Arsin Fosha Hazelnut Product Description and Distinguishing Features: Arsin Foşa Hazelnut; is a variety of hazelnut grown in the Arsin district of Trabzon province. It is also known by the name "boyhane" within the geographical boundary.Arsin Foşa Hazelnut is presented to the market in its shell, in jute sacks or bulk, containing a maximum of 12% moisture.In the official records of Ottoman tax registers (tapu-tahrir defteri), information about the presence and production potential of hazelnuts in the region is documented in both pre-Ottoman and Ottoman rule periods. Tax registers dated 1486 indicate that hazelnut cultivation was done at a taxable level in the region. It is understood that the harvested products were transported to markets by villagers for sale. The production quantities in the Trabzon Vilayet Salnameler (provincial yearbooks) indicate that hazelnut cultivation in the Arsin district, which is currently within the borders of Trabzon province, is recorded as the main product grown in the region.In the Trabzon kadı sicils (judge registers) from the 17th century, records of land disputes and inheritance laws related to hazelnut orchards are frequently found, providing significant evidence of the increasing interest in hazelnut production from the 1400s to the 1600s. The history of Arsin Foşa Hazelnut dates back to the Ottoman period and holds a significant place in the economic life of the geographical boundary. For these reasons, there is a strong association between the geographical boundary and the reputation of this hazelnut variety.The phenological, morphological, pomological, and chemical characteristics of Arsin Foşa Hazelnut are detailed below. Production Method: Planting Time The most suitable time for planting is in the autumn months. Planting saplings in the fall allows for the development of absorbing roots over the winter. When these roots come into contact with the softened soil from winter rains, it facilitates the quick adaptation of the saplings. Planting Spacing and Method The plantation system used for Arsin Foşa Hazelnut production is the "ocak" (stump) planting system. Adequate space should be allocated between the stumps to allow for the branches' growth and development. Depending on the land conditions, 6-8 meters are typically allocated between stumps. This number can be reduced to 4.5-5 meters for smaller and less fertile soils. To prepare for stump planting, a hole with a diameter of 120 cm and a depth of 60 cm is dug about a month before planting. The upper and lower soils are separated into different piles. After soil analysis, the fertilizer needs are determined, and manure and winter fertilizers are applied. Planting is done on the edge of the hole, 10 cm inside from the rim, with intervals of 45-50 cm between the stumps. In planting the saplings, pollinator varieties are included at a ratio of 1/10 and are distributed evenly across the field. 1. Autumn - Winter Pruning Autumn-winter pruning begins in the second half of October and can continue until November and December. During this period, the water movement in Arsin Foşa Hazelnut slows down, most of the leaves fall, vegetation stops, nutrient storage is completed, and the plant enters the dormant period. 2. Spring Pruning In spring pruning, broken or distorted branches from the winter season are cut, and in March, April, and May, the shoots that emerge from the base of the stump and develop vigorously as the leaves open in spring are cut to clean the tree. Pruning Method When cutting the main branch that needs to be removed from inside the stump, it is cut smoothly with a saw from the soil surface. Care is taken not to injure other branches. When cutting heavy branches, to prevent cracking on the surface, a significant portion of the weight of the branch is first removed by cutting from the bottom and then from the top. The remaining parts are easily cut from the base. Pollination The male flower blossoms from January 10 to 20, and the female flower blossoms from January 20 to 30 for Arsin Foşa Hazelnut. The flower pollen spread by the wind onto the stigmas of the female flowers leads to pollination. The pollen tubes that reach the base of the ovary wait in a calm phase for 3-5 months until the ovary develops, after being dispersed by the mature pusses. Until the end of April, they show about 10% of their volume growth. From May onwards, they enter a rapid growth phase. After pollination, the female flowers develop into ovaries. Usually, only one of the ovaries that form at the end of May and the beginning of June is fertilized and develops. If both are fertilized, twin hazelnuts are produced. After the female flowers completely open, they retain their red color for about a month and are able to receive pollen.