AGROALNEXT Project: Water-sustainable strategies in stone fruit: a case study of the apricot tree

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivation is quite common in the Mediterranean basin, as this region offers favorable climatic conditions for its development. In fact, several of the largest producers are located in this area. Turkey, leading global production, exceeds 800,000 tons, and Spain, in eighth place, nearly reaches 115,000 tons. However, irrigated crops in the Mediterranean basin face various challenges and problems due to the region's particular characteristics. To begin with, there is the limited availability of water. The lack of rainfall and the overexploitation of water resources have led to a scarcity of this resource, which directly affects the cultivation of stone fruit trees such as apricots. Furthermore, the Mediterranean climate is increasingly prone to climate variability, such as recurring droughts and extreme weather events, which complicates crop planning and management. Other factors, such as soil and water salinization, are also significant.