In the current research, the effects of some organic fertilizers as fulvic and humic acids on the vegetative growth of pistachio seedlings in a semi-hydroponic culture containing Fe-EDDHA (as a synthetic fertilizer) and FeSO4 (as an inorganic fertilizer) were investigated. The alkalinity is recognized as a main problem in pistachio orchards, therefore the pH of nutrient solution was adjusted to 7.5 and 8.5 (as two alkaline pHs) versus 6.5 (as the optimum pH of hydroponics) in this study. Plants were treated for 9 months under greenhouse conditions. The results demonstrated that the organic fertilizers (especially humic acid) reduced plant growth in acidic condition (pH 6.5). It can be related to precipitation of humic acid under acidity and thereby removing some essential elements for instance Fe form plant growth medium. In contrast, humic substances increased plant growth up to 2.3 times under alkalinity. The analysis indicated that these organic-stimulants can improve plant growth under alkaline conditions by increasing Fe content to about 2 times in pistachio seedlings, especially in shoots. It was noted that this result was somewhat similar in plants grown in media containing Fe-EDDHA and FeSO4. In addition, environmental and economic importance of the application of humic and fulvic acids makes them proper candidates to substitute synthetic fertilizers for agricultural improvement under alkalinity. پرونده مقاله

Pistachio hull, as the dominant component of pistachio processing wastes, is a source of phenolics with antioxidant properties. Extracting these compounds from pistachio wastes has recently attracted a lot of attention. The current study aimed to identify the optimal conditions for extracting phenolics from pistachio hulls. Firstly, some parameters such as different sample to solvent ratios (1:10, 1:20, and 1:40), extraction temperatures (25, 45, and 65°C), and duration times (1, 2, and 3 h) were evaluated under extracting solvent of water. The content of total phenolics and antioxidant activity were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The results indicated that the highest phenolics (~35 mg g-1) were extracted at 2 h extraction time, 65 °C, and the sample to solvent ratio of 1:10 (optimum condition by the solvent of water). Secondly, other organic solvents of ethanol, methanol, and acetone 50% were evaluated to identify the best solvent under optimal conditions. All of these organic solvents were more efficient than water in extracting total phenolics (with antioxidant property) from pistachio hulls. However, the highest amount of total phenolics (~47 mg g-1) was extracted by ethanol. Optimizing the extraction of phenolic compounds from pistachio hulls would be important in terms of reducing human and environmental risks caused by the waste accumulation, as well as producing naturally beneficial compounds and using them instead of synthetic antioxidants in the human diet. پرونده مقاله

The economic importance along with the high nutritional value of pistachio has necessitated further research on this agricultural product. Its contamination with various microorganisms causes several problems for the production, consumption and export of pistachio every year. Pistachio as a fatty nut is very susceptible to fungal and bacterial contamination and thereby, its shelf life would be reduced. Peracetic acid is a strong oxidizer which can rapidly remove a wide range of microorganisms and is also environmentally safe. In this research, pistachio seeds were firstly treated with different concentrations (0, 1, 2 and 2.5%) of peracetic acid for 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 5 min. Then the growth of fungi and bacteria were evaluated. The results indicated that 2% peracetic acid for 0.5 min led to 99% reduction in contaminating microflora . In the next step, the most common microflora contaminating pistachio seeds were detected and exposed to different concentrations of peracetic acid for 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 5 min. The results showed that 1% peracetic acid for 0.5 min inhibited the growth of the dominant microflora more than 99%. Peracetic acid treatment in the tested range had no significant effect on lipid content but reduced peroxide value. Therefore, disinfection of pistachio product with a concentration of 1-2% peracetic acid in the washing basins of pistachio processing terminals may be an applicable approach to inhibit their microbial (bacteria and fungi) contamination up to 99% and improve their quality before introducing to the market. However, this idea requires further field research. پرونده مقاله

A white and unstained shell enhances the marketability of pistachios, while shells with yellow or dark stains are less desirable. Furthermore, studies suggest a direct correlation between shell stains and contamination with aflatoxin which significantly decreases pistachio exports and reduces farmers' earnings from pistachios. Current study aimed to investigate the impact of orchard characteristics and management on pistachio shell staining in Anar and Rafsanjan counties in Kerman province. Data were collected in the fall of 2023 from 286 pistachio orchards in these two counties and analyzed using analysis of variance and SPSS26 software. The results revealed that both quantitative and qualitative water stress on trees, as well as heavy soil texture, increase the likelihood of pistachio shell staining. During summer, preventing the temperature from exceeding 40°C on the surface of the pistachio nuts on the tree can reduce the likelihood of shell staining. Furthermore, the results indicated that the use of calcium-rich fertilizers such as chicken manure, annual application of nitrogen fertilizers, using potassium fertilizers, and pruning excessive spurs in cultivars like Akbari, can decrease the percentage of pistachios with stained shells. Minimizing root damage during nutrition and soil improvement operations also reduces the likelihood of producing pistachios with stained shells. For instance, it is advisable to use manual labor instead of machinery for digging manure channel. پرونده مقاله