Managing Almond Trees with a New Australian Model

The new revolutionary method to manage almond trees, now a successful model especially in Italy and Spain, is being tested also on pistachio groves [as well as on other fruit species]. The agronomist Vito Vitally, back from a visit to some Spanish areas, explained the results. He believes that given the successful outcome obtained in recent years on the almond tree, they decided to try to adopt some elements of the Zaragoza system also on pistachio trees. These trials were carried out not only in the Northeastern Spanish region of Aragon, but also in the south of the Iberian peninsula, in Andalusia. the results obtained so far are encouraging.

The advantages are many, including the anticipated production start [as early as the third year after transplanting compared to 7-8 years of the traditional method]; increased planting density and therefore higher available yields; easier tree management, thanks to the first and fundamental plant selling operations, followed by the management of vigorous branches after two years after transplanting.

In this way, we will have a trunk with a height of about 75-85 cm and bushy-cylindrical foliage with a maximum height of 2,050/80 m. the planting density varies from 400 to 450 plants.