A Review of the Stress Resistance, Molecular Breeding, Health Benefits, Potential Food Products, and Ecological Value of Castanea mollissima

Abstract

Chestnut (Castanea spp., Fagaceae family) is an economically and ecologically valuable species. The main goals of chestnut production vary among species and countries and depend on the ecological characteristics of orchards, agronomic management, and the architecture of chestnut trees. Here, we review recent research on chestnut trees, including the effects of fungal diseases (Cryphonectria parasitica and Phytophthora cinnamomi) and insect pests (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu), molecular markers for breeding, ecological effects, endophytic fungi, and extracts with human health benefits. We also review research on chestnut in the food science field, technological improvements, the soil and fertilizer used for chestnut production, and the postharvest biology of chestnut. We noted differences in the factors affecting chestnut production among regions, including China, the Americas, and Europe, especially in the causal agents of disease and pests. For example, there is a major difference in the resistance of chestnut to C. parasitica in Asian, European, and American countries. Our review provides new insights into the integrated disease and pest management of chestnut trees in China. We hope that this review will foster collaboration among regions and help to clarify differences in the direction of breeding efforts among countries.

Hot Water Treatment Preserves Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume) Quality during Storage by Increasing Its Sugar Accumulation and ROS-Scavenging Ability

“…Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Bl.) is an early-domesticated and -cultivated fruit tree widely planted in China, renowned for its high-quality nuts and wood [4,5], and its strong resistance to diseases and pests [6,7]. However, postharvest chestnuts are prone to decay and fungal infections, leading to short consumption periods and commercial losses [8,9].…”

Warming Scenarios and Phytophthora cinnamomi Infection in Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.)

“…Phytophthora cinnamomi ( Pc ) is a soil-borne pathogen (Stramenopila, Oomycota) that infects almost 5000 plant species, including many that are significant in agriculture, forestry and horticulture [ 30 ]. Recent studies on chestnut have addressed the genetic background, adaptation, maternal effects, regeneration and histology of trees in response to Pc infection [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ] and elucidated the metabolic, proteomic and hormonal changes in chestnut [ 10 , 41 , 42 ]. The impact of ink disease on chestnut depends on the environment, and is more severe in areas with high temperature, low relative humidity and dry summers [ 43 ].…”