Structural characteristics and economic value of pistachio species (Pistacia atlantica) in Gilan-e Gharb forests

The ecosystem value, wild pistachio species importance and the product of raw turpentine in terms of creating employment, villager’s income and supplying raw materials for chemical, pharmaceutical, food industries and exporting it to European countries is a main interest to the government. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecosystem characteristics of pistachio species and the economic value of its gum in the direction of production rise in the Zagros in the Gilan-e Gharb forests that located in Kermanshah province. The studied forest stands with 700, 2100, 700 and 1000 hectares' area, respectively, are located in Kamreh Alirezavandi, Cheshmeh Sefid, Bapir and Balaleh in Gilan-e-Gharb in a mountainous and forested area. The desired area was determined using the available maps after filed visiting. Then, for griding, the study area in 10,000-scale maps was identified. Sampling by regular random method, was performed. In addition, the area of the sample plots is 4000 m2, have been surveyed. The results showed that the mean diameter at breast height in Kamreh, Bapir, Cheshmeh Sefid and Balaleh areas equal to 31.9, 35.5, 39.3 and 30.2 cm, respectively. Furthermore, the mean number of harvestable pistachio trees in Kamareh, Bapir, Cheshmeh Sefid and Balaleh areas is 30.15, 58.3, 44.45 and 32.25, respectively. The total height of pistachio trees in Kamareh, Bapir, Cheshmeh Sefid and Balaleh habitats is 5.6, 6.1, 4.5 and 4.2, respectively. The profit amount for the wild pistachio gum exploitation includes 821.7, 1623, 1740.5 and 2116 MilionRials in the Kamreh, Bapir, Cheshmeh Sefid and Balaleh, respectively. The findings of the present study showed that knowledge of the structural characteristics and production potential of turpentine in pistachio trees in the studied forest ecosystems and extraction of their gums based on habitat capacity is a significant step to protect this species and increase rural income and empower local communities.