Abstract: Aspergillus flavus was isolated from kernels of early splits in pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L.) from three orchards in vicinity of Kerman, Iran in 2002 and 2003. Pistachio nuts with early splits have split nuts in which their kernels invade by molds before harvest. A. flavus recovered from 12.5% of kernels with early splits at early and 25% from cracked seedless shells at late periods of season. Aflatoxins were detected in early splits of all three orchards. The results indicate that a major route for contamination of pistachio nuts with the toxins originates from early split nuts and cracked seedless shells. Since these are distinct from normal nuts, they should be removed and properly disposed of during processing.