Preliminary study of the phenological response of Pistacia vera L. main cultivars in Spain to climate change

Abstract

Spain has experienced a remarkable 1.3ºC temperature increase, higher than the average world temperature increase registered since pre-industrial period. This trend for a crop such as pistachio (P. vera L.) can lead to changes in the flowering of females and males). Being a crop in full expansion in Spain with more than 50,000 ha, of which 35,000 were planted in the last 5 years; potential pollination problems could have negative impacts on new pistachio fields. Therefore, it is very important to consider these climatic issues when choosing the cultivar. This work studies the phenological variations in the main cultivars taking into account climatic and phenological data of four years in two-time frames separated by 18 years. Phenological characteristics of pistachio were studied deeply, suggesting the best combinations of the most common cultivars. Variations in the flowering season were observed, especially in males where an early flowering has been noted and, more strongly, a shortening of the useful period for pollination.