Chronica Horticulturae volume 49 number 2 ... - Acta Horticulturae

vation of coppice forests, irrigation, soil management
practices and the effect of cultivation
on the nutrient budget and nut quality were
discussed.
The field visit of the symposium was organized
to Miyun Mountain Region and chestnut
orchard. All of the participants saw the chestnut
cultivation and growing situation in Miyun
district.
The chestnut production has been effectively
increased and its excellent quality has been
maintained by using modern management
methods, modern technology of tree control at
intensive planting orchards, modern technology
of comprehensive control of vermin and diseases,
soil improvement and the technology of
controlling the height of the plantings.
For the technology of intensive planting
orchards, the idea of organic planting was
adopted in order to improve the quality of
chestnut and of the environment. For the pesticide
management, the “IPM” idea was adopted
to reduce and control the pests and diseases.
For instance, black light lamps and natural animals
were used to trap and kill the pests. For
the control of the height of the plantings, reasonable
pruning was performed to improve the
light and space, and the nutrition was balanced
to ensure the health of the important part of
the tree.
At the closing ceremony, the conclusions of the
IV International Chestnut Symposium, composed
by the Scientific Committee with the
agreement of the Organizing Committee, were
presented by the Chairperson. These were:
1. Over the years, researchers working with the
chestnut tree have shown their dedication
and love to this multipurpose tree and have
achieved important and innovative scientific
results.
Visit to the chestnut orchard at Miyun in Beijing.
Damiano Avanzato (left) and Giancarlo Bounous (right) handing out the ISHS Medal to Prof.
Qin Ling (center).
2. We should show our love and trust for the
chestnut tree. Trust that chestnut can contribute
significantly to the development of
rural economy, trust that roasted chestnuts
will smell in the big city squares and corners
of major streets all over the world.
3. The cooperation in chestnut research should
be strengthened, especially in prevention
and control of ink disease, collection and
exchange of chestnut germplasm resources,
and shortened breeding cycles of chestnut
cultivar.
4. Chestnuts are in shortage in the world market,
but it has much untapped potential
development. It is our duty to convince our
governments to implement policies and to
help the growers to increase their produce
in a combined effort to promote the chestnut
tree, its precious nuts and its valuable
timber.
At the end of the symposium, the Chairperson
on behalf of the Organizing Committee
thanked all the participants for coming to the
symposium from all over the world to present
the results of their work and share their experience.
The symposium ended with a loud and
long applause by the participants to the
Chinese organizers in appreciation of the
immense task of holding the IV International
Chestnut Symposium in such an excellent way.
Dr. William MacDonald of West Virginia
University will host the 5th International
Chestnut Symposium in October, 2012.
Qin Ling
CONTACT
Prof. Qin Ling, Plant Science and Technology
College, Beijing University of Agriculture, No.7
in Beinong Road, Huilongguan, Changpin
District, Beijing, 102206, The People’s
Republic of China, Phone: 86-10-80799136,
Fax: 86-10-80795517, email:
qinling@bac.edu.cn, qinlingbac@126.com
ISHS • 34