ISHS Acta Horticulturae 750: II International Symposium on Loquat
LOQUAT IN SPAIN: PRODUCTION AND MARKETING |
| Authors: | E. Soler, J. Martínez-Calvo, G. Llácer, M.L. Badenes |
| Keywords: | Eriobotrya japonica, orchard management, pests, diseases |
| Abstract:
Due to environmental requirements most of the production of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) in Spain is located in the Southeast coast. ‘Algerie’ and its mutations are the most important cultivar in the area accounting for 98% of the total production. The second area based on crop area and production is Andalusia, which accounts for 39% of the total production in Spain; the most important cultivars are ‘Magdal’ and ‘Golden Nugget’. The crop is mostly located in family orchards, in high-density planting; growers use drip irrigation and apply water stress, after harvesting. Production of high quality fruits, according to market demand, requires large investments of labor. Labor represent 66% of total costs the highest relative amount of all horticultural crops in Spain. The limiting factors from pest and diseases are scab and soil fungus from species of Armillaria, Rosellinia and Phytophthora. However, the main limiting factor is purple spot, a physiological disorder. Marketing by grower associations is the most common method. Spain exports represent 36 to 47% of total production. Although loquat is exported to many countries, more than 80% of the export is destined to Italy, Portugal and France. | |
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