Pistachio is an important economic horticultural crop for the whole region. 

Its wild relatives play a fundamental role in the conservation of ecosystems, particularly in those difficult areas prone to drought and characterized by poor soils, while there are also a source of pest and disease resistance for the cultivated varieties.
The resource base of Pistacia species is under threat of severe genetic erosion, because local varieties are being replaced by a few commercial types and wild species are being destroyed by human activities.

This activity was created to enhance the use of Pistacia genetic resources through the cooperative efforts among national programs across CWANA. This work builds on previous achievements of the Underutilized Mediterranean Species project, and focuses its attention on:

assessment of the distribution of the genetic diversity of the Pistacia gene pool

documentation of its genetic diversity and degree of erosion

safeguard of its genetic resources and associated knowledge through ex situ and in situ conservation methods

promotion of their greater use through better understanding of agro-morphological and market-driven traits, exchange of material and experiences among countries and public awareness.

A milestone in these efforts was the 1998 International Workshop held in Irbid, Jordan, which gathered for the first time Pistacia experts also from Central Asia. The action plan developed during this meeting is being implemented through ecogeographic surveys, collecting missions and collaborative ex situ conservation efforts across the five Republics. Partners of this sub-activity include the FAO-CIHEAM Nut Network and a number of national programs from Mediterranean Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece) whose experiences (e.g. molecular characterization) are shared among the other national programs.

Information resources (Publications, Photos, and Experts) related to Pistacia

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