Apricot Tree

Apricots are a popular fruit worldwide due to their delicious taste and nutritional value. Apricot cultivation can be a profitable investment when proper techniques are applied. Below is detailed technical information that should be considered in every stage of apricot cultivation:

REPRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS:

Climate Requirements:

• Apricots prefer temperate and sunny climates.
• Regions with cold winters and hot, dry summers are suitable for apricot cultivation.
• Areas free from late frost should be preferred.

Soil Requirements:

• Well-drained, deep, and organic matter-rich soils are ideal.
• Soil depth is important due to the tree’s size (at least 1 meter).
• Acidic soils are not suitable for apricots.
• Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.

ROOTSTOCKS (Rootstock Names):

• Common rootstocks used in apricot cultivation include:
  • Almond Rootstock: The most common rootstock. It is strong and durable.
  • Isfahan Rootstock: Drought-resistant.
  • Mariana (Prunus serotina): Provides early fruiting.
  • Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera): Tolerant to salinity and calcareous soils.

POLLINATION BIOLOGY (Pollination-Friendly Trees):

• Apricot is a wind-pollinated plant.
• Male flowers open before female flowers. This reduces the likelihood of pollination problems.
• Planting different varieties in the orchard is beneficial for increasing yield.
• Other fruit trees compatible with apricots, such as almonds, peaches, and plums, can also be included in apricot orchards to aid pollination.

VARIETIES (Types of Trees):

• There are numerous apricot varieties available for cultivation.
• Some of the most popular apricot varieties include:
  • Havran: Yellow-skinned apricot with a shell. A flavorful and aromatic variety.
  • Malatya: Orange-skinned apricot with a shell. Used for drying and fresh consumption.
  • Narince: Orange-skinned apricot with a shell. A delicious and juicy variety.
  • Tecer: Yellow-skinned apricot with a shell. An early-fruiting variety.
  • Tokat: Orange-skinned apricot with a shell. Used for fresh consumption and compote making.

ORCHARD ESTABLISHMENT:

Sapling Planting and Time:

• Apricot saplings are typically planted in the spring after the harsh winter frosts have passed.
• The most suitable time for sapling planting varies by region.
• Generally, March-April months are preferred.

Preparation of the Planting Site:

• The planting area should be thoroughly tilled to ensure proper drainage.
• Soil improvers can be used if necessary.
• Planting holes should be dug large enough to accommodate the sapling roots comfortably.

Features to be Sought in Saplings:

• Healthy, disease-free saplings with proper pruning marks should be preferred.
• Sapling roots should not be pruned.

Planting Distance and Shape (Spacing):

• Since apricot trees grow to a large size, attention should be paid to the planting distance.
• The planting shape can be square or triangular depending on the terrain.
• Planting is generally done with 5-6 meters x 5-6 meters spacing.

ANNUAL MAINTENANCE OF ORCHARDS:

Tillage:

• Tillage (tillage) can be done once or twice a year for weed control and soil aeration.
• However, digging close to the tree should be avoided to prevent root damage.

Irrigation (Average Water Requirement per Tree):

• Although apricot trees are relatively drought-resistant, regular irrigation is crucial during fruit setting and development.
• A drip irrigation system conserves water.
• On average, a young apricot tree (up to 4 years old) requires 15-20 liters of water per week, while an adult tree requires 30-40 liters per week.
• These values may vary depending on rainfall, soil structure, and tree age.

Fertilization (NPK Values):

• Fertilization should be based on soil analysis and the tree’s needs.
• In the early years, fertilizers containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) can be applied.
• Generally, the recommended NPK values for fruit-bearing apricot trees are 100:50:80 kg/ha. However, these values may vary depending on soil analysis results.

Disease and Pests (Disease Names):

• Apricot leaf spot disease
• Monilia disease
• Apricot leaf aphid
• Fruit worm

Pruning (Pruning Types):

• Three types of pruning are commonly performed on apricot trees

Pruning:

• Formative Pruning: Performed on young trees to shape them.
• Fruiting Pruning: Done to increase yield and rejuvenate branches.
• Rejuvenation Pruning: Carried out on older trees with declining yield.

Harvest (Harvest Months and Yield):

• Apricot harvest typically begins in June-July.
• Harvest time can vary depending on the apricot variety and region.
• Apricot yield varies based on age, variety, and maintenance practices.
• Apricot trees begin to bear fruit after 3-4 years and can provide a yield of 3-5 tons per hectare under ideal conditions.

Storage (Storage Duration):

• Storage duration depends on the apricot variety and ripeness.
• Some apricot varieties can be stored for 2-3 weeks in a cold storage facility.
• At room temperature, apricots spoil quickly and should be consumed soon after harvest.

Additional Information:

• Bee pollination is important for apricot cultivation.
• Apricot trees are not nitrogen-fixing plants. Therefore, the need for nitrogen fertilization may be higher in apricot orchards.

Note: This information provides a general framework. For success in apricot cultivation, it’s crucial to obtain and apply knowledge specific to your region and apricot variety.

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