Biology:Maraval (chestnut)

Maraval is the name of a natural chestnut hybrid (synonym CA 74), a cross between a European chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Japanese (Castanea crenata). This variety was created in France in 1986 by INRA in Lalevade-d'Ardèche. It is mainly used as root stock because of its good compatibility with many varieties. Maraval produces a big mahogany colored nut from triangular to elliptical triangular shape. It keeps well. Peeling is mediocre but good in boiling water. Its fruit can be used fresh as well as for processing. It is not very demanding to the quality of the soil and produces fruit in 4 to 5 years. I grows in warm regions such as Gironde, Dordogne, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Midi-Pyrenees in 250 to 300 m of altitude. The tree is considered partially self-pollinating since its pollen is not very fertile .

Its early budding makes it sensitive to spring frosts. It is resistant to leaf rust and ink disease. The tree is a mid-season hybrid variety, upright with moderate vigor and medium stature. This allows denser orchards than other hybrids such as Marigoule.

As a rootstock, it is: compatible with the varieties Bouche de Betizac, Bournette, Precoce Migoule, Maridonne. It is incompatible with Marigoule and Primato.

References

• "Châtaignes et marrons" - Henri BREISCH - Editor CTIFL - 1995
• [1]
• Growing chestnut trees accessed 2017
• GIBA Morphologic Descriptors, Italian/English, accessed 2017
• Sandra L. Anagnostakis, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station CULTIVARS OF CHESTNUT, 2013, accessed 2017