干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is the main fruit crop in the cold and regions of India, mainly Ladakh. This tree thrives well even in sandy and wasteland conditions and can tolerate water stress and temperatures as low as -30degreesC. Ladakh, which covers the major area of cold and regions in India, is located between 8500-12000 feet above sea level and is a very rich repository of apricot germplasm. However, there is an imminent threat of this highly valuable germplasm becoming extinct due to a lack of scientific studies and an absence of established propagation techniques. The Field Research Laboratory (DRDO), Leh, located at an altitude of 11,500 ft in the cold and regions of India, initiated an extensive study to survey, collect, evaluate, propagate and conserve this valuable indigenous germplasm. The findings of the study include 74 types of apricot genotypes showing considerable variation in physical parameters such as fruit shape, size, colour, weight, stone weight, diameter, stone-pulp ratio, and chemical parameters like TSS, acidity, pH and sugars. Efforts were also made to standardize nursery techniques and vegetative propagation methods of apricot with a view to conserve its genetic variability. Grafting, budding and top working have shown 85-92% success and can be used effectively as methods of propagation. Further studies are in progress to initiate measures to conserve these valuable genotypes at different locations in the region for their further evaluation and multiplication of superior types.