The first introduction of Fandoghi (Ohadi) cultivar to Iran

Fandoghi was first introduced by a pistachio grower known as Mehdi Ohadi in Fath-Abad village located in Rafsanjan in 1941-1951.

Fandoghi cultivation has been increased during the last 40 years and now includes about 60-70% of pistachio orchards in Rafsanjan. So you can find this cultivar in 90% of old orchards in Iran.

What is the reason for the popularity of Fandoghi?​

Fandoghi cultivar produces attractive nuts that are slightly smaller than other Iranian commercial cultivars and very suitable for export. Ohadi pistachio may be more tolerant to drought in terms of biomass productivity as it performs better than other cultivars. Among Iranian pistachio cultivars, the lowest rate of blank nuts is observed in Fandoghi (2.84%). It is round-shaped with a light yellow to the green kernel, bearing large bunches of green hulled and high splitting nuts. Kale Ghoochi and Fandoghi are two of the most popular cultivars around the world. Fascinating features such as having rounded shape nuts, reasonable price, and small size which make that economic pistachio make Fandoghi the most popular cultivar among the customers of Iranian pistachio

How much do you know Fandoghi trees?

This variety has medium growth vigor and a spread crown. It grows up to 3 m in height. A comparison between Fandoghi cultivar and Kale ghoochi cultivar trees shows that the apical dominance is stronger for Fandoghi (Ohadi pistachio), resulting in has a higher number of lateral branches. Also, the length of the internodes of the Fandoghi tree is longer and flower buds are smaller compared to Kale ghoochi tree. Meanwhile, it has flower nudes in the shape of elongate conic.

Elegant stage

Beginning to bloom in Fandoghi variety is 30 March (medium flowering). Since the flowering stage in Fandoghi begins later than Kale ghoochi, it is not exposed to spring frost. 

Protector leaves

Most of the leaves in Fandoghi are made of 5-leaflets and the number of 3-leaflets is medium. Besides, the length of both compound leaf and terminal leaflet is longer than Kale ghoochi. Also, Fandoghi has darker leaves with longer petioles.

Kernel growing and fruit ripening time

The maturity date of Fandoghi pistachio nut is on 14 June and the ripening time is on 2 September (medium maturing variety). 

Nut and cluster properties

The length of the cluster in Fandoghi tree is more than Kale ghoochi tree but has fewer primary splits and smaller nuts. In the other words, Fandoghi tree has lighter nut clusters and produces 73.9% split nuts and 18.4% closed-shells nuts with the kernel. 

Let's know more about Fandoghi variety 

The size of this appetizing nut

  • The color of the hull, at the maturation: light red
  • The average fresh weight of the nut with the hull: 2.48 grand
  • The dried weight: 0.976 gr.
  • The average length of the dried nut: 18.24 mm.
  • The width of the dried nut: 11.73 mm.
  • The diameter of the dried nut: 11.66 mm.
  • The length to width ratio: 1.5 -which resulting in belonging to the spherical (hazelnut shape) pistachios-. 

Some important specifications of Fandoghi variety

  • Beginning of flowering: 30 March
  • Full blooming: 10 April
  • Length of flowering period: 11 days
  • Cluster rachis length: 13.4 cm
  • Cluster rachis diameter: 8.4 mm
  • Number of primary branches: 12
  • Fruit cluster shape: Medium
  • Ripening time: Early September
  • Alternate bearing intensity: Weak (0.29)
  • Nut weight (one ounce): 26-30/28.3 g.
  • Hull splitting: Present
  • Nut shape: Round
  • Kernel shape: Ellipsoid
  • Shell color: Cream

Nut opening

  • Shell splitting position: At the midpoint of the suture
  • Shell splitting rate: 1.86 mm
  • Shell top distance to the kernel: 1.46 mm (medium)

Kernel color

  • Dorsal: Purple
  • Ventral: Light green
  • Inside: Light yellow

Marketing characteristics

  • Trading: Suitable for export
  • Used as rootstock: In some cases
  • Nut dropping at maturity: Caused by birds and wind
  • Fat content: 52.94%
  • Protein: content: 20.31%
  • Susceptible to pest: Yes, Aganoscena pistaciae

Taher Agroindustrial Group as a Fandoghi Pistachios Exporter

International sales comprise all Taheri’s annual pistachio business and we are continually exploring new world markets. Fandoghi pistachio (round pistachio) is the most famous Iranian pistachio cultivar across the world. Many countries including Russia and China are demanding this variety. Our priority is to make sure our customers receive the highest level of customer care through their use of Taher’s raw in bulk Fandoghi pistachios.

 CBI: the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries

    1. Pistachio Research Center

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