ISHS Acta Horticulturae 293: IX International Symposium on Apricot Culture
ADVANCES IN APRICOT GROWING AND MANAGEMENT |
| Authors: | S. Sansavini, G.F. Giannerini |
| Abstract:
The authors review the latest research in apricot culture. The most promising rootstocks are myrobolan and plum clones and several hybrids (e.g. G 31, Ishtara, Torinel, Mr.S. 2/5). While showing a certain degree of incompatibility, they are preferable to apricot seedling for their earlier cropping, wider environmental adaptation and their resistance to CLSV viruses and micoplasma (MLO, e.g. CLR) which contribute to tree decline & mortality. Medium-high density plantings had lower performance ratings in apricot compared with other species. This explains the continuing use of traditional training systems as the growth habit of apricot seems not to lend itself to more compact or hedgerow systems. Thinning practices are still manual and summer pruning is not sufficiently applied to improve cropping. Harvest mechanization is only slowly gaining currency despite the fact that a large part of the crop is destined for processing. This is due to technical factors, (i.e. staggered ripening, graft-point-breaking because of incompatibility), and economic considerations such as readily available labour in certain areas in contrast to the high cost of harvesters. The importance of micro- and drip irrigation in soil management issues particularly in warm, dry Mediterranean type climates, is stressed. Use of grass ground cover is becoming a widespread practice at least in northern areas in view of expected restrictions on the use of chemical herbicides in future. Hight fruit quality is found to depend on proper crop load, balanced nutrition, which can be quantified by several indices, and in the avoidance of water stress. | |
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