Comparative Evaluation of Phenological, Morphological, Pomological and Yield Traits of the ‘Çakıldak’ Hazelnut Cultivar Grown under Organic and Conventional Farming Systems

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of organic and conventional farming systems on phenological and vegetative growth, as well as fruit quality and yield characteristics of the ‘Çakıldak’ hazelnut cultivar. The research was carried out during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons in two neighboring hazelnut orchards-one managed under organic and the other under conventional farming systems-located in Kumru district of Ordu Province, Türkiye. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications, and five ocaks were evaluated in each replication. Phenological observations included leaf bud burst, onset of fruit set, cluster formation, harvest date, and leaf fall period. Vegetative growth parameters such as trunk circumference, trunk cross-sectional area, plant height, shoot length, leaf area, and petiole length and thickness were measured. In addition, fruit quality traits (nut weight, kernel weight, shell thickness, kernel ratio, etc.) and yield-related parameters were evaluated. The results indicated no significant differences between organic and conventional farming systems in phenological development stages. However, significant differences were observed in several vegetative growth parameters, including trunk circumference, leaf area, and petiole characteristics. In general, trees grown under organic management exhibited weaker vegetative growth compared to those under conventional management. Fruit quality traits were not significantly affected by the farming system. Yield and yield-related parameters were more strongly influenced by the year factor, while the ratios of sound nuts, blank nuts, defective kernels, and pre-harvest cluster drop differed significantly between the farming systems. In conclusion, organic farming practices for the ‘Çakıldak’ hazelnut cultivar can be considered a sustainable production system when supported by appropriate management and incentives; however, conventional farming appears to be more advantageous in terms of yield performance and certain yield components.