage Life, and Have Robust Local-to-international Markets for a Variety of Value-added Products. the Economic Potential of Hazelnut Is Documented by Oregon's Annual Acreage Increase (3,000 Acres Since 2009), World Annual Production (870,000 Metric Tons/year), the Wholesale Price/pound of Dry, Unshelled Nuts ($1.70) and the World Annual Hazelnut Revenue ($3.26 Billion). Across the Central States, Many Producers Looking to Diversify Their Operations Beyond Corn and Soybeans Have Shown Intense Interest in Hazelnuts. Ten-year Average Yields of Superior Selections Grown in Field Trials in Ne Indicate That Net Returns From Hybrid Hazelnuts Will Likely Compete Very Well With or Exceed Returns From Agronomic Crops.