A delegation from the Rivne branch of the Ukrainian Walnut Association, consisting of the head of the regional branch, Doctor of Economics, Professor of the National University of Ukraine for the Protection of Nuts and Seeds P.M. Skrypchuk, the well-known amateur hazelnut grower Y.V. Reinsky and other specialists, visited the certified nursery "BATKIV SAD", well-known to many gardeners, which is successfully managed by a breeder-practitioner, an active member of the Ukrainian Walnut Association, Ihor Vasylovich Tsybenko.

In addition to a wide range of fruit and berry crops and ornamental crops grown in the nursery, special attention has been paid to hazelnut cultivation and breeding experiments with it for over 10 years. More than 300 different plants are grown in this nursery (see the website https://batkivsad.com.ua/ru/ and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sadoviroslyny ). The nursery annually undergoes state certification to obtain the necessary documents indicating the varietal purity and quality of the seedlings grown.

Today, the nursery "BATKIV SAD" is undergoing primary variety testing and variety study of most varieties from the world selection of hazelnuts, which can be adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of Ukraine. Three of his own hazelnut varieties have already been registered and entered into the State Register of Ukraine, but Igor Vasylovich continues to conduct breeding work on the selection of new promising forms together with breeding work on hybridization with varieties of different selection. Having limited land resources, along with the classical planting scheme, Igor Tsybenko successfully models the cultivation of promising hazelnut varieties using intensive technology with and without the use of trellises.

In recent years, he has been experimenting with various methods of intensive hazelnut planting.

1. flat trellis after 0.75 m.

2. flat trellis after 1 m.

3. similar after 0.5m.

4. similar after 0.75m.

5. quadro with 4 sleeves

Last year, in order to spread the cultivation of promising hazelnut varieties using intensive technology with the use of trellises according to various schemes and research in another climatic zone of Ukraine, experimental plots were laid in the Krynychansky district of the Dnipropetrovsk region (responsible specialists: Candidate of Agricultural Sciences Zelenko O.A., Head of LLC "Nut Orchards of Ukraine" Filonenko O.L.). According to the expert-advisor of the Ukrainian Walnut Association, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences Sciences Oleksiy Zelenko: "I. Tsybenko's farm has a comprehensive direction. Ideas and plans are tested in various technologies for creating and operating intensive hazelnut orchards, studying the varietal base of world selection, own varieties. There is something to see, choose a technology based on your capabilities and preferences. Trellis technologies are especially attractive for small plots. To work out the technological features of trellis technologies and study the varietal base in the conditions of the Ukrainian steppe in the village of Krynichy, Dnipropetrovsk region, a corresponding experimental garden has also been created. Hazelnut on bear nut rootstock is also included in the research scheme."

All nut growers know that hazelnuts fall gradually over 3 weeks, so it is impossible to collect them in one go, by shaking them, as in the case of almonds or cherries. Given the rainy weather and fogs in the climatic zone where the "BATKIV SAD" nursery is located (on the border of Vinnytsia-Khmelnytsia regions), in September-October, at the time of collecting hazelnuts from the ground, the nut is often dirty and, if collected late, with possible signs of mold, which will worsen its quality. In this regard, amateur Tsybenko found a way to simplify the collection and simultaneous drying of the nut, without loss of quality. This year, they brought their idea to life - the technology of growing and harvesting hazelnuts on a trellis using a hanging net is officially patented in the State Register of Ukraine. Patent No. 151082 dated 06/01/2022 today adorns the office of the private farm "BATKIV SAD".

We have known Petro Skrypchuk, the head of the Rivne branch of the Ukrainian Walnut Association, for a long time, and not only through participation in conferences and other events of the association. Igor Tsybenko received his higher agricultural education at the Rivne National University of Water Management and Environmental Management (NUWEM), where Professor Petro Skrypchuk works and teaches.

Therefore, famous hazelnut experts met to create the northernmost industrial hazelnut orchard in Ukraine.

The Rivne branch of the Walnut Association plans to establish an industrial hazelnut orchard in the north of the region, in the Volodymyretskyi district (about 100 kilometers from the Belarusian border).

This required the experience and knowledge of the entire professional trio: Igor Tsybenko, Petro Skrypchuk, Yuriy Reinsky, acquired over the years. The most hardy varieties for the northern region were selected, future seedlings were inspected, which will go to the north in the fall. The topic of technological and scientific support for the laying and subsequent cultivation of the industrial garden, which the experts will provide together, was discussed. But I will specify all the details of this NORTHERN HAZELNUT PROJECT a little later - in the fall, when the garden will already be planted. In order not to cast a spell - as they say... In the meantime, having firmly shaken hands, the Polesie specialists left to continue preparing the area for the future NORTHERN HAZELNUT GARDEN.

President of the Ukrainian Walnut Association G. Yudin