We are conducting a survey on post-harvest chestnut rots to better understand the spoilage pathogens affecting chestnut production. This project will investigate the incidence of fungal rots, evaluate the impact of sanitation treatments, and examine how different chestnut cultivars are affected by these molds. The results will provide crucial information for developing strategies to reduce economic losses due to post-harvest spoilage.
How You Can Help?
We are requesting chestnut samples from producers across the eastern U.S.
Sample Requirements:
- Minimum of 100 chestnuts per submission
- We are accepting treated and non-treated nuts
- Separate nuts by cultivar
- Please include information on location, cultivar, and any post-harvest treatments used with the samples
Where to Send Samples:
C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic
1680 Madison Avenue
Wooster, OH,44691
Rot Assessment Details:
- Samples will be processed at our USDA-APHIS certified Diagnostic Clinic in Wooster, OH.
- Nuts will be visually inspected for post-harvest damage, including cracks, weevil infestation, and molds.
- Molds will be cultured, characterized, and identified using DNA sequencing.
Diversity of post-harvest pathogens cultured from symptomatic chestnut kernels
Your Contribution Matters:
This research aims to reduce chestnut spoilage and improve the shelf life of chestnuts across the industry. Results will be shared with producers at the 2025 NNGA Annual Meeting and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Contact Information:
Dr. Francesca Rotondo Dr. Melanie Ivey
rotondo.11@osu.edu ivey.14@osu.edu
(330)-263-3721 (330)-263-3849
