BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS

FLOURISHING UNDER FAVORABLE CONDITIONS, THE WALNUT TREE EXHIBITS IMPRESSIVE HEIGHT, REACHING UP TO 25 METERS, AND LIVES FOR MANY YEARS.

THE TREE'S ROOT IS CHARACTERIZED BY ITS THICKNESS AND RESEMBLANCE TO A STURDY STAKE.

The walnut tree grows quickly and begins to bear fruit at the age of 4-7 years, depending on the variety. When young, the bark of the tree is smooth and greenish in color. Later it becomes whitish with a silvery-white tinge. As the tree ages, the bark becomes very thick, and develops deep cracks that are often covered with moss and lichen.

The walnut tree is a monoecious tree that bears together male and female flowers but in different places.

Understanding the physiology of both walnut flowers and fruit is crucial for addressing specific technical challenges in walnut cultivation. Walnut trees frequently exhibit 'dichogamy,' wherein the flowering period differs between male and female flowers. Varieties are categorized as protandrous (male flowers bloom first), protogynous (female flowers bloom first), or homogamous (flowers bloom simultaneously). The majority of commercially grown varieties are protandrous.

The flowering period for female flowers spans 15-20 days, whereas male flowers exhibit a shorter duration of 8-10 days. The fruit of the common walnut takes the form of a drupe, characterized by its spherical shape, encompassing the pericarp (green sheath), endocarp (shell), and endosperm (psyllium).

TOXICITY

THE WALNUT TREE AND ITS PRODUCTS TYPICALLY POSE NO SIGNIFICANT ISSUES.

While its leaves pose a threat to individuals with allergies, particularly those sensitive to common allergens found in its pollen, reports of toxicity in humans are scarce. A distinctive trait of this tree is its ability to induce deep sleep in those resting beneath its shade due to the emitted odor.

Notably, the walnut tree exhibits toxicity towards certain plants, attributed to the
presence of juglone. This allelopathic chemical hinders the growth of plant species in
areas with dense walnut populations.

Released from the tree's roots, juglone remains insoluble in water, making its removal from the soil challenging. Its effects may persist for several years even after the removal of walnut trees, primarily impacting tomatoes, clover, apples, potatoes, and similar species.

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