Italian-Chinese cooperation for a fruitful management and utilization of hazelnut (Corylus spp.) genetic resources

Species of the genus Corylus are found widespread in China, and some wild accessions in high-elevation areas of Sichuan Province, including Corylus kweichowensis Hu, Corylus chinensis Franch., Corylus yunnanensis (Franch.) A. Camus, Corylus mandshurica Maxim., Corylus ferox and Corylus fargesii encourage the development of breeding and selection programs. To select cultivars suitable for cultivation in this area and regions with similar climate and site conditions, Sichuan Academy of Forestry has been evaluating eight hybrids of Corylus heterophylla Fisch. and Corylus avellana L. at low-elevation (500 m a.s.l.) experimental bases in Sichuan province since 2012. This study presents preliminary results on morphological characterization using international descriptors of hybrids and will discuss possible perspectives on hazelnut cultivation in Sichuan province. With the intention to exchange the expertise on hazelnut cultivation and improve the breeding program, Sichuan Academy of Forestry has created a collaboration with ENEA and UNITUS under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The goals and the activities of MoU will be debated as a model to build long-term cooperation among the Enterprise-University-Research Institutes on a fruitful management and utilization of hazelnut (Corylus spp.) genetic resources. © 2018 International Society for Horticultural Science. All Rights Reserved.