Almond and Pistachio

The Working Group Almond and Pistachio brings together researchers, extension specialists, and industry professionals with a shared interest in advancing the sustainable production of two strategic nut crops of global importance. Almond and pistachio cultivation spans diverse environments, from intensive irrigated systems to arid and marginal lands, and plays a key economic and cultural role in many producing regions. However, both crops are currently facing unprecedented challenges related to climate change, water scarcity, orchard intensification, and evolving market and quality requirements.

Key issues for both crops include adapting orchards to reduced winter chill, improving productivity and stability under limited water quantity and quality, managing existing and invasive pests and diseases, and maintaining kernel quality standards required by international markets. In almond, the transition toward high-density orchards and highly mechanized production systems has reshaped management practices, cultivar choice, and processing demands. In pistachio, other constraints include long juvenile periods, alternate bearing, and low genetic diversification.

The Working Group provides a forum to address these challenges through an integrated approach that encompasses orchard design, cultivar and rootstock performance, irrigation and nutrition strategies, crop load management, harvest and postharvest practices, adaptation to environmental stress and integration of new technologies. Contributions are welcomed from both traditional and emerging production regions, recognizing that solutions must be adaptable to contrasting agroecological and socio-economic contexts.

Overall, the Working Group Almond and Pistachio aims to serve as an international platform for the exchange of scientific knowledge, technical experience, and practical solutions. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among researchers and practitioners, the Working Group supports the development of resilient, efficient, and high-quality almond and pistachio production systems capable of meeting current and future challenges faced by the global nut industry.