Articles
INFLUENCE OF RESEARCH ON MODERNIZATION OF ALMOND AND PISTACHIO CULTURE IN MEDITERRANEAN AREA DURING THE LAST FORTY YEARS AND SOME CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE
Article number
1028_1
Pages
19 – 26
Language
English
Abstract
The GREMPA was established in Zaragoza (Spain) almost 40 years ago (February 1974), under the auspices of the CIHEAM, with the aim to foster the cooperation among Mediterranean countries on almond research.
This group also maintained a close relationship with researchers from other regions, mainly California and Australia.
The GREMPA made an important impact on the almond crop in the Mediterranean and neighbouring regions.
In 1987, the activity expanded to pistachio.
In addition, in 1990, it was established in Yalova (Turkey) the FAO-CIHEAM Network on Nuts, with the aim of fostering cooperation between countries in Europe, North Africa and the Near East on R&D issues in nuts.
The two groups, having shared aims and researches, have had a significant impact on the two crops.
Both, crops and research, have largely evolved in the last 40 years.
In this paper, some aspects of special interest are discussed.
The evolution of research is estimated by checking the works presented at the meetings and symposia held (GREMPA and ISHS). Initially, the main interest was related to evaluation and improvement of plant material.
Unfortunately, current research on cultivars and rootstocks, key to enable future projects, are decreasing and the works are focussed on shorter-term issues.
The two crops have greatly evolved, having R&D an important role in their evolution.
The almond and pistachio crops, mainly the first, are changing in the Mediterranean basin.
It can be noted that in recent years the main new almond orchards were made using cultivars obtained in Mediterranean breeding programs.
This group also maintained a close relationship with researchers from other regions, mainly California and Australia.
The GREMPA made an important impact on the almond crop in the Mediterranean and neighbouring regions.
In 1987, the activity expanded to pistachio.
In addition, in 1990, it was established in Yalova (Turkey) the FAO-CIHEAM Network on Nuts, with the aim of fostering cooperation between countries in Europe, North Africa and the Near East on R&D issues in nuts.
The two groups, having shared aims and researches, have had a significant impact on the two crops.
Both, crops and research, have largely evolved in the last 40 years.
In this paper, some aspects of special interest are discussed.
The evolution of research is estimated by checking the works presented at the meetings and symposia held (GREMPA and ISHS). Initially, the main interest was related to evaluation and improvement of plant material.
Unfortunately, current research on cultivars and rootstocks, key to enable future projects, are decreasing and the works are focussed on shorter-term issues.
The two crops have greatly evolved, having R&D an important role in their evolution.
The almond and pistachio crops, mainly the first, are changing in the Mediterranean basin.
It can be noted that in recent years the main new almond orchards were made using cultivars obtained in Mediterranean breeding programs.
Authors
F.J. Vargas
Keywords
breeding, cultivars, rootstocks, crop management, international cooperation
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