PISTACHIO PRODUCTION IN IRAN

Pistachio is one of the most important horticultural plants,growing in Iran. There are approximately 210 000 hectares of pistachio plantation in Kerman province especially Rafsanjan region. This area is located at an altitude 1620–1700 meters above sea level with average annual rainfall of 100–120 mm. The soil of this area belongs to arids soil and anti soil groups. The most important pistachio pests are pesilla (Agonoscena targionii) and Kermania pistaciella Amsel, whereas Phytophthora spp. and Nematospora coryli Peglion are the most common diseases. Pistachio harvesting is done by hand wile processing and grading of pistachio are done mechanically. In 1993 more than 200 000 tones of pistachio have been produced in Iran.