Researchers with New Mexico State University are testing new varieties of pistachio and almond trees for the state's growers. We want to increase the growers' options. There is very limited availability of these seeds, making them difficult for our growers to obtain. Verticillium is a soilborne fungus that invades trees through the root system. The fungus usually enters the tree through wounds and can spread throughout the tree via sap.
Infected trees exhibit slow growth, branch dieback and curled, dry or discolored leaves.
NMSU purchased budwood, living stems with dormant buds, from the University of California to begin its own program. In three years, we should have seed available for the state's growers. In the future, orchard managers also will be able to purchase rootstock seedlings from NMSU's program to prepare their own grafted trees. Disease-resistant trees should boost New Mexico's expanding pistachio crop, but it will take time. Pistachio trees can require 10 years to achieve full production.