Apricot germplasm in

Manshuk Zhexembekova, Kazakhstan Central Asia is a center of diversity for many important and nut tree , including armeniaca L. (Vavilov 1931, 1951) In addition to P. armeniaca (purple apricot or Black apricot, in Central Asia is naturally present Prunus dasycarpa Ehrh. Fruit quality

A wealth of apricot germplasm that expresses novel and valuable characteristics such a as fruit with:

- High soluble solide content - Edible kernels, - Glabrous skin; - Different color and flavour Pedoclimatic adaptation

Central Asia apricot germplasm shown:

- Late blossom - Late , - Drought tolerance, - Cold tolerance - Salt tolerance, - Self compatibility. Climate across Central Asia

The average montly air temperature across Central Asia varies from 24°C to 27.7°C in July to -0,3°C to 3,5°C in January

The maximum air temperature can reach is 48°C with low temperature to -40°C, in some location.

Precipitation is also variable to 87mm/year to 366mm/year in the valleys (in this area apricot require irrigation) to over 1.000mm in areas with higher elevation. Northen limit is 45°N

45° N

Zaurov et al. 2013 Soil across Central Asia

Usually soil pH changes according to altitude:

- In valley region, typical pH is 8.1-8.2

- At 1.100 m, typical pH 7.8 and 8.0

- Above 1.600 m typical pH 7.6 and 8.0

Usually apricot cultivation occurs in soil without salinity problem, with organic matter between 1 and 4%. Main Varieties Zaurov et al. 2013 Most of this are used for driyng

Zaurov et al. 2013 Turdieva 2015 Top 20 apricot producing countries and Central Asia countries

Zaurov et al. 2013 Sale (export ad import) of dried Apricots in Kazakhstan (Ministry of agriculture of KZ)

2015 (tons) 2016 (tons) 2017 (tons)

EXPORT IMPORT EXPORT IMPORT EXPORT IMPORT 4.653 25.501 781 23.122 809 10.513 Apricots in (Ministry of agriculture of UZ, 2017 )

PRODUCTION YIELD ACREAGE EXPORT IMPORT

580365 15 44169 37049 396925 Apricot production in Kazakhstan (ministry of agriculture of KZ)

2015 2016 2017

Cultivated surface (Ha) 3371 3359 3282

Production (tons) 17.600 18.629 17.107

Yield (tons/Ha) 6 6.6 6.9 Apricots varieties, maturity and productivity in Almaty oblast

Variety Early Mid Late Average yield, t Trees spacing /ha

Thynami + Early blash + 6x3m Redcheek + Kolkhos + 20-25 550 trees per ha Vinoslivii + Ananas + Shalah + Favorit + Iskra + Thank you for attention