GROWTH ANALYSIS AND MINERAL-CONTENT IN PISTACHIO (PISTACIA-VERA L) INFRUCTESCENCE AND ITS COMPONENTS

Growth and seasonal variation in mineral content was described for inf ructescence components of 'Bianca' pistachio cultivar grafted onto Pis tacia therebintus L. The absorption curve specific to each infructesce nce and fruit component was calculated on a percent dry weight and an absolute content basis. Nutrient uptake by infructescence components w as consistent with their development rate. The embryo was the stronges t sink for N, P and Mg uptake. Pericarp and rachis accounted for more than 80% of K and Ca accumulated in the infructescence. The highest ac cumulation rate occurred during rapid embryo growth.