Following is a summary table containing data on the prize winners:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nut Kernel Kernel Rank Entry Name and Address Weight Weight Per- centage -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 No. 1 Ray McKinster, 1632 S. 4th St., Columbus 7, Ohio 12.9 6.8 52.7 2 Hansen S. M. Shessler, RFD, Genoa, Ohio 8.8 5.2 59.6 3 Jacobs S. M. Shessler, RFD, Genoa, Ohio 12.8 6.0 46.8 4 S-66 Benton & Smith Nut Tree Nursery, Rt. 2, Millerton, New York 5 S-XD Benton & Smith Nut Tree Nursery, Rt. 2, Millerton, New York 15.6 7.1 45.8 --------------------------------------------------------------------------
To obtain information on the culture of hardy Persian walnut a questionnaire was sent to members known to have experience with ~Juglans regia~. The following information, based on the reports of thirteen growers, should prove valuable to those interested in testing Persian walnut.
The members contacted are testing 35 named varieties in addition to many seedlings. Of the varieties, Broadview appears to be represented in more plantings than any other variety. Gilbert Becker (Michigan) has most of the named Crath selections in addition to seedlings. H. F. Stoke (Virginia) has a large assortment of Crath and other Persian varieties. Fayette Etter (Pennsylvania) reports that he has approximately 150 Persian walnut trees while Royal Oakes (Illinois), Sylvester Shessler, and Gilbert Becker each report 60 trees. Many others have from 25 to 40 grafts or trees while Ray McKinster has only one seedling Carpathian which took top honors in the contest. Most of these members have been testing Persian varieties for more than 13 years. Mr. Stoke has some trees 20 years old.
~Yields~--Most trees reported on began bearing at five to eight years. Topworked trees start bearing several years sooner. It is generally agreed that Persian varieties bear annually. Many trees are bearing only small nut crops. Lack of pollination is given as a reason for these low yields. In addition, winter injury and spring frosts can seriously reduce nut crops. Apparently, none of the trees have borne more than a bushel of nuts at 12 years of age. Accurate records of nut crops were generally lacking. Since this is a very important factor in the selection of varieties, growers should keep accurate yield records for each variety. Where pests are a factor in reducing final yield, a crop estimate should be made early in the season.