Towards a comprehensive documentation and use of Pistacia genetic diversity in Central and West Asia, North Africa and Europe

Abstract

In Syria there are approximately 10 million pistachio trees planted over 60 000 hectares. The\rnumber of pistachio bearing trees is 4 million, these trees produced about 30 000 tons of nuts\rin 1997. According to this estimate Syria is classified as the fifth largest pistachio producing\rcountry in the world after Iran, USA, Turkey and China. The distribution of pistachio\rproduction is concentrated in the north and central Syria, mainly in the regions of Aleppo\r(45%), Idleb (35%) and Hama (20%).\rIn Syria there are about 20 female pistachio varieties. This paper reports detailed\rinformation on three main varieties namely Ashoury (Red Aleppo), Red Oleimy and White\rBatoury. In addition data on production trials of the nut for eight varieties are also being\rprovided. The other nine varieties are little known and need further study to characterize\rthem in collaboration between the University of Aleppo and IPGRI.