High Vigor Research Articles

Features of application of timber harvest methods in the forests of Ukraine

In this paper, we present the basic features of final felling in Ukraine. Prevailing timber harvest methods and their areas were considered. For analyzing the volumes of modern forest exploitation were data from permits for final felling on actual cuttings in of all forestry enterprises of Ukraine. Studies were conducted for the period 2019-2020. It was installed that clearcutting is the main timber harvest method (95 % in Kyiv region, 45 % in Lviv region). Among other methods, the leading place is shelterwood. During the study period, only two (uniform and strip) and three (group) reception of shelterwood were recorded. The areas of stands designed for shelterwood final felling are significantly lower than those defined by the rules. The use of the single tree selection method is more related to deciduous plantations, which indirectly indicates the predominance of deciduous stands of uneven-aged stands in Ukraine. Shelterwood and single tree selection removes methods are applied in Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Lviv, Zakarpattia, Zhytomyr regions. A characteristic feature is the predominance of coniferous areas stands during clearcutting. Area of deciduous stands are larger compared to coniferous during shelterwood. Combined method is the less popular in Ukraine. It has been carried out at 9,4 hectares for two years. Average logging areas range from 1-2 hectares for clearcutting, 1-5 hectares for shelterwood and 2-8 hectares for combined method. Designed logging areas are significantly lower than those introduced by Ukrainian legislation. The implementation of the principles of close-to-nature forestry can be provided by reduction in the volume of clearcutting. Increasing of shelterwood and single tree selection methods, which are close-to-nature, will ensure the cultivation of mixed uneven-aged forest stands of high vigor, productivity and biological stability. Studies reflect regional and species features and benefits of timber harvest methods in the forests of Ukraine.

Biocontrol agent, biofumigation, and grafting with resistant rootstock suppress soil-borne disease and improve yield of tomato in West Virginia

Organic tomato growers in West Virginia and neighboring states suffer serious economic losses each year due to soil-borne wilt diseases caused by fungal pathogens including Verticillium dahliae. This study determined the efficacies of biological control agents (BCAs – Serenade SOIL and Prestop), bio-fumigants and transplants grafted to a resistant rootstock in suppressing wilt disease in heirloom tomato cv. Mortgage Lifter in a certified organic production system in West Virginia in two consecutive years. Prestop and Serenade treatments resulted in higher seedling vigor at the early stage. However, within 40 days of field set in the fungal pathogen infested soil, grafted transplants (on resistant rootstock Maxifort) had the highest vigor followed by BCA treatments, biofumigation with mustard cover crop and mustard meal and was lowest in nontreated control. All treatments showed significantly lower Verticillium wilt severity index than control except mustard cover crop and Prestop in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Total fruit harvested over a six-week period indicated that yield from all but mustard cover crop treatment were significantly (P < 0.001) higher compared to the nontreated control in 2015. However, results from 2016 indicated that mustard cover crop would work best for both disease suppression and yield enhancement when tissues were well macerated and incorporated immediately in the soil and covered with impervious plastic for up to 10 days. In 2016, all treatments except Prestop produced higher tomato yield than the nontreated control. In general, yield advantage over nontreated were in the order of grafted > bio-fumigation > BCA treatments > nontreated check. Between two BCAs, Bacillus subtilis (Serenade) consistently provided better disease suppression and improved yield compared with Gliocladium catenulatum (Prestop) in both years. Grafted plants produced 9.1 and 10.0 kg tomatoes/plant in 2015 and 2016, respectively, compared with only 5.0 kg in nontreated control. Our results suggest that grafted transplants, biofumigation and selected BCA should be useful for sustainable management of tomato wilt disease in organic production systems. An economic analysis indicated that grafted tomato can provide the greatest net revenue followed by mustard meal biofumigation in farms infested with wilt causing pathogen.

Biochemical and physiological studies in ultra-dried seeds of cotton, safflower and groundnut during various storage conditions

An experiment was conducted at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi to assess physiological and biochemical parameters to identify factors contributing to the loss of seed viability. Ultra-dried seeds of Cotton, Safflower and Groundnut stored at different MTS and ambient condition, viz. Cotton MTS 3.3%, Cotton Ambient 3.3%; Safflower MTS 6%, Safflower Ambient 3.8%; Girshell MTS, Gir Ambient 6.2% were used for present study. Result showed significant difference for all the physiological and biochemical traits as the seeds that were stored at MTS condition having high germination percentage, high vigour index, less moisture content, and lower Electrical conductivity (E.C.) and higher Dehydrogenase activity in comparison with seeds that were stored at Ambient condition. In SDS-PAGE profile of Cotton, Safflower and Groundnut some of the old bands were found to be missing at Ambient condition while some new bands were found to be appear in case of seeds that were stored at MTS condition. Deterioration was observed in seeds that were stored at Ambient condition. Whereas seeds that were stored at MTS condition were not deteriorated as much when compared to seeds that were stored at Ambient condition.

Is Precision Viticulture Beneficial for the High-Yielding Lambrusco (Vitis Vinifera L.) Grapevine District?

The best Lambrusco wines are often obtained by blending a representative of the Lambrusco family (i.e. Lambrusco Salamino) with a smaller fraction of Ancellotta, a teinturier variety possessing an extraordinary quality of accumulating color. Due to the economic importance of the Lambrusco business and the rising interest in precision viticulture, a two-year trial was carried out in seven vineyard plots growing both the named varieties. A RapidEye satellite image taken on 9 August 2018, led to vigor maps based on unfiltered normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). In both the years, ground truthing was performed on the test vines chosen within each vigor area for soil features, vegetative growth, yield, grape, and final wine composition. For data pooled over sites and years, Ancellotta showed a very clear response to NDVA-based vigor mapping as low vigor areas always achieved improved ripening in terms of higher total soluble solids (+1.24 Brix), color and phenols (+0.36 mg/kg and + 0.44mg/kg, respectively), and lower malate (-1.79 g/L) vs high vigor. Such a behavior was shown even in those cases where NDVI of different vigor levels and pruning weight were not closely correlated and, most notably, low vigor matched with a slightly higher yield as compared to high vigor plots. Overall, the high yielding Lambrusco Salamino was less responsive in terms of vine performance and grape composition versus intra-vineyard variability. This study highlights that, in Ancellotta, adjusting the vine balance toward ostensible lower vigor (i.e pruning weight ≤ 1 kg/m) would result in a superior choice in terms of improved ripening and wine profiles would not be detrimentally impacted by the yield level which, in fact, increased in some cases.

Correlation between vigor by accelerated aging at pre-sowing and soybean seedling emergence in the field

Although the accelerated aging test is widely used to determine seed vigor, there are methodological variations in seed exposure time at 41 °C. Therefore, the objective was to indicate the most appropriate seed exposure time to segregate lots that also exhibits a correlation with seedling emergence in the field, and establish vigor levels using the aforementioned test. Soybean seed samples were collected at pre-sowing, representing 100 lots in the 2016/2017 growing season and 125 lots in the 2017/2018 season from different warehouses in 4 regions of Santa Catarina state (SC). Physiological quality was evaluated by germination, accelerated aging (24 and 48 h at 41 °C) and field emergence tests. The results were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and Pearson’s correlation analysis (p &lt; 0.05). The rank sum index, associated with the Scott-Knott clustering method, was used to classify physiological quality. The average germination percentage was 90 and 91% in the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 growing seasons, respectively. Vigor obtained an average of 86 (2016/2017) and 85% (2017/2018), when seeds were submitted to accelerated aging for 48 h, and 89% (both seasons) for 24 h. In regard to field emergence, the average was 85 and 80% in the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 growing seasons, respectively. Considering the 225 lots, the greatest correlation with field emergence was observed in vigor - 48 h (r = 0.71 p &lt; 0.05). Rank sum classification made it possible to establish vigor-based categories, whereby batches with over 85% vigor by 48-h accelerated aging were classified as high vigor, 70 to 84% medium vigor, and under 70% low vigor.

Using the Extract of “Saprolin” for Enhancing Grain Crops

The solution to the problems of enhancing the yield of grain crops in current agriculture development is not conceivable without applying new land processing technology and using mineral fertilizers. Simultaneously, to obtain environmentally friendly products in organic farming, it is required to use mineral organic fertilizers in large quantities. For these purposes, we developed manufacturing technology and proposed the extract of “Saprolin.” This extract, obtained from organogenic lake storage, is supposed to be used for pre-sowing seed treatment, contributing to providing the planting material with biologically active substances, macro- and microelements, and natural soil conservation. During the production of the extract from the obtained source material, solutions of different concentrations were prepared, and their features (viscosity, density, electrical conductivity, refractive index, and pH of the medium) were studied. Using the wheat seeds “Novosibirskaya-31” and barley “Astana-2000” as an example, under the influence of solutions of the obtained extract, the germination and vigor of seeds were determined. As it was proved in experiments, the obtained extract is a good germination stimulant for grain crop seeds. It has a greater effect on seed vigor. Nevertheless, seeds with high vigor are the most viable, give good yield, and provide high-quality products. The germination rate significantly affects plants’ survival, shows the speed of their growth, and characterizes the ability of seeds to germinate in the field evenly (good uniformity). The research determines the germination and vigor of seeds using processing solutions of different concentrations. The research shows that the obtained extract of “Saprolin” increases the germination of seeds of grain crops by 1%–9% and vigor by 12%–19%. The extract of “Saprolin” is classified as a herbal stimulant containing a water-soluble natural mineral substance for improving plant nutrition.

RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT STORAGE CONTAINERS IN RICE GENOTYPES DURING STORAGE

Rice is the staple food of more than half the world’s population and is being cultivated in Asia since ancient time’s generation after generation. Good quality seeds are the seeds of the green revolution, it has been assertively and emphatically shown that 15-20% increased yield could be achieved by the use of good quality seeds alone. Good quality seed is one of the most important requirements for production and supply to achieve higher production and productivity in any crop. The seed quality is depended on various factors Viz. genetic, edaphic, environmental, biotic, etc. Good quality seed production depends on complex conditions evoking the most favorable interactions between the genetic makeup of the seed and the environment, under which it is produced, harvested, processed, and stored. Seeds undergo deterioration at various levels during storage resulting in a decline in vigor and viability. With the above considerations, the present investigation has been undertaken to observe the potentials of ten rice genotypes and observed its seed quality after harvesting in 2016-2017 at Seed Testing Laboratory, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Just after harvesting G2 (Gobindabhog) and G9 (IR-36) showed highest germination percentage (97.66) and G9 (IR-36) showed highest Vigor index (3204.13). But most of the varieties germination and vigor were nearer to G2 &amp; G9. Among the containers with seed moisture content aluminum foil packet with seed moisture content, 8% is the best storage container for rice among the other containers as up to one-year storage vigor index was observed highest in that conditions.

A model for integrated approach to germplasm conservation of Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)

Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is one of the most aesthetic ornamental aquatic indigenous species, endowed with unique biological and nutritional traits. The seeds are icon of eternity due to remarkable longevity, known to survive in nature up to 1300 years. Leaves fend off dirt and water by a phenomenon of superhydrophobicity and flowers generate heat by thermoregulation to enhance pollination success. Hence, lotus is an extremely important model system to investigate the process of aging in plants and develop designer seeds with high vigour, viability and longevity. The whole plant is nutritionally rich with great medicinal value. While scientific attention on various aspects ranging from basic botany to genome sequencing in lotus is increasing worldwide, India has somewhat lagged behind in taking due scientific, agronomic and conservation initiatives. At present, the lotus is facing habitat loss because of global environmental change, vanishing of wetlands, over-exploitation from its natural habitat, and lack of concerted management efforts. Possible conservation strategies are proposed with a view to draw the attention of policy makers and stakeholders for prioritizing this species in various biodiversity-related programs of the country, besides promoting it as a potential food and nutraceutical species.

Effect of seed coating polymers on performance in soybean (Glycine max. L) Var. JS335

Seed coating especially film coating, is one such technique which has gained commercial importance owning to its practical utility as an effective delivery system as seed protectant and fortifying chemicals which maintain good germinability and vigour in field as well as laboratory viz.,strong seedlings grow faster than less vigorous ones, are more tolerant to adverse conditions in the seedbed and are better to resist diseases. Seeds of soybean cv. JS-335 were coated with polymer ((DISCO AG SP RED L-200), protectant (thiram and carboxin), bioagent (Mycorrhiza) and polymer untreated seeds as control. It was observed that, irrespective of the treatments, the seed quality parameters declined progressively with the increase in storage period (12 months). Under field conditions, higher vigour (2348) was noticed in seed treated with polymer (DISCO AG SP RED L-200) + Thiram + Quick roots **/ Mycorrhiza and lower vigour was seen inno polymer treatment or water + thiram. The field emergence (%) revealed that all the three polymer seed coating treatments were on par at 30 DAS (78.07 %, 77.19 % and 77.19 %) and 50 DAS (80.99 %, 80.11 % and 79.56 %) when compared to control treatment i.e., no polymer treatment or water + thiram at 30 DAS (71.68 %) and 50 DAS (71.30 %), respectively. Among the yield attributes, significant difference was observed in seed yield/plant with treatment polymer (DISCO AG SP RED L-200) + Thiram + Quick roots **/ mycorrhiza registering highest (22.20 g) yield, while the lowest (18.40 g) yield was observed in polymer untreated or water + thiram.

Is it possible to estimate longevity through the analyses used to measure the initial physiological potential in soybean seeds?

Abstract: The analysis of longevity can support decisions about the length of seed lot storage until commercialization, since this characteristic implies the maintenance of viability over time. Seed longevity is analyzed by the p50 test, which expresses the time to lose 50% of the initial viability. Seeds with high vigor and germination have greater physiological potential and, thus, a greater capacity to maintain quality throughout the storage period. However, there has been little research on the correlations between the analysis of p50 (longevity) and the tests used to measure physiological potential (germination and vigor) of lots, which can be used as a tool to make inferences about longevity using the most traditional tests. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate which tests used to measure the potential of lots can estimate p50. To this end, germination and vigor were evaluated using traditional tests while longevity was assessed in eight soybean seed lots. Correlations and linear regression were tested for the traditional variables versus p50. It was found that the use of accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, and time to 50% radicle protrusion has high potential to estimate longevity as measured by p50.

Growth and dry matter partition wheat plants in response to seed vigor and water restriction

Abstract: The quality of the seeds and the occurrence of stresses are decisive for the development of the crops. Thus, the work aimed to verify the effect of seed vigor on growth and dry weight partition of wheat plants subjected to water stress. For growth evaluation, the experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 2 x 8 factorial scheme (vigor level x water regime x collection time), with four replications. To evaluate the yield of the seeds, the design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (level of vigor x water regime), with four replications. Total dry weight, dry weight production rate, relative growth rate, leaf area ratio, leaf area, solar energy conversion efficiency, dry weight partition and harvest index were evaluated. Total dry weight production, dry weight production rate, leaf area, leaf weight ratio, solar energy conversion efficiency and yield were higher for plants from highly vigorous seeds under field capacity. The yield was higher for plants with high vigor compared to those with low vigor in field capacity.

Effect of seed vigor and sowing densities on the yield and physiological potential of wheat seeds

Abstract: Initial seed vigor and sowing density interact in establishment of plants in the field, and can thus affect expression of the plasticity of the wheat crop and the yield and physiological quality of the seeds produced. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed vigor levels in combination with sowing densities on the yield and physiological potential of wheat seeds. The cultivars BRS Gralha-Azul and BRS Sabiá were used in a randomized block experimental design in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, with four replications. The treatments consisted of seeds of high and low vigor and four sowing densities (150, 250, 350, and 450 seeds.m-2). The following evaluations were made: seed yield, germination, first germination count, seedling length, seedling dry matter, accelerated aging, emergence speed index, and seedling emergence in sand. An increase in sowing density favors the seed yield of both cultivars; however, it reduces the vigor of the seeds produced by the cultivar BRS Gralha-Azul, especially of the seeds produced by plants originating from high vigor seeds. For the cultivar BRS Sabiá, an increase in sowing density decreases the germination performance of seeds produced by plants originating from low vigor seeds.

Compatibility and initial development of grapevines ‘BRS Magna’ grafted on different rootstocks

ABSTRACT: Rootstocks are widely used in viticulture due to their resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Additionally, rootstocks can affect vine growth and fruit quality. This study evaluated the compatibility and initial developmental of the ‘BRS Magna’ grafted on different rootstocks The wedge graft technique on woody cuttings was utilized. The percentage of survival ranged from 0% (‘VR043-43’) to 98.33% (‘101-14 MGT’), and the rootstock were grouped into three distinct groups. ‘IAC 313 Tropical’ and ‘SO4’ rootstocks were those ones with the highest vigor in relation to initial shoot growth. However, ‘IAC 572 Jales’, ‘Harmony’, ‘3309 Couderc’ and ‘Gravesac’ had the best balance between initial shoot growth and root development. The ‘BRS Magna’ when grafted on rootstocks ‘IAC 313 Tropical’, ‘SO4’ and ‘101-14 MGT’ showed the highest initial development rates, while when grafted on ‘R99’, ‘R110’ and ‘420A’, it showed the lowest initial development.

Seedling length and soybean seed vigor

ABSTRACT: The differentiation of seedling growth and development is the result of the vigor level of the seed lot. Because of this, knowing the seedling growth curve is essential for the evaluation of the seedling length test, to be carried out at the moment when any differences in vigor really manifest, thus being able to reduce the time of evaluation of the test. In this research, the objective was to determine the most efficient time interval to perform the seedling length test in soybean seeds, depending on the vigor levels. The evaluated characteristics were percentage of seed germination, first germination count, emergency, days for emergence, aerial, root and total length (evaluated every 12 hours), aerial, root and total dry mass in completely randomized design. High vigor seeds originated seedlings with higher growth rates (cm. h-1), with vigor being one of the factors that interfere in the seedling length test. After 96 hours of the seedling length test, there was a statistical differentiation between the three vigor levels tested. The soybean seedling length test between lots, with different vigor, can be performed 96 hours after sowing.

TECHNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF SEEDS APPLIED TO THE SELECTION OF SUPERIOR MOTHER TREES FROM Ormosia discolor SPRUCE EX BENTH

ABSTRACT The study on the native species of fast growth and nodulation capacity, Ormosia discolor, intends to conserve genetic resources and make available seed lots of high vigor for seed orchards. This work evaluates the physical and physiological characteristics of seeds from 20 O. discolor trees as a subsidy for selecting superior mother trees. Twenty matrices selected from a population in the state of Amazonas were inventoried. Physical tests were performed on the seeds collected, including water content, biometrics, the weight of one thousand seeds, and coat permeability test. For vigor estimates and classification regarding seed storage, the seeds were frozen for five months. The germination test was carried out at a constant temperature of 30 °C. It was used a completely randomized design consisting of 20 mother trees, 4 replicates, and 25 seeds per plot. The germination characteristics evaluated were germination percentage, speed index, mean germination time, and synchronization index. Cut seeds are more efficient for determining water content. All biometric variables are representative for the selection of vigorous lots, with emphasis on geometric diameter, surface area, and sphericity of seeds. Species seeds were classified as orthodox and as having physical dormancy. The protrusion of the primary root is the best morphological characteristic for evaluating germination in the laboratory. The mother trees 7, 16, and 10 showed superior characteristics for dendrometric and technological data, being indicated for marking, phenological monitoring, and planting.

Autonomija i angažovanost zaposlenih u digitalnoj eri - moderatorska uloga rada na daljinu

In the digitalization era, traditional organizational success factors have been called into question, so it is necessary to reconsider the established work patterns and find new ways to create sustainable value. Given the fact that, as bearers of knowledge, people are the key drivers of value, it is important to explore possible ways to improve their potential. The research study carried out in this paper is aimed showing that autonomy contributes to the development of employee engagement in the digital environment, especially so in remote working conditions. In that sense, the concept of employee engagement was explained, as a state of high vigor, dedication and absorption. Possible ways to improve engagement through increasing autonomy are pointed out as well. The empirical research has confirmed that autonomy has a positive effect on vigor and dedication as the engagement dimensions. The impact autonomy exerts on vigor is stronger in the employees working remotely in comparison with those who do not work remotely.

Overwhelmed by Emotional Job Demands in High Vigor Days! Its Detrimental Effects on Daily Recovery from Work among Health-Care Workers

The objective of this study is twofold: first, to analyze whether the daily level of energy in terms of vigor at work could explain the way in which workers psychologically detach from their work, relax, practice challenging activities, and have the feeling of having control over their leisure time when arriving home. Second, to check if the daily emotional job demands could hinder that relationship, reversing the positive effect of vigor in recovery. For this purpose, a multilevel study with a diary methodology was designed. In total, 94 nurses from various hospital and primary care centers in Madrid and Basque Country (Spain) participated in this study. They completed daily questionnaires twice a day (in the afternoon after work and at night before going to bed) for five consecutive workdays from Monday to Friday (N = 94*5 = 470). The results revealed that on days that vigor at work was high, nurses experienced more psychological detachment, relaxation, feelings of mastery, and time control at home. Moreover, on days that emotional job demands were high, vigor was more negatively related to psychological detachment and time control at home. Additionally, vigor was more positively related to all recovery experiences at home in days that emotional demands were low. Therefore, daily vigor can act as an energy resource that helps the worker to recover. However, this effect can occur in situations in which stressors are not present in high intensity. These results have clear practical implications for both health organizations and workers.

Single count of radicle emergence, DNA replication during seed germination and vigour in alfalfa seed lots

Previous work on alfalfa seeds has illustrated the close association between the rate of germination and vigour. This study examined single early counts of radicle emergence (RE) as an indirect method to measure the rate of germination in alfalfa, and investigated cell cycle activities in the early stages of imbibition. The 6-hour interval counts of just germination (JG) and germination percentages (G) of 14 seed lots at 20, 17, 15 and 13°C were compared with final emergence and mean emergence time. Single counts of JG and G were strongly correlated with mean just germination time (MJGT), mean germination time (MGT) (P &lt; 0.01) and field performance. The results indicate that single counts of RE after 24 hours at 20°C could be used to predic the vigour of alfalfa seeds. The embryo root tip cells of six seed lots with low, medium and high vigour were used for analysis of DNA replication by flow cytometry 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours after imbibition. The 4C/2C ratio 18 hours after imbibition and the increase in 4C/2C ratio between 6 and 12 hours after imbibition was associated with the vigour of the seed lot and has the potential to predict seed vigour.

Seed quality of six eggplant cultivars as influenced by harvesting time

Seed quality is a key factor in crop production and food security, particularly during the increasing uncertainty due to climate change. In this study, the effect of harvesting time on seed quality of six eggplant cultivars (<i>Solanum gilo:</i> Dwomo, Kpando, <i>Solanum melongena</i>: GH 3870, GH 3887, <i>Solanum macrocarpon</i>: GH 1072, GH 4918) was assessed at the experimental site of CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Bunso, Eastern Region, Ghana. The experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Fruits of six eggplant cultivars were harvested at the fully ripe stage at weekly intervals for a period of nine weeks and seeds extracted after each harvest. Seed quality of eggplant cultivars was assessed by 100-seed weight, seed vigour and germination percentage at weekly intervals. The results showed a significant difference in 100-seed weight among all the cultivars at different harvesting times. GH 1072 had the highest 100-seed weight with the lowest being Dwomo at all harvesting times. No germination was observed at first harvest among the six cultivars. Seed vigour increased at 7, 8 and 9 weeks after harvesting in all the cultivars. The highest vigour and germination percentage were observed in GH 1072 followed by GH 3870. The results obtained indicates that seed quality of eggplant cultivars increases with harvesting time. This varied within and among eggplant species.

Pomological and phenological characteristics of the main pistachio cultivars in Greece

The present study aimed to evaluate the pomological and phenological traits, as well as kernel antioxidant potential of the dominant Greek pistachio cultivars, ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ (Pistacia vera L.). Blooming of ‘Aegina’ cultivar occurred from early to mid of April, and nut maturation at middle to late of August. Production started at 6 to 7 years from grafting and full production observed at year 13. Blooming and nut maturation of ‘Pontikis’ occurred about 1 to 2 days later than ‘Aegina’ and production started 6 to 7 years from grafting, with full production observed in the 14th year. Mean tree yields reached 18.0 ± 1.0 kg and 17.4 ± 1.1 kg of dry nuts, in ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ cultivar, respectively. ‘Aegina’ cultivar presented intermediate tree vigour and spreading growth habit, whereas ‘Pontikis’ high tree vigour and semi-erect growth habit. ‘Aegina’ nut had a narrowly cordate shape and the percentage of split nut was found at 78.5 ± 6.5. ‘Pontikis’ nut had ovoid shape and the percentage of split nut was 84.1 ± 6.2. In ‘Aegina’ cultivar 100 nuts weighted 101.0 g and in ‘Pontikis’ 114.4 g. Color of kernel was green externally and green to green-white internally, greener in ‘Pontikis’. The antioxidant potential of pistachio kernel measured by FRAP assay, total polyphenolic substances, flavonoids, flavanols and hydroxycinnamic acids content, did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) between cultivars. Evaluation of ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ pistachio cultivars revealed that both are high yielding, with large nut sizes of acceptable appearance and high quality.