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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Pistachio
Stigmatomycosis
Pathogens: Eremothecium coryli (syn. Nematospora coryli) and Aureobasidium
pullulans
(Reviewed 2/07,
updated 2/07)
In this Guideline:
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SYMPTOMS
Stigmatomycosis of pistachio is characterized by the wet, smelly,
rancid, slimy appearance of the kernel. There are three major symptoms of
stigmatomycosis: small kernels that are dark in
color and not fully developed; kernels that develop normally and fill the shell
cavity but are partially or totally wet, smelly, rancid, and dark colored; and kernels that
fill the shell cavity but look abnormal—white and jellylike.
COMMENTS ON THE DISEASE
The yeasts that caused stigmatomycosis are associated with hemipteran insects
(true bugs) in the families Pentatomidae (stink bugs) or Coreidae. Hemiptera
are common pests in pistachio orchards. Switching from sprinkler irrigation to
drip, microjets, or flood irrigation reduces damage from bugs as well as
stigmatomycosis. Feeding by plant bugs can also damage the kernel, causing
kernel necrosis, a brown-to-black distinct lesion that sometimes shows
concentric rings.
MANAGEMENT
Fungicide applications are not effective in controlling stigmatomycosis;
however, a spray to control stinkbugs and leaffooted bugs has been
shown to reduce the incidence of stimatomycosis as well.
![[UC Peer Reviewed]](/IMAGES/logo-ucpeerreviewed.jpg)
UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Pistachio
UC ANR Publication 3461
Diseases
T. J. Michailides, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgment for contributions to the diseases section:
B. L. Teviotdale, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
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