X-ray imaging for fungal necrotic spot detection in pistachio nuts

The potential of X-ray imaging for detecting pistachios with kernel necrotic (KN) spots was the main objective of this study. X-ray images of whole pistachios were compared with colour pictures of the same nuts taken after the kernel was opened by splitting it in two. The necrotic spots appear in the X-ray images as darker […]

Metabolic resistance mechanisms to phosalone in the common pistachio psyllid; Agonoscena pistaciae (Hem.: Psyllidae)

The common pistachio psyllid; Agonoscena pistaciae; is the most damaging pest of pistachio in Iran; and is generally controlled by insecticides belonging to various classes especially; phosalone. The toxicity of phosalone in nine populations of the pest was assayed using the residual contact vial and insect-dip methods. The bioassay results showed significant discrepancy in susceptibility […]

The effect of pistachio shells as a visual cue in reducing caloric consumption

It was hypothesized that pistachio shells left in sight as visual cues of consumption will cause individuals to consume less. A convenience sample of faculty and staff at a mid-western university (n=118) were recruited as subjects for the study. The subjects were told they were going to evaluate a variety of brands of pistachios and […]

Measured energy value of pistachios in the human diet

Previous studies have suggested that lipid from nuts is more poorly absorbed than that from other food sources. If lipid from nuts is poorly absorbed; then the metabolisable energy contained in the nuts is less than that predicted by the Atwater general factors. A crossover feeding study was conducted in which sixteen volunteers consumed pistachios […]

Effect of harvesting time on nut quality of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) cultivars

The appropriate time of harvest is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of pistachio. Cultivars ‘Ahmad-Aghaii’; ‘Kaleh-Ghoochi’; ‘Ohadi’ and ‘Badami-Zarand’ were evaluated for qualitative indices of nut over a period of four years from 2001 to 2004. Nut samples were collected during eight successive weeks from 23 August to 11 October. Splitting; […]

In-shell pistachio nuts reduce caloric intake compared to shelled nuts

It was hypothesized that consuming in-shell pistachios; compared to shelled pistachios; causes individuals to consume less. A convenience sample of students at a mid-western university (n=140) was recruited; asking them to evaluate a variety of brands of pistachios. A survey at the end of class determined fullness and satisfaction. Subjects entering the classroom were given […]