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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Juglans (nigra)

Randall Lester
Assistant Manager
USDA NRCS - Appalachian Plant Materials Center
P.O. Box 390
Alderson, West Virginia 24910
304-445-3005
304-445-7049 (fax)
randall.lester@wv.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/wvpmc

Family Scientific Name: Juglandaceae
Family Common Name: Walnut
Scientific Name: Juglans nigra L.
Common Name: Black walnut
Species Code: JUNI
Ecotype: Stones River National Battlefield
General Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the eastern 2/3 of the United States.
Known Invasiveness: None
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Bareroot (field grown)
Stock Type: 1+0 bareroot
Time To Grow: 2 Years
Target Specifications: A well developed plant suitable for transplanting by hand with at least 12" top growth and a healthy tap root.
Propagule Collection: Seeds of the Stones River National Battlefield ecotype black walnut are harvested from existing populations within the boundaries of the park.
Propagule Processing: Seeds are processed through a macerator to remove the husks. This process is completed shortly after seed collection to prevent the husks from becoming too hard and difficult to remove. The unfilled seeds are then removed from the filled seeds using a water floatation method. The filled seeds sink to the bottom and the unfilled ones float on the top.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seeds are direct sown in the fall to allow for natural cold stratification.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Area for planting of the seeds is roto-tilled to a depth of 4 - 6 inches in long strips.
Establishment Phase: Seeds are hand sewn directly onto the tilled soil surface with an approximate rate of 12 seeds per square foot. Seeds are pressed into the soil by walking on them to ensure good seed to soil contact. They are then covered with a 1 - 2 inch layer of soil. A layer of clean straw is placed on top of the soil surface to reduce heaving inthe winter. Screens are placed over the beds to prevent predation by rodents.
Length of Establishment Phase: 8 months
Active Growth Phase: Germination begins in the spring after the cold stratification period. A radicle is produced first and then the shoot emerges.
Length of Active Growth Phase: 6 - 9 months
Hardening Phase: A hardening phase is not required.
Length of Hardening Phase: N/A
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Seedlings are lifted in early spring prior to breaking dormancy. The tap roots are often very long and the seedlings may be difficult to remove from the soil. Seedlings are placed in barrels with the roots covered with moist sawdust. Seedling are stored in a cooler at 34 degrees Fahrenheit until ready to be shipped in early spring. Seedlings are bundled together for shipment with moist sphagnum placed around the root systems to prevent drying out.
Length of Storage: 1 - 2 weeks
References: Bonner, F.T. & R.P. Karrfalt, 2008. The Woody Plants Seed Manual. USDA Forest Service. Agriculture Handbook 727.

USDA, NRCS. 2012. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 12 July 2012). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

Citation:

Lester, Randall; Vandevender, John. 2012. Propagation protocol for production of Bareroot (field grown) Juglans nigra L. plants 1+0 bareroot; USDA NRCS - Appalachian Plant Materials Center Alderson, West Virginia. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/02). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.