Pistachio Sirora, everything you need to know
All about the Sirora pistachio variety
The Sirora pistachio variety has gained popularity among Spanish farmers due to its early ripening, high percentage of open nuts, and adaptability to different growing conditions. Native to Australia, this variety is an attractive option for those seeking an early start to production and attractive profitability in nut farming.
The Sirora variety is the most widely cultivated in Spain in recent years due to its precocity and the whiteness of its fruits.
Characteristics of the Sirora Pistachio
Origin and adaptability
Developed by the CSIRO in Australia, the Sirora variety is the result of a selection among plants obtained through open pollination of the Red Aleppo variety. Its introduction in Spain is recent, with plantations no older than 15 years, which means its long-term performance under the climatic and soil conditions of the Iberian Peninsula is still being evaluated.
Tree characteristics
The Sirora pistachio tree is characterized by medium-high vigor, especially during its first years, which facilitates an earlier entry into production. However, its branch structure can complicate pruning, especially on rootstocks such as the Cornicabra, where branches tend to droop. Furthermore, susceptibility to fungal leaf diseases has been observed, especially in high humidity conditions or after adverse weather events such as hailstorms. These are Sirora's technical specifications:
Growth Habit: Open
Branching trend: High
Entry into production: Early
Characteristics of the fruit
The fruit of the Sirora variety is medium to large, with an elongated-round shape and a medium-hard shell. It is notable for its high percentage of open fruit, reaching up to 95%, which surpasses other varieties such as Kerman. The grain has an attractive green color and a delicate flavor, suitable for both direct consumption and use in the food industry.
The Sirora fruit is somewhat longer than usual and has a very white shell.
These are the technical characteristics of the Sirora pistachio:
Size: Medium
Fruit gauge 17 – 19 pistachios per ounce
Cascara: Very white and smooth
Grain color: Green
Percentage of open fruits: 95%
Percentage of closed fruits: 1%
Percentage of empty fruits: 4%
Climate and soil requirements
Climate
The Sirora variety requires a continental climate, with cold winters that provide the necessary chilling hours for proper flowering and warm summers that favor fruit ripening. It is important to avoid areas with high relative humidity during the summer months, as this can increase the incidence of fungal diseases.
Land
It prefers well-drained, well-aerated, and slightly alkaline soils. It tolerates soils with a certain salinity and adapts well to both dry and irrigated land. However, it is essential to avoid poorly drained soils or those prone to waterlogging, as this can negatively affect tree development and fruit quality.
Chill hour requirement (minimum): 650
Recommended cold hours: 900
Need for heat hours: > 3.000
Flowering date: Third week of April
Harvest date: Second week of September
Advantages of the Sirora variety
- Precocity: earlier entry into production compared to other varieties.
- High percentage of open fruits: up to 95%, which facilitates marketing.
- Adaptability: good response in dry and irrigated conditions.
Production and performance
Under optimal conditions, a Sirora pistachio tree can produce between 5 and 10 kilos of fruit under dry conditions, and up to 3.000-3.500 kilos per hectare under irrigated conditions. However, it is important to consider possible alternate bearing and adjust management practices to mitigate this effect.
In addition to being early, the Sirora variety is highly productive.
Market and marketing
The Sirora pistachio is highly sought after by the food industry due to its high percentage of open nuts and attractive green color. Its primary use is in processed products, where content and color are valued more than nut splitting. However, its smaller size compared to other varieties may limit its acceptance in certain direct-consumption markets.
Conclusion
The Sirora pistachio variety is an attractive option for farmers seeking early entry into production and high profitability in nut farming. However, its specific requirements and potential challenges, such as disease susceptibility and alternate bearing, are essential to ensure long-term crop success.
Javier Gallego Largo
R&D Director - Agróptimum
