We have developed an effective method for micropropagating hazelnut varieties in tissue culture. This is a method that commercial micropropagation labs are able to use. Micropropagation is a much more rapid technique of propagation than layering, cutting or grafting. Therefore, as Shawn Mehlenbacher develops EFBresistant varieties, they can made available to growers much more quickly than by conventional methods. Using tissue culture, Shawn can anticipate which EFBresistant clones are promising candidates for release and establish them in tissue culture years prior to release. When the final decision is made, established cultures can be immediately sent to commercial labs. This saves an additional one to two years, because nurseries are unwilling to tissue culture clones which may not be commercialized.

Telephone: 503-678-6823
Website: http://www.oregonhazelnuts.org/research.php#micro