Insufficient spring irrigation increases abnormal splitting of pistachio nuts

Doster, M; Michailides, T; Goldhamer, D; Morgan, D

Insufficient spring irrigation increases abnormal splitting of pistachio nuts

Authors

Mark A. Doster
Themis J. Michailides
David A. Goldhamer
David P. Morgan

Authors Affiliations

M.A. Doster is Staff Research Associate, Department of Plant Pathology; T.J. Michailides is Professor, Department of Plant Pathology; D.A. Goldhamer is Water Management Specialist, Department of Land, Air and Water Resources; D.P. Morgan is Staff Research Associate, Department of Plant Pathology, UC Davis, located at the Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 55(3):28-31. DOI:10.3733/ca.v055n03p28. May 2001.

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Abstract

Abnormal pistachio nuts, known as “early-split nuts,” have both the hull and shell split while still on the tree, exposing the kernel to invasion by insects and molds. Deficit irrigation of pistachio trees in April and May resulted in substantial increases in the formation of early-split nuts in late summer, while extreme deficit irrigation in July and August resulted in decreased formation. However, deficit irrigation during the period of shell hardening, mainly in June, did not affect early-split formation.

References

Crane JC, Bradley MV, Nelson MM. Growth of seeded and seedless pistachio nuts. J Am Soc Hort Sci. 1971. 96:78-80.

Doster MA, Michailides TJ. The relationship between date of hull splitting and decay of pistachio nuts by Aspergillus species. Plant Dis. 1995. 79:766-769.

Goldhamer DA, Kjelgren RK, Williams L, Beede R. Water use requirements of pistachio trees and response to water stress. In: Proceedings of the National Conference on Advances in Evapotranspiration. 1985. St. Joseph, MO: American Society of Agricultural Engineers. p. 216-223.

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