Sweet chestnut ( Castanea sativa ): a nut tree with great potential still to be exploited.

摘要

This paper provides a historical account of the uses of sweet chestnut, and describes its unique features, the uses of its nuts, wood, flowers and how other parts of chestnut may be used in other products. The causes of chestnut damage, such as Cryphonectria parasitica, Phytophthora complex (Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora cambivora), carpophagous insects, Mycosphaerella maculiformis, and dry climate, are briefly discussed. The huge potential yet be exploited in chestnut industry is highlighted, and recommendations on other uses of chestnuts are mentioned.