Dr Ben Thomas has provided the latest in his seasonal reminder series.
MANAGEMENT DURING NUT FILL
We are now in the nut fill period of the pistachio production cycle which is a critical phase of the pistachio production cycle when the kernel grows and causes the shell to split. Good management during this phase will maximise kernel growth and shell splitting. Key issues at this time are understanding kernel development, managing irrigation and nutrition and preparing the orchard for harvest. This is also the time for leaf analysis and budding young trees.
• Kernel development. During the nut fill period, the kernel within fruit start to grow and fill the shell. The start of this period varies each season and flowering and fruit set was variable this season for many growers. As such, understanding the range of kernel development is very important when considering irrigation and fertiliser applications as well as being very valuable when estimating the start of harvest.
The PDF can be downloaded here: Seasonal-Notes_Summer Preharvest_2020 or via the PGA Newsletters page on this website – PGA-newsletters
