Wet pistachios are susceptible to pests or become moldy. Therefore, moistened Iranian Pistachio pistachio kernels are a favorable environment for the growth and multiplication of various molds, including aflatoxin-producing fungi or molds, and especially find great potential for the growth of type I fungi. These fungi grow rapidly in moistened nuts that have a moisture content of less than 13% and secrete some poison into the pistachios while spoiling the nuts.

The fight against this fungus inside the pistachio kernel has remained almost unresolved to this day. While it is possible to kill this fungus with chemicals and fungicides, the problem is that these chemicals and fungicides, in turn, are harmful to human health and some of them are more toxic than aflatoxin poison. The ability of pistachio kernels to contaminate such substances.

The most important factor in preventing the occurrence of fungi

Therefore, the same Persian proverb (in preventing the occurrence of these fungi) is a real, worthy and measured example that has a world of wisdom and experience of our ancestors, they have said: the event must be treated before it occurs. Therefore, the most important factor in preventing the occurrence of these fungi is to keep the pistachio crop away from any contact with moisture.

Because humidity and humid conditions are the environment that provides the growth and development of fungi and molds. Fortunately, the arid and semi-desert conditions of pistachio-rich regions of Iran are a great barrier to the growth and reproduction of these fungi, while in the Mediterranean or wetter climates of most pistachio-growing regions of the world, a favorable ground for the growth and multiplication of these fungi naturally. Is provided.

Accordingly, Iranian pistachio crop on the tree is less likely to be affected by this pest. Unless harvesting is delayed, or for some reason is not done in time and is exposed to autumn rains. Or untimely and untimely rainfall of the pistachio crop on the tree, in this case, a humid environment and the necessary conditions for the reproduction and activity of these fungi may be prepared.