Overview
Pistacia cabulica Stocks is a perennial plant that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. The plant is known for its numerous medicinal and culinary uses, and is primarily used as a source of oil and resin.
Common Names
Pistacia cabulica Stocks is commonly known by a variety of names such as Kabuli Pistachio, Afghan Pistachio, and Peshawar Pistachio. In South Asia, it is known as Kher and in Pashto as Khesta.
Uses
The plant is known for its numerous medicinal and culinary uses. Its oil is used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer agent. The resin from the plant is used as a flavoring agent in the manufacture of chewing gum and candies. The fruit of the plant is edible and is commonly consumed in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. The plant is also used for timber and as a source of firewood.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a wide-spreading crown. It has a short, crooked, and thick trunk, with brownish-gray bark that peels off in patches. The leaves are pinnate and up to 15 cm long, with 4-7 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small, greenish, and borne in dense clusters. The fruit is a small, green, globular drupe that turns reddish-brown when ripe and has a thin edible coat covering an edible kernel that is rich in oil.
Light requirements:
Pistacia cabulica requires full sunlight to grow. It should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Lack of enough sunlight can result in stunted growth and reduced yield.
Temperature requirements:
Pistacia cabulica is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. Generally, it grows well in areas with a temperature range of 12°C (53°F) to 38°C (100°F). Temperatures below 12°C (53°F) can slow down its growth, while temperatures above 38°C (100°F) can cause sunburn on its foliage.
Soil requirements:
Pistacia cabulica thrives in well-draining soils with good fertility levels. It prefers a soil pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. This plant can adapt to soils with different textures, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it grows best in loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. To enhance its growth, you can mix aged compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting.
Cultivation Methods
Pistacia cabulica Stocks, commonly known as the Afghan Pistachio, thrives best in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it suitable for arid regions. A suitable cultivation method for the Afghan pistachio is to plant it in an area that receives enough sunlight and with a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The recommended planting period is during spring, and the plant spacing should be around six by six feet. Additionally, periodic weeding is necessary to protect the plant from competition.
Watering Needs
Understanding the watering needs of Afghan Pistachio is crucial in their cultivation. Newly planted pistachio trees require frequent watering to help their roots establish. Once the roots have grown deep into the soil, the watering can be done once every week. During summer, plants require more water, especially in the absence of rain. Growers should ensure that the trees receive adequate irrigation and keep the soil moist to prevent drying up. However, overwatering the plants can lead to root suffocation and damage as well as leaching of the essential nutrients from the soil.
Fertilization
Nutrient availability is crucial, particularly for the establishment of the tree in its early growth. Pistacia cabulica requires adequate nutrients, which mainly consist of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the various stages of growth. Applying a balanced fertilizer, particularly in the first few years of growth, is crucial in fostering the tree's health. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can damage roots.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the growth of the Afghan Pistachio. It involves removing the dead or damaged parts of the tree to allow proper growth and development. A good time to prune the tree is during the dormant season between January and February, before the start of the new growth cycle. From the third year onwards, prune the tree annually to maintain an open center for efficient sunlight and air circulation. A well-pruned tree has a better structure, quality fruit, and a longer lifespan.
Propagation of Pistacia cabulica Stocks
Pistacia cabulica Stocks, commonly known as the Afghan pistachio or Kabuli pistachio, is a deciduous shrub or tree species that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. The plant is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia. Propagation of Pistacia cabulica Stocks can be done through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most natural and straightforward method of propagating Pistacia cabulica Stocks. The seeds should be collected just before they fall naturally from the tree. The collected seeds must be well dried and cleaned in a cold stream of water. The seeds should then be sown in a well-prepared seedbed with good drainage. The seedbed should be kept moist, but it should not be waterlogged. Germination usually takes place within three to four weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another way of propagating Pistacia cabulica Stocks. Softwood cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10cm to 15cm long with three to four leaves. The leaves from the lower part of the cutting must be removed, and the stem should be dipped in a rooting hormone powder before planting in a well-prepared rooting medium. A plastic bag or a glass jar should be placed over the cutting to maintain humidity levels. Rooting takes place within four to six weeks.
Propagation by Grafting
Propagation by grafting is a great method to ensure that the outcome of propagation is the same as the parent plant. Pistacia cabulica Stocks can be grafted onto a seedling rootstock of the same species. The ideal time to graft is during the dormant season. A scion of the desired plant must be taken, and the rootstock must be cut in a V-shape, where the scion fits snugly into the cut. A grafting tape or wax must be used to ensure that the two pieces stay together. The grafted plant must be placed in a warm, shaded area, and if successful, new growth will occur in around six to eight weeks.
Disease and Pest Management of Pistacia cabulica Stocks
As a plant that is native to the middle east, Pistacia cabulica Stocks is commonly affected by a variety of pests and diseases. Some of the most common ones include:
Pistachio twig borer
This is a pest that primarily affects the branches and shoots of the plant. It drills small holes into these parts, causing the foliage to wilt. You can manage it by applying botanical pesticides containing neem oil or spinosad.
Phytophthora root rot
This is a devastating fungal disease that causes the roots of the plant to rot, leading to wilting and eventually death. You can manage it by avoiding overwatering, improving soil drainage, and applying fungicides that contain mefenoxam or azoxystrobin.
Anthracnose
This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing them to become discolored and distorted. It is most common in wet and humid conditions. You can manage it by ensuring adequate air circulation, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying copper fungicides.
Mediterranean fruit fly
This is a pest that is most common during the fruiting season. It lays its eggs in the fruit of the plant, leading to extensive damage. You can manage it through regular fruit picking, using fruit fly traps and baits, and applying insecticides that contain spinosad.
Spider mites
These are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to become brown and dry. They are most common during hot and dry weather. You can manage them by improving humidity levels, using insecticidal soap, and introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
It is important to note that prevention is always better than cure when it comes to managing pests and diseases. Keep your Pistacia cabulica Stocks healthy through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning, and monitor regularly for signs of problems.
