How are pistachios planted?
The plantation of pistachio trees should be carried out 20 feet apart. This action would minimize overcrowding in that overcrowding of trees will reduce the quality and quantity of products and also makes it difficult during pruning and harvesting (NMSU, 2017). Since the trees rely on wind pollination, the ratio of male trees and female trees is 1 male to 15 females. Moreover, it is recommended that these trees should be planted in fertile soils (NMSU, 2017). Some producers use a square system to plant these trees while other farmers apply a triangular planting system also referred to as the hexagonal planting system. Farmers are also advised to apply a rectangular system (NMSU, 2017). The application of a triangular system enables 15 percent more trees planted per acre while maintaining space between the trees (NMSU, 2017). Other farmers also plant filler trees in places where land used for agriculture is expensive.
The steps include:
- Floral match between male and female pistachio trees is very crucial in reproducing a productive tree. For this purpose, proper biological pollination methods must be used.
- Grafting of rootstocks
- Fertilization
- Cutting and pruning
- Irrigation
- Harvesting
- Storing