The University of California, Davis will host the eighth International Symposium on Almonds and Pistachios May 7-11, as scientists from around the world present the latest information on topics ranging from rootstocks to pollination.

The conference is held every fourth year and offers person-to-person contact with the world’s leading pistachio and almond scientists and industries, according to a UC Davis summary.

Registration includes participation in a grower day on Wednesday, May 10.

“This symposium is designed to cover the latest advances in both basic and applied research on pistachios and almonds with a strong focus on production applications,” the conference website notes. “The material is suitable for scientists, growers, consultants, processors and marketers of pistachios and almonds.”

Talks will cover a wide range of topics, including:

After an informal reception on Sunday night, May 7, conference sessions will open Monday, May 8, with keynote presentations moderated by Bruce Lampinen of UC Davis’ Department of Plant Sciences. Other presentations will cover the history of almond improvement and cultivation in California and development of pistachios as a crop in the state.

On Tuesday, May 9, a field tour will include presentations on young pistachio tree training, mature almond and pistachio production, almond and pistachio rootstocks, and postharvest sorting. Numerous breakout sessions for almonds and pistachios are also scheduled throughout the week.

The cost for the symposium at UC Davis’ Conference Center ranges from $150 for the grower day only or $200 for the field tour to $1,225 for pre-registration for the entire conference.

For information and to register, click here.