Pistachios are exiting dormancy soon as the weather warms up

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
Corey Rosenbusch, President & CEO of The Fertilizer Institute, discusses fertilizer markets transparency efforts and the steps to ensure long-term stability for farmers and the ag economy.
Analysts say poor crop conditions seen on the annual Hard Red Winter Wheat Tour, combined with cheaper overseas grain supplies, are weighing on the industry as the annual tour wraps up.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum joins us to break down what year-round E15 passage could mean for agriculture, energy markets, and the future of renewable fuels in the United States.
Thailand will not replace major corn buyers overnight, but renewed access could create another outlet for U.S. corn demand.
Kentucky Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton joins us to discuss fertilizer affordability concerns, Senate Agriculture Committee testimony, and spring planting conditions in Kentucky.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition joins us to discuss the proposed federal gas tax suspension, fuel cost pressures, and what the policy could mean for agriculture and transportation.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Brad Anderson with AARP joined us to preview AARP Live and discuss the importance of disaster preparedness and family planning.
North Dakota FFA President Cole Anderson joins us to discuss the upcoming state convention, leadership lessons, and what FFA means to students across the state.
Fred Nichols with Huma joins us to discuss the 4 R’s of nutrient stewardship and how farmers are adapting best practices in today’s evolving ag economy.
USDA officials are increasing surveillance and sterile fly dispersal efforts as New World screwworm cases continue growing in Mexico near the Texas border.
Firefighters continue battling multiple wildfires across southwest Kansas as drought conditions fuel fire danger and raise concerns about additional cattle herd liquidation.
Dave Walton with the American Soybean Association joins us to discuss China’s new ag purchase commitments, E15 policy concerns, and spring planting conditions.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.