Italian Expert Joins Georgian Scientists to Investigate Hazelnut Disease

Professor Vladimiro Guarnacha of the University of Turin, Italy, paid a working visit to the LEPL Agricultural Research Center. The Italian expert, together with specialists from the center, visited areas in the Adjara and Guria-Samegrelo regions affected by the rapid drying of hazelnuts. The working group studied symptoms of the disease on-site and collected analytical samples for further diagnostic studies in both Georgian and Italian scientific laboratories.

“I had the opportunity to observe firsthand how this disease manifests in the field. It is crucial to accurately identify the real causative agent in order to develop proper management measures. The Scientific Research Center has already conducted significant work, and we will additionally study the samples in the Italian laboratory,” said Vladimiro Guarnacha, Associate Professor of Phytopathology at the University of Turin.

The Agricultural Research Center has been actively addressing the issue of hazelnut rapid drying since 2023. Under the leadership of the Center’s Director, Levan Ujmajuridze, a special working group was formed to examine the disease’s spread across various regions of Adjara and Western Georgia. The group collected samples and began laboratory analyses, and is now working in close collaboration with the Italian expert to accurately identify the pathogen and establish effective management strategies.

“The Agricultural Research Center is actively studying hazelnut diseases and providing recommendations to farmers. Our goal is to develop practical solutions and assist growers in planning both preventive and curative measures,” noted Zurab Khidesheli, Head of the Integrated Plant Protection Research Department of the Agricultural Research Center.