Demo CCNUTS - CCNUTS

Climate change is altering the phenological behaviour of many woody species in temperate regions. In the Iberian Peninsula, bud break and flowering in some hazelnut and walnut cultivars can be erratic, affecting their productive performance. In this context, knowledge of chilling requirements, heat accumulation, long-term trends and flowering overlap is a key factor in selecting the most suitable genotypes for each growing area.

The CCNUTS project uses IRTA’s historical database to analyse the relationship between climatic conditions and the phenology of hazelnut and walnut trees. The activity has a dual purpose: to transfer knowledge to the sector on the effects of climate change on these crops and to provide economically viable, easy-to-implement strategies to mitigate the impact of high temperatures.

The strategies under study include varietal behaviour and pollinator management, artificial pollen applications, and the use of exogenous sunscreen protectants.

General objective

To provide objective climate and phenological data on hazelnut and walnut trees in order to assess the impact of climate change on phenological timing over recent decades, while also delivering practical recommendations to mitigate the effects of temperature fluctuations.

Specific objectives

• To determine chilling requirements, heat accumulation and temporal phenological trends for each species and variety.
• To provide economically viable and easy-to-implement recommendations on good plantation management practices to increase production.
• To empirically demonstrate the effect of exogenous protectants on increasing tree canopy temperature and to establish recommendations for mitigating this effect.
• To transfer the knowledge generated directly and clearly to growers, technicians, breeders, nurseries, companies and cooperatives, providing clear and cost-effective recommendations to address the effects of high temperatures.

Action of the Strategic Plan of the PAC 2023-2027 co-funded by: