Abstract:

Based on the existing state of bad results from introducing Pistacia vera for many years in China, the relationships between the growth, development, and propagation of P.vera and microclimate and soil conditions were studied by micro-computers with the software system BEM-1 developed by authors for 8 years in Beijing. In the introducing experiment of P.vera, two improved varieties of Kerman and Peters introduced from the United States of America from 1996 to 1998, and the Chinese Pistacia from Xinjiang used as control, were planted in three different growth conditions(large greenhouse, small greenhouse, and field in Beijing Agriculture College). The investigation results showed that the biggest difference in weather conditions was the larger rainfall from July to August and the lower temperature from December to January in Beijing compared with the weather in the origin of P.vera. The vast amount of precipitation resulted in higher relative humidity in atmosphere,reaching 60% in average in Aug. and 70% in rainy days,which was benefit to the survival of grafting plants,but causing serious diseases at the same time. The biggest change in the atmospheric temperature was found at 100 cm above ground with the lowest temperature -9.18℃ and the highest temperature 42.63℃ in one year. The lowest temperature was -5.85℃ found at the soil surface in field and -4.25℃ and -5.15℃ were recorded in greenhouses. Therefore, necessary measures were needed to protect the young trees of P. vera from cold injury in winter using simple ways. The daily variation in light intensity was similar for three treatments. The light intensity varied with weather, time and facilities (large greenhouse or small green house) and the effect of weather was the most important. The concentration of CO₂ was 300～330 μmol·mol^-1 in morning, 230～250 μmol·mol^-1 at noon, which was not enough for photosynthesis requirements. The field soil was alkaline with more organic matter and total N, but low available P. P. vera grew well in sandy soil with pH 8.66～8.80 and normal blooming and fruiting were observed under the condition of introduction area, while the fruiting age was influenced mainly by variety.

Key words: Beijing region, Pistacia vera, introduction, microclimate, soil