Developing a Web-based Pistachio Nut Growth Prediction System for Orchard Management

A web-based system was developed for pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) growers to predict nut growth from pericarp expansion through endocarp hardening, embryo development, and harvest date. Based on 3 years of data, a Gompertz nonlinear function was fitted to describe and predict growth of pistachio endocarp volume, embryo length, and shell firmness as a function of heat units for six pistachio cultivars. The web application is built on a reactive programming framework that couples a user-friendly interface with a regression engine that dynamically queries both recent and historic weather databases. The interface presents results based on a nonlinear model describing pistachio nut growth, which is the core of the system. The long-term purpose of this system is the prediction of critical growth stages to facilitate pest management, irrigation scheduling, and optimal harvest date.