During September, Neutrog R&D Manager Dr Uwe Stroeher was invited to speak at the national Pistachio Symposium in Mildura. With over 60 growers in attendance, it was interesting to understand the processes and challenges for this unique crop.

The Pistachio Symposium was run bu the Pistachio Growers Association which is the peak industry body for Australian pistachio growers. The association is funded by the voluntary contributions of growers, where funds go towards research into pistachio production in Australia. 

Commercial pistachio growing in Australia began in the early 1980’s following a successful breeding program by the CSIRO, Merebin. Today, majority of Australia’s large scale pistachio orchards are located along the River Murray valley. 

One of the issues facing growers at the moment is the management of a fungus known as Aspergillus niger which impacts the nuts by causing a blight that turns the hulls light beige to yellow. If the hulls are removed, the black powdery spores of the fungus will be evident under the hull and on the surface of the shell.

Alternatives to fungicides for the management of Aspergillus niger is of significant interest to the pistachio industry and information about the use of biological formula POPUL8 in the management of hull rot in almonds was discussed in some detail.

Following the symposium on Thursday, nearly half the group attended a field visit to Suni TAFE where Matt Wilson, the Horticultural Relationship Manager, went through the variety of crops they grow on site for training and professional development.

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