BEST PRACTICE PROTOCOL TO MANAGE CHESTNUT INTERNAL ROT            

PRE-HARVEST 

1.     Remove or mulch all burrs, leaves and twigs from         orchard well before flowering.

2.     Prune trees to allow a minimum of 1 metre to 1.5 metres between trees and 1.5 metres beneath trees.

3.     Do not use sprinkler or micro - jet irrigation during       flowering.

4.     Do not use sprinklers that wet the leaves of trees. 

HARVEST - POST-HARVEST 

1.     Prior to harvesting do cutting tests to determine rot       levels to decide whether or not to harvest at all.

2.     Harvest frequently - daily is best.

3.     Shake down nuts if they are hanging in trees.

4.     Wash and float nuts prior to despatch. Discard      floaters.

5.     Cool nuts rapidly.

6.     Store chestnuts at 00 C to -2° C in high humidity.

7.     Final cutting tests and inspection should be carried out as close as possible to despatch.

8.     Communicate with your agent prior to sending      chestnuts.

9.     Ensure that your transport provider has properly   refrigerated trucks.