Potential of Greater Castanea Production in the United States

Chestnut trees (Castanea spp.) are highly valued in orchards, nurseries, and landscapes for their edible nuts, lumber, and shade tree applications.   However, chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) and other biotic and abiotic challenges have limited chestnut species/hybrids that are appropriate to grow. Asian germplasm, however, continues to show promise in offering resistance to diseases that have discouraged U.S. growers in further cultivating this genus.  An overview of Castanea species/hybrids that indicate merit for the orchard, nursery, and landscape will be presented.  In addition to careful germplasm selection, pest control, hypovirulence, crop isolation, and other practices could further bolster chestnut production in the United States.