Investigation the Effect of Different Agricultural Factors on Pistachio Aflatoxin Content

Abstract

Introduction: Pistachio is the most important agricultural product in Iran, especially in Kerman province. It is also important in the domain of export. However, exporting this important item has confronted serious challenges in recent years due to increased aflatoxin contamination in Iran. Exclusive genetic and environmental factors affect the amount of aflatoxin contained in pistachio. Controlling agricultural factors to reduce the amount of aflatoxin can be effective in overcoming the export problem. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of some agricultural factors on aflatoxin content. The present research was carried out in a commercial garden in Zangiabad village, 17 kilometers north of Kerman, in the 2011-2012 crop year. The research was conducted in seven separate designs in the form of a Completely Randomized Design with three treatments and replications in each design. Results: The lowest amount of aflatoxin was obtained at the time harvested from September 5 to September 20. The removal of weeds significantly reduced the amount of aflatoxin. The lowest amount of aflatoxin was obtained when no spraying was carried out for pests and diseases. The traditional processing of pistachio significantly increased the amount of aflatoxin. The use of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers at 400 kg ha-1 was the best solution for reducing the amount of aflatoxin. Less irrigation with an 84-day irrigation interval resulted in the highest reduction in aflatoxin content. Conclusion: By controlling the agricultural factors and optimizing the conditions, it is possible to control and reduce the amount of pistachio aflatoxin.