Preparation and Planting
The pistachio tree grows in areas where the winter is cold and the summer is hot and long. The tree can tolerate extreme temperatures from -15 °F to 115 °F. The tree is very resistant to drought. The pistachio tree roots will reach deep into the soil to find water and prefer relatively deep, light, dry and sandy loam soils. Planting of young pistachio trees takes place between December and February.
Fertilizing
The pistachio tree needs at least a dozen elements to stay healthy and thrive. Nitrogen is the major element required for proper shoot growth and good yields. Phosphorus and potassium are also important. These elements can be added through the irrigation system. An excellent fertilization of pistachio trees can be managed by adding manure annually.
Watering and Irrigation
Although tolerant to drought, pistachio trees give higher yields when watered. A state-of-the-art irrigation system that relies on measured water stress in different parts of the orchard and determines the amount of water necessary is necessary to deliver the amount of water needed by each tree.
Pruning
Pistachio trees need less pruning than other fruit trees, however the same rules of fruit tree pruning apply. Pruning maintains the shape of trees and opens up the inner part of the tree, so that aeration and sunlight penetration will be improved. Young pistachio trees are pruned during their second spring in a way so that they can bar heavy crops that can easily be harvested when the trees grow.
Disease Prevention & Treatment
Verticillium wilt can be prevented by keeping the field fallow for 4 years before planting the trees. Aflatoxins usually contaminate corn, peanuts and cottonseed, but sometimes also contaminate tree nuts. The tolerance for aflatoxin is very low in the EU. The three main mays to reduce aflatoxin contamination are to control the Navel orangeworm, minimize early split nut formation and avoid harvesting late.
Harvesting
Harvesting of pistachio trees begins in late summer and lasts 2-3 weeks. Harvesting takes place over 2-3 stages, as not all pistachios mature at the same time. Harvesting is done through mechanical shakers. The shaker clamps and vibrates the tree trunk and the dislodged pistachios then fall on the tarpaulins and are received. The harvested nuts are then transported to a processing facility.