An overview of the most important challenges of the pistachio production industry in Ardakan (Yazd Province)

An overview of the most important challenges of the pistachio production industry in Ardakan (Yazd Province)

Ahmad Shakerardekani (PhD)¹* Ali Asadian Ardakani (MSc)²

¹Pistachio Research Center, Horticultural Sciences Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rafsanjan, Iran

² Yazd Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Yazd, Iran

Received: 13.05.2022  Accepted:27.06.2022

Abstract

Background: Due its special geographical location and being located in the center of the country, Ardakan has unique conditions, and despite having severe desert conditions, it has dynamic and diverse agriculture. Meanwhile, pistachio cultivation has long been flourishing in this city; with 8 thousand hectares of pistachio orchards, most of which are seedlings, it is considered as one of the important genetic sources of this product in the country. Despite the unfavorable conditions in terms of water, air and soil, the cultivated area of this crop has not decreased in recent years, although there are many challenges in the production of this crop in Ardakan.

Materials and Methods: The problems and challenges of the pistachio industry in Ardakan region were investigated using 18 articles and books.

Results: Among the most important of these challenges are issues such as small holdings, quantitative and qualitative problems of agricultural water, lack of proper and timely management of pests and diseases, yellowing of pistachio trees, simultaneous cultivation of pistachio with other crops, spring frosts, heat stress and hot spring and summer winds, failing to provide due care for the orchards, improper storage of pistachios, lack of proper development of processing industries,environmental pollution, lack of development of the only existing pistachio research station, and insufficient coordination between related departments. In order to reduce the problems of this product, it is required that the authorities have a strategic attitude towards the pistachio production industry in Ardakan. In addition, the awareness of gardeners is required to be promoted. Also, the productivity of current water resources and access to new and transitional water resources are required to be increased.

Conclusions: it is of high significance to plan and pay due attention to applied research in order to solve the problems of pistachio crops in the region.

►Please cite this article as follows:

Shakerardekani A, Asadian Ardakani A. An overview of the most important challenges of the pistachio production industry in Ardakan (Yazd Province). Pistachio and Health Journal. 2022; 5(2): 67-74.