Chile is the largest hazelnut producer in the Southern Hemisphere. Hazelnut cultivation covers about 30,000 ha between the region of Maule, the central zone (Talca, Linares, Chillan) and the south zone of the country, including the areas Araucanía, Los Ríos and Los Lagos (Temuco, Valdivia and Puerto Varas with an additional 800-1000 ha being added yearly). Historically this species was introduced in South Chile by European emigrants, mainly Germans, Italians, and Swiss, principally in Araucania, Los Rios…