Dorris variety filbert is a compact tree, reaching approximately 55% of the size of the Barcelona variety, making it unique among other varieties. Despite its smaller size, Dorris exhibits high productivity, yielding medium-sized nuts with exceptional aroma. This makes it especially attractive for the blanched kernel market, as well as for selling shelled nuts. Due to the small tree size, new planting management methods can be applied, including double-density planting, which can increase yield over several years.
The variety has high resistance to bud mites and genetic resistance to diseases such as EFB, thanks to the presence of the "Gasaway" gene. Dorris nuts ripen simultaneously with Barcelona and Jefferson varieties, making them among the last to harvest in the season. Flowering and pollination occur in mid-season, approximately from January 11 to February 10, which is important to consider when planning pollination. The University of Oregon recommends using Yamhill, Santiam, Jefferson, and McDonald as pollinators, while Dorris itself is a suitable pollinator for Yamhill.
Although the kernel percentage by weight is about 43%, which is lower than most varieties, and kernel yield is comparatively low, the superior aroma and kernel quality make this variety profitable for growers, especially considering growing premiums for aroma from processors. The small tree size and lower branch positioning may create some harvesting and raking difficulties, and it is noted to grow more slowly compared to other varieties. Nevertheless, specialized nurseries take measures to grow sufficiently large seedlings capable of thriving in the field.
