Other titles:SE IL SEME NON MUORE (Italian Title) [Alternative Title]
NATO MISCELLANEOUS FILMS [Allocated Series Title]
Summary:Documentary about the importance of the chestnut tree to the Italian economy and the threat to the trees from chestnut blight.
Description:Throughout the film the complete use of the chestnut tree is emphasised; the chestnut tree industry supports entire villages and has a wide range of uses. However, the trees are threatened by the spread of chestnut blight, a fungus (Endothia parasitica) which originated in the United States. From a state-run research centre the film provides a brief explanation as to how the infection spreads. Asian chestnut trees proved resilient, and so the United States provides seeds to Italy. The seeds are grown in government research centres and nurseries, for later grafting on to the stumps of Italian trees. Dead trees are harvested for fuel. Chestnuts are graded by hand by young women in the town. They are then packed in boxes made from chestnut wood for export. Those to be retained are dried on site at the harvest. Lumberjacks are shown harvesting young trees, for use as telegraph poles and fencing. The wood is also used in the making of barrels, baskets and furniture. Factory scenes of the production of marron glacé and tannin are presented. Tannic acid produced in Italy is exported worldwide, with many uses. The film ends in emphasising the danger posed by the fungus and the efforts being taken to preserve the chestnut tree industry.
Alternative Title:SE IL SEME NON MUORE (Italian Title) [Alternative Title]
NATO MISCELLANEOUS FILMS [Allocated Series Title]
Production Details:Marcellini, Romolo (Production individual)
Filippini, R (Production individual)
Giomini, P (Production individual)
Innocenzi, C (Production individual)
