Pistachio growers are eager for springtime to arrive, and warm weather on the horizon means dormancy is almost over.
“Pistachios need a certain amount of heat to push buds and begin flower development. Once this begins to happen, the tree is no longer an ectoderm, it’s end of the season can begin with the initiation of flowering and bloom. Trees, of course, plants are not warm-blooded like us. They’re really dependent on the air temperature and soil temps, so the speed at which they metabolize, the speed at which they begin plant development in the spring depends on the warmth: how warm or cold it is,” said Craig Kallensen.
There has also been talk that carbohydrates in the tree can trigger bloom. Kallensen tells aginfo.net that is a myth.
Related Stories
USDA says specialty crops could see some of the greatest impacts from the storm.
Farmers are beginning to see results after increasing soybean acreage this season.
Improved rainfall has growers optimistic as the new citrus season approaches
Crop conditions have declined as USDA prepares its September WASDE report
BASF urges potato and soybean growers to stay ahead of white mold, a disease that can persist in fields, threaten crop performance, and must be managed quickly.
Molecular markers are helping speed up breeding for more effective pest resistance.
