Grafting stone pine with alternative rootstocks to expand pine nut production areas

Grafting stone pine (Pinus pinea) with Aleppo pine (Pinus halapensis) rootstocks in a 12-year experiment at Os de Balaguer, Lleida, Spain, enhances pine nut production, supports sustainable land use, and maintains Mediterranean agroforestry mosaics. The study evaluates on-site grafting techniques, tree survival, and cone yield across 140 trees, including 70 Pinus halapensis rootstocks, 44 nursery-grafted, 68 field-grafted, and 18 non-grafted trees. Results show improved productivity and resilience in sandy, drought-prone soils, with average pine nut prices reaching €60 per 60 kg (2020–2023). The project combats land abandonment, restores soil, and preserves the ecological and cultural value of the Mediterranean landscape.