Evaluation of corylus avellana L Cvs propagated by rooted suckers and grafting

Hazel belongs to the genus Corylus, where we find as economic interest to European Hazel (C. avellana L). Recommended cultivars for Italy are Tonda di Giffoni, Tonda Gentile delle Langhe (TGL) and Tonda Romana (TR), because of their nut quality, productivity, vigor and type of growth. Hazelnut is commonly propagated vegetatively by rooted suckers, layering and grafting. Grafting is particularly interesting because the use on non-suckering rootstock can consistently decrease crop cost. The aim of this work was to evaluate the behavior of the cv Tonda di Giffoni propagated by rooted suckers (TG) and grafting. Furthermore, it was compared the reproductive activity of cv TGL and TR propagated by grafting. Tonda di Giffoni grafted (TGi) borne shorter (174.2 cm) and fewer shoots (12.2) compared with plants propagated by rooted suckers (362,8 cm, 18.6 and 120,53); grafted plants had higher density female flowers than own rooted plants; the same was for fruit set that was larger in grafted plants than in own-rooted plants (66.6%).