Apricot

Apricot varieties:

Many varieties of apricots are cultivated in the world. The following varieties are cultivated in Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). Trivet, Shukra Para, Barami, Char Magzi.

Soil:

Apricot tree can be grown in almost any type of soil but well-drained fertile loamy soil is best for best yield. Saline, Sodic and water-logged soils are not suitable for its cultivation.

Preparation of root stock for apricot plants: -

The following rootstocks are used for grafting apricot plants. Alocha, Hari, Peshawar Local etc. The seeds are extracted from the following suitable plants by obtaining healthy and clean fruits. The seeds of these plants are usually very hard, so they are kept in moist sand for fifteen to twenty days for their germination this process is called stratification. For this process, wooden crates are usually used, five or six layers of seeds are laid in them and the moisture is preserved by sprinkling water on top of sand. When the seed coat of the seed bursts then transferred it to the nursery.

Method of transplant to nursery: -

Before transferring the seeds to the nursery, the land is prepared well, then furrows are made at a distance of 60 cm, their depth should not be more than 5-6 cm. Seeds are planted at a distance of 8 cm in these furrows. After planting the seeds, they are covered with leaf compost and irrigated with a sprinkler.

Cultivation time: -

The season of August to September is suitable for plantation of seedlings of these plants. The seedling of these plants capable to ready for grafting next year in the same season or next year in March-April.

Layout of Plants in Orchard: -

For planting an apricot orchard, the layout of plants is kept square and in this method the distance between the plants is kept 18 x 18 feet.

Method of Cultivation: -

Deciduous plants can be planted in Autumn or spring. Pits are dug before planting. These pits are left open for 15 days. The size of these pits should be 60-80 cm x 80-100 cm. The pits should be filled with top soil mixed with manure and chemical fertilizers. After that, well irrigated so that the plant stabilizes its place. Tall plants should be supported so that they do not fall to the ground.

Benefits of Pruning: -

Pruning of apricot plants have many benefits.

• The plant has balanced yield.

• Proper plant canopy is formed for proper growth.

• Makes the structure of the plant durable so that it is not damaged by weather.

• Helps to control diseases and infections

Method of Pruning:

Open center system method is used in Apricot plants and pruning of plants is done in the month of January.

Grafting in apricot plants: -

T-shaped bud grafting is done on the following rootstocks of Apricot i.e. Alocha, Hari, Peshawar local. May, June months are suitable for grafting.

The amount of fertilizer needed by apricot plants depends on the type of soil, age of the plant, time of fruiting, type of fertilizer and the amount of fertilizer used in last year.

Fertilizer requirement before Fruiting:

Fertilizer requirement after fruiting: