Our studies illustrate the dynamic nature of both the availability of split nuts and the prevalence of NOW after harvest, as well as illustrate the low density of moths needed to begin the next generation in the spring. Additionally, our work provides some insight into the relative importance of ground mummies compared to tree mummies. Although mortality was greater in ground mummies, they were more important because of their number.

”Large bug” damage to pistachio nuts varies by season, as well as among insect species and development stages, with larger bugs typically causing more damage than smaller bugs. We investigated pistachio damage by three large bug species (leaffooted bug, redshouldered stink bug and flat green stink bug) at different development stages and throughout the season, using field surveys and cage studies. Before fruit set occurs in June, most damaged nuts are dropped from the cluster without reducing fruit load. The midseason period (June to July) is the most critical because the damaged nuts remain in the cluster. After shell hardening, the kernel is largely protected from bug feeding.