Research program for the Australian Pistachio Industry

This project aims to provide Australian pistachio growers with information to assist them increase the yield and quality of pistachio nuts. Research includes small trials investigating the use of polymers. This work will investigate whether applying polymers on pistachio trees can enhance chill accumulation and so assist with yield by resulting in lower blanks at harvest. Other investigations include improving zinc absorption and translocation by using Zircon, understanding the underlying causes of low yield of young Kerman trees and studying the nut quality from different male tree pollens. A key output is engagement with growers and the dissemination of the findings of this work to industry.