Invention Summary:
Rutgers University initiated hazelnut research and breeding program in 1996 to address the fatal tree disease eastern filbert blight (EFB) caused by the naturally occurring fungus, Anisogramma anomala.
Rutgers researchers made large seed collections across Eastern Europe, the Caucuses, and Central Asia to cross and breed the collected trees for eastern US trials. The program spans over 20 years as of 2019, and Rutgers now has 25,000 trees on 20 acres in various stages of evaluation. The result of a cross of Oregon State University selections OSU 539.031 x OSU 616.018, ‘Raritan’ is high yielding with medium size, round kernels that blanch well after roasting, making it well suited for the kernel market. Most kernels are 12–14 mm in diameter with an average weight of 1.14 grams and 48% kernel by weight. ‘Raritan’ is a very vigorous tree with an upright growth habit and a very high level of tolerance to EFB (quantitative resistance). It has S-alleles 3 and 22 with S3 expressed in the pollen, and blooms in early to mid-season in New Jersey. ‘Monmouth’ (S1S12), ‘OSU 541.147’ (S8S23), ‘Slate’ (NY616) (S1S23), ‘Gene’ (NY398) (S15S23), and ‘Grand Traverse’ (S11S25) are compatible pollinizer partners. Nuts typically drop the first to second week in September. .
Market Applications:
- Nuts and foods
- Bakery and confections
- Beverages
- Oil
- Cosmetics
Advantages:
- EFB Disease Resistance
- Commercially attractive and competitive yields
- Required nut characteristics
Intellectual Property & Development Status: Issued patent: US PP32,460 P2. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. Please contact marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu
