Manchurian walnut tree

Why in News?

Researchers have found that leaves from the Manchurian walnut tree contain a natural compound, 2Z-decaprenol, that can kill weeds by disrupting their growth pathways and activating their defense systems.

• Recent discovery - The study published identified a compound called 2Z-decaprenol extracted from Juglans mandshurica leaves.
• The research showed that this compound disrupted root development, triggered defence pathways and interfered with stress-response genes in weeds and showed its extreme strength.
• The plant leaf natural weed killer proved far more potent than juglone, a previously known allelopathic compound found in walnut species.
• This discovery has opened a new chapter in eco-friendly weed management.

Manchurian walnut tree

• It is a cold-hardy walnut species native to Northeast Asia (China’s Manchuria region, North Korea, South Korea, and the Russian Far East).
• Scientific name - Juglans mandshurica
• Family - Juglandaceae
• Type - Deciduous tree
• Height - Up to 25–30 m
• Leaves - Large, pinnate (many leaflets), aromatic when crushed
• Bark - Grey-brown, rough and fissured
• Fruit - Round nuts with thick, hard shells.
• Habitat & growth
  • Thrives in temperate, cold regions
  • Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soil
  • Tolerates severe frost better than most walnuts
  • Grows best in full sun or light shade
• Uses
  • Timber
    • Hard and durable
    • Used for furniture, flooring, and carving
  • Traditional medicine
    • Bark and hulls used in East Asian medicine
    • Contains compounds with antifungal and antiparasitic properties
  • Edible nuts
    • Kernels are edible but harder to extract due to thick shells
    • Less commercially popular than English walnut
  • Ecological role
    • Supports forest biodiversity
    • Provides food for wildlife
• Chemical feature (Juglone) - Like other walnuts, it releases juglone, a natural chemical that Inhibits the growth of nearby sensitive plants and gives the tree natural pest resistance.

Reference

Times of India | Manchurian Walnut Tree