Pistachio varieties
Pistachio varieties
Selecting pistachio varieties is a strategic decision that directly influences the quality and quantity of the productionas well as in the profitability of the agricultural project.
Each variety has different agronomic characteristics, with advantages and disadvantages that must be analyzed together with the weather conditions of the area, the technical aspects of the management from the plantation and the market to which the production will be allocated.
This post describes the main varieties of pistachio that are grown in Spain. In addition, some rootstocks that allow improving their characteristics are detailed.
What to consider when choosing pistachio varieties?
How to choose pistachio varieties.
When choosing the varieties of pistachios to plant, it is necessary to take into account numerous factors: technical and organizational variablesFirst, climate and soil studies must be conducted to determine the availability and quality of water and the subsoil water supply.
Next, a series of aspects must be considered that will also impact crop efficiency. These are primarily the following:
- Female and male varietiesThe pistachio tree is a dioecious species. This means that some varieties produce only female flowers and others that produce only male flowers. Therefore, it is essential to select the male variety to pollinate (via wind) the female variety.
- For example, Kerman is a fairly widespread female variety, which is usually pollinated with Peter (male).
- Cycle of each pistachio varietyDepending on the time it takes for female varieties to flower, they can be classified as short-, medium-, or long-cycle. For example:
- Larnaka and Mateur are varieties with a short hibernation period, so they flower early. Kerman and Kastel require more time to develop and flower. Varieties such as Sirora and Lost Hill have a medium cycle.
- Destination marketDepending on the target market, the pistachio characteristics of each variety must be taken into account, such as size, percentage of open nuts, and pistachio shape. For example:
- If pistachio production will be intended for direct consumption, large, round fruit varieties such as Kerman or Lost Hill should be chosen.
- If pistachio production will be destined for the industry, varieties with smaller fruits can be chosen. For example, Mateur and Larnaka.
- Fruit size. Larger fruits typically command a higher price. For example, the Kerman variety is large and highly sought-after, making it easy to sell.
- RootstockThis is the plant that serves as a base (root system + part of the stem) for grafting the bud of the chosen pistachio variety. It's important for improving certain characteristics of the variety, such as resistance to climate or pests.
- For example, one of the most used rootstocks is UCB#1.
The most relevant female pistachio varieties
The most important female pistachio varieties.
The female varieties are responsible for bear fruit, so they are usually the first plants chosen. Male varieties are then selected.
Among the main female pistachio trees are:
Kerman
It is a variety of pistachio that is born from a selection of seeds originating in Iran. Currently, it is cultivated in United States and in Spain. It requires 1500 hours of cold and 3500 units of heat.
It achieves its first significant harvest in the 5th year, showing a marked tendency towards alternate bearing, that is, alternating good and poor production from one year to the next.
It is a plant of average production It offers high-quality fruits: large, round, with a very white shell, a higher sugar content, greater nut consistency, and less bitterness. This makes it a highly prized variety.
- Flowering: late.
- Ideal pollinator: Peter variety.
- % of open fruits: high.
- % of empty fruits: medium.
Sirora
This plant was created in Australia. It is currently one of the most cultivated in Spain. It is characterized by its high production and high vigor. Requires a minimum of 850 hours of cold and 950 units of heat.
It is one of the ideal female varieties for the dryland cultivation, due to its great resistance to dry climates. This resistance is greater than that of other pistachio trees. It also has a rapid development, especially in the early years, which contributes to a early production.
The fruit of the Sirora variety is also quite engaging and and good tasteIts size is medium, it has a round or elongated shape and the whiteness of its shell is medium.
- Flowering: medium.
- Pollinator: The most recommended variety is the C – Special variety. Although the Peter variety is also used.
- % of open fruits: high
- % of empty fruits: medium.
Larnaka
This variety of pistachio can also be grown under conditions of dry landOne of its main characteristics is its high level of production and its adaptability to geographical areas with few hours of cold, requiring at least 600 hours.
The fruit of the Larnaka variety is medium-sized and elongatedIt has an excellent flavor, while the peel color is less white compared to the fruit of the Sirora variety.
- Flowering: early.
- Pollinator: variety C- Special
- % of open fruits: high
- % of empty fruits: low
Lost Hills
Lost Hills is a female pistachio variety created in the University of California (like Golden Hills). Its most predominant characteristic is that it has an earlier harvest than the Kerman variety.
The nuts of this pistachio tree are large, so they can stand out in a commercial setting. However, they are also fruits that often present increased sensitivity to various diseases of the pistachio.
- Flowering: medium.
- Pollinator: Randy variety.
- % of open fruits: high.
- % of empty fruits: medium.
The most important male pistachio varieties
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While female pistachio trees produce fruit, male varieties are responsible for producing pollen. For example:
Peter
It is a vigorous male variety with excellent pollen production, which is viable for 3 weeks. It adapts well to arid Mediterranean climates.
- Pollinates the variety KermanIt is also used as a pollination reinforcement for Sirora, during the last months of flowering.
Randy
Compared to Peter, Randy has a longer flowering period. Its pollen is also viable for longer. It requires fewer chilling hours, but when grown in humid environments, this variety is more prone to disease.
- Pollinates to Sirora. It is also used for the first flowering period of Kerman.
Guerrero
It is a male pistachio variety with high chilling requirements. It flowers late.
- It pollinates especially late-flowering female pistachio trees., like Kerman.
Do you want to buy pistachio plants?
Some rootstocks used in pistachio cultivation
The rootstocks They are necessary for an efficient and productive pistachio plantation. Of course, their selection depends on the soil, climate, and variety of pistachio to be planted. For example:
UCB#1
It is a cross of varieties created at the University of California, between Pistascea atlantica (female) and Pistacea integerrima (male). Shows a high resistance to cold and diseases. In addition, it has a medium tolerance to salinity.
This rootstock It stands out among the rest for its vigor, precocity and high and quality production. For this reason, among its expected benefits The plantations include the following:
- Increases the number of fruits.
- Helps achieve high performance.
- Accelerates production entry.
Terebinthus
It is a variety that grows spontaneously in the Iberian PeninsulaIt adapts to poor soils and has a high resistance to cold.
Terebinthus is related to all pistachio varieties. However, it has low vigor and precocity, which leads to uneven plantations and delays the entry of production.
Choose the most suitable pistachio variety
At Agróptimum, we provide comprehensive advice to increase your plantation's production and boost the profitability of your agricultural project.
We have a professional team specialized in pistachio plants and in the varieties grown in Spain. We work with the most productive pistachio varieties and the most suitable grafts according to the characteristics and needs of each plot.
We are official distributors of the largest pistachio nursery in Europe, Acemi SpainThis allows us to maintain stock to meet our customers' needs at all times.
If you want to implement innovative solutions and guarantee the expected results, contact usAt Agróptimum, we support you and look after your interests in the pistachio business.
Javier Gallego Largo
R&D Director of Agróptimum.
