Bulk purchase of Eastern Filbert Blight resistant varieties of filbert trees?

Dear Lasqueti filbert (hazelnut) growers,

As many of you know, the Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB) has destroyed 1000’s of filbert (hazelnut) trees in the Fraser Valley  http://www.vancouversun.com/news/hazelnut+crops+hard+blight/11081973/story.html

The blight hasn’t hit the Gulf Islands yet, but all predictions are that it will.  The most susceptible varieties are Ennis and  Butler (esp. the former).  I believe these are two of the most common varieties that Lasquetians have in their hazelnut orchards. 

Nature Tech Nursery in Langley   http://www.naturetechnursery.com/    is leading the way in developing and growing blight-resistant strains to be planted in local BC orchards.  I have talked to the owners at length (Haley and Thom) and we can do a bulk order for Fall of 2017.  The time to do this order is now.  

The kinds of trees:

Nature Tech has a number of resistant varieties: Jefferson, Lewis, Sacajawea, Yamhill, and three pollinizers: Eta, Gamma and Theta.

They suggest planting Jefferson (may get a wee bit of blight in a very large orchard, but it’s prunable) and Yamhill (smaller nut, but hasn’t gotten the blight at all in 5 years in experimental orchard).  Seems like a mix of the two is the way to go, or could do all Jefferson.

How many of each kind should be planted:

Both of these will need pollinzers.  Nature Tech recommends between 6 and 10 per cent of the trees planted be pollinizers. 

These are the scenarios they lay out for small orchards:

http://www.naturetechnursery.com/hazelnut-varieties/recommended-mixes/

Backyard (2-5 trees)

Jefferson + Theta and/or Eta and/or Yamhill

Yamhill + Gamma and/or Jefferson and/or Sacajawea

Small grove (10 trees)

4 Jefferson +3 Yamhill + 1 Eta + 1 Theta + 1 Gamma

Small grove II (20 trees)

8 Jefferson +8 Yamhill + 1 Eta + 1 Theta + 1 Gamma+ 1 Sacajawea

Planting near in your existing orchard:

There doesn’t appear to be a problem planting these trees next to ones that might be or will be infected with EFB.  

Use of fungicides

They recommend using fungicides for the first years after planting especially if there is EFB pressure. 

We asked if we had to do this and there answer is as follows:

Probably would be fine if there is no EFB present, but remember that EF infection can occur up to a couple of years ahead of trees showing symptoms We don't really have a definitive answer to this, so current recommendations are to spray all new plantings for at least the first few years may err on the side of caution in this situation. Bordeux mix (copper sulphate + hydrated lime) is allowed to some extent by organic growers.

Costs:

 #1 pots cost the following (based on volume)

Minimum order of 11 trees - $23 ea
Min of 50 trees - $15.75 ea
Min of 100 trees - $12 ea
#1 pots are available by pre-booking an order with a deposit, and currently they expect they can supply all varieties with the possible exception of Sacajawea for fall 2017.  (#1 pots are one gallon pots, though they hold only 3 quarts of soil.)

This doesn’t include shipping costs to Nanaimo or the barge (if needed) or freight costs to get to Lasqueti.  

The growers say the following about getting our plants 

"We generally prefer that customers pick trees up here, but we may also be able to bring up to two pallets over to Vancouver Island in our own pickup truck if you coverour ferry cost (depending upon the timing)."

There would be 50 - 80 trees per pallet (depending on size and how they stack).  We think we can do two pallets, but maybe more if we have some pick up trucks to get the order from Nanaimo.  Then we just need to pay for the barge.

If you’re interested in being part of this group order, please let Peter know (he has graciously offered to keep track of the orders).  If you have any questions, email me or Peter   pjohnston [at] lasqueti [dot] ca. 

Thanks much,

Dana