Irrigation method of pistachio trees

Due to the importance of early smile in the production of pistachio shell aflatoxin-contaminated pistachios and the role of irrigation in causing this complication, it is absolutely necessary to observe the correct amount and frequency of irrigation in the pistachio orchard according to the conditions of the region.

Research shows that inadequate irrigation in late spring increases the number of early-smiling pistachios. For example, omitting an irrigation session in early June, which is a time of rapid increase in pistachio size and hardening of bony skin, increases the percentage of early-smiling pistachios.

 

Irrigation stress in the stage of formation and hardening of bony skin seems to reduce the strength of bony skin at the site of laughter, and in the final stage of growth, the pressure of the brain on them causes them to split and smile prematurely. At this stage, the green skin is still attached to the bony skin and cracks in the smiling area.

 

Irrigation fluctuations have a great effect on the formation of early smiling pistachios and the possibility of their contamination with aflatoxin-producing insects and fungi. Therefore, one of the ways to reduce early smiling pistachios and thus reduce aflatoxin contamination is to perform regular irrigation operations.