A highly productive and quality variety...
The Kerman Pistachio
The variety of Kerman pistachio It is one of the most cultivated in the world thanks to its High productivity, excellent fruit size and adaptability to various climatic conditions. Originally from the United States and widely spread in Spain, this variety is Ideal for those farmers looking for a safe and profitable investmentIn this article, we'll explore the characteristics of the Kerman pistachio, its agronomic management, and the key factors that make it a popular choice among nut producers.
The Kerman variety is the most widely grown in the USA.
Characteristics of the Kerman pistachio
Tree characteristics
The Kerman pistachio tree (“Pistacia vera”) is characterized by its vigorous bearing and excellent adaptation to continental climate zones such as Castilla-La ManchaIt requires a high number of chilling hours, which limits its cultivation to areas with severe winters.
Growth Habit: Semi-Erect
Tendency to branching: Media
Production High
Entry into production: 4 - 5 years
Characteristics of the fruit
The Kerman pistachio nut is notable for its large size, deep green color, hard shell, and high protein and antioxidant content. It has an efficient female-to-male ratio and a very high natural opening percentage, which favors its sale as a snack or in gourmet products. Its flavor is mild and slightly sweet, appreciated in the markets of Turkey, Iran, and the United States.
Its rounded shape and white shell make it a highly valued variety for snack consumption.
Size: Medium
Fruit gauge 17 – 19 pistachios per ounce
Cascara: Rounded, very white in color
Percentage of open: 60%
Percentage closed: 30%
Percentage of voids: 10%
Edaphoclimatic requirements
Climate
Kerman pistachio cultivation requires hot, dry summers and cold winters with sufficient chilling hours. Is drought resistant and tolerates extreme temperatures well, although it needs protection from late frosts in spring.
Land
It prefers well-drained, deep, and slightly alkaline soils. It tolerates moderate salinity and does not adapt well to excessively moist soils.
Minimum cold hours: 1.000 hours
Recommended chilling hours: 1.250 hours
Hours of heat: > 3.500 h
Flowering date: First days of May
Harvest date: Late September and early October
Pollination of the Kerman pistachio
The Kerman pistachio is a female variety and requires a suitable pollinator. The most commonly used is the Peter pistachio, which flowers simultaneously and ensures good fertilization. A ratio of one male to eight to ten females is recommended for effective pollination.
Male pistachio flower releasing pollen into the air.
Agronomic advantages of the Kerman variety
- High production and yield per hectare.
- Good percentage of natural opening.
- Fruits with high commercial value.
- High quality and excellent nutritional content.
- Compatible with rootstocks such as UCB#1.
Care and agronomic management
Rootstock
The UCB#1 rootstock is the most recommended for Kerman due to its resistance to soil-borne diseases and adaptability to marginal soils. It improves tree vigor and longevity.
In the USA, the UCB#1 rootstock is the most commonly used for the Kerman variety.
Plagues and diseases
Kerman is moderately susceptible to pests such as borer and fungi such as verticillium wilt. Good phytosanitary management and crop rotation can reduce the risk of disease.
Harvest and post-harvest
Kerman pistachios are harvested in late August or early September. Their hard shell protects the seed well during transport and storage. Quick drying after harvesting is recommended to preserve their quality.
Market perspectives
The Kerman pistachio is in high demand both nationally and internationally. Its large size, characteristic green color, high natural opening, and intense flavor make it one of the most prized varieties in gourmet markets.
Thanks to these qualities, it is widely used for Consumption as a premium snack, especially in open-shell presentations, which increases its commercial appeal. This end use, combined with its excellent presentation, allows the Kerman pistachio is marketed at a higher price, generating higher profitability for the farmer. Furthermore, its nutritional profile makes it a prominent option in healthy diets and as an ingredient in high-end cuisine.
Conclusion
The Kerman pistachio is one of the most highly valued varieties in the nut market for its yield, adaptability, and quality. Its cultivation requires careful planning, from land selection to the choice of UCB1 rootstock and Peter pollinator. Under the right climatic conditions and good management, it represents a highly profitable variety for both farmers and investors.
Javier Gallego Largo
R&D Director - Agróptimum.
