European Corylus avellana L. germplasm collections

Each Research Centre keeps its hazelnut genetic resources according to its own interest: native cultivars, suitable material from abroad and promoting the exchange of plant material among research centers from all over the world. A complete list of 291 hazelnut accessions existing in 13 different collections was compiled. The material of each collection was accurately observed, morphologically characterized and also identified by molecular markers (SSR). A final list of 202 cultivars and 58 selections, growing in 13 European hazelnut collections, was prepared. Cultivars originated from the following countries: Albania (1 cv.), Balkan area (2 cvs.), Belgium (1 cv.), England (12 cvs.), France (8 cvs.), Germany (6 cvs.), Greece (1 cv.), Hungary (1 cv.), Italy (51 cvs.), Netherlands (1 cv.), Portugal (3 cvs.), Romania (4 cvs.), Slovenia (3 cvs.), Spain (84 cvs.), Turkey (7 cvs.) and USA (9 cvs.).