It is the opinion of the authors that Schedule II gives a score that estimates very well the relative merit of the samples tested as to crackability, yield and marketability. It is simple to use and the only equipment required is a scale accurate to 1/10 gram. Calculations are reduced to a minimum and the characters used are not dependent on judgment of the individual making the test. It should be pointed out, however, that differences in score of less than six points are not significant on the basis of testing done to date. As more tests are made this value may be reduced. The schedule should serve as a measure to establish differences between varieties, particularly when a considerable number of tests are made. It can also be relied upon to measure differences due to the location of trees of the same variety, variation of the same variety from year to year in the same and in different locations and differences of a similar nature. In ranking varieties which have scores within the limits of variability, it will be necessary to use judgment as to small differences of appearance. No scoring schedule can be expected to entirely eliminate the judgment of experts. Also it must be realized that characters other than the nuts, such as bearing habit, hardiness, yield of trees, disease resistance and the like must be considered in finally establishing the value of a variety.
References Cited
1. Atwood. S. S. and L. H. MacDaniels. Tests of black walnut varieties for differences
in kernel yields. N.N.G.A Rept. 36: 44-50, 1945.
2. Berhow, Seward. Black walnut variety tabulations. N.N.G.A Rept. 36: 38-43, 1945.
3. Bixby, W. G. Judging nuts. N.N.G.A. Rept. 10: 122-133, 1919.
4. ——. The 1929 contests and the method of testing used. N.N.G.A. Rept.
22: 42-63, 1931.
5. Drake, N. F. Judging black walnuts. N.N.G.A. Rept. 22: 130-137, 1931.
6. ——. Black walnut varieties. N.N.G.A. Rept. 26: 66-71, 1935.
7. Kline, L. V., and S. B. Chase. Compilation of data on nut weight and kernel percentage
of black walnut selections. Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. Proc. 38: 166-174, 1941.
8. Kline, L. V. A method of evaluating the nuts of black walnut varieties. Am. Soc.
Hort. Sci. Proc. 41: 136-144, 1942.
9. Lounsberry, C. C. Measurements of walnuts of United States. N.N.G.A. Rept.
31: 162-127, 1940
10. MacDaniels, L. H. Report of committee on varieties and judging standards. N.N.G.A.
Rept. 28: 20-23, 1937.
11. ——. Is it possible to devise a satisfactory judging schedule for black
walnuts? N.N.G.A. Rept. 30: 24-27, 1939.
12. ——, and J. E. Wilde. Further tests with black walnut varieties. N.N.G.A.
Rept. 34: 64-82, 1943.
Test Plantings of Thomas Black Walnut in the Tennessee Valley
SPENCER B. CHASE, Tennessee Valley Authority
Native black walnut occurs abundantly throughout most of the Tennessee Valley. Practically every farmer has at least one "favorite tree" and each fall he collects nuts from that tree and stores them for cracking during the winter. In some sections of the Valley walnut cracking in the home is of considerable importance. Each year, some million and a quarter pounds of kernels are cracked out at the five modern cracking plants located in or adjacent to the Valley. Utilization of the crop is becoming more and more complete.
In early studies of native nut trees, TVA recognized the possibilities of black walnut, especially the improved varieties. Here was a tree that produced not only valuable nut crops but also cabinet wood without equal; in addition, it was a desirable pasture shade tree. Black walnut has long been a favorite among farmers, but few of them had ever heard of improved black walnuts. Along with TVA, the state agricultural extension services saw the advantages of the improved varieties and were eager to test them under Valley conditions. And so it was that a cooperative testing project was developed. TVA produced the trees and the seven Valley state extension services distributed them to farmers for test planting.
The Test
The Thomas walnut was used in these test plantings for several reasons. In the first place, it produces large, rather thin-shelled nuts with good cracking qualities. Few varieties are more easily cracked with a hammer or a hand-operated cracking machine. In addition, fast growth is characteristic of the variety and it should produce merchantable sawlogs earlier than the common walnut. Despite its northern origin, 5-year-old plantings at Norris, Tennessee, seemed well adapted to Valley conditions. No other variety at the time offered as many advantages.