Effect of calcium on pistachio (Pistacia vera L. 'Siirt') seedling growth

The diameter of the pistachio seedlings must be greater than 5 cm in order to be grafted. Grafting of the seedlings in the first year is desirable, and to achieve this goal a balanced nutrition program is needed. This study was carried out to determine the effects of calcium on growth of 'Siirt' pistachio seedlings. An aeroponic system was used to grow plants. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with three replicates and 10 seedlings for each replicate. The Hoagland solution was used as a control (200 ppm Ca); 3/2 (300 ppm Ca) and 2-fold (400 ppm Ca) concentrated Ca doses and diluted Ca doses of 1/3 (66.7 ppm) and 2/3 (133.3 ppm Ca) of the control were used. The lowest calcium dose caused necroses and drying in the young leaves and terminal buds. The effect of calcium doses on stem diameter was found significant. It was determined that 300 ppm of the applied calcium doses was sufficient to reach the diameter required for grafting, and also suitable for stem length and weight.