Prunus armeniaca (common apricot) is a deciduous tree of the Rosaceae family, native to Central and East Asia. Botanically, it is characterized by broad ovate to heart-shaped leaves and very early flowering (often before leafing), which makes it susceptible to late spring frosts. The fruit is a velvety, yellow-orange drupe with a typical longitudinal groove, whose flesh usually separates easily from the stone when ripe. Nutritionally, the fruits are valued for their high content of fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and E. The phytochemical profile is defined by the dominant presence of carotenoids, especially beta-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A), which is responsible for the rich orange color and, together with flavonoids (quercetin, catechins), provides strong antioxidant protection for cells and eyesight. The kernels specifically contain the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin.
Apricot rootstocks:
Saint Julien A
Ensures compact, moderately weak growth suitable for smaller orchards. Promotes early and abundant harvests, increases the tree's frost resistance, and tolerates wetter soil conditions well.
Mirobalan C5
Compared to common seedlings, it provides more balanced growth and earlier fruiting. It tolerates drier and poorer soils well, while positively influencing fruit size.
Prunus armeniaca (seedling)
Guarantees 100% affinity with the variety and healthy growth. The trees are vigorous, long-lived and, thanks to their deep roots, highly resistant to drought, especially in warm and light soils.
Marianna
Ideal for heavy and temporarily waterlogged soils that other rootstocks cannot tolerate. It has a shallower but rich root system and is resistant to some soil pathogens.
Myrobalan 29C
A very vigorous rootstock suitable for poor and dry soils. It ensures strong anchoring, longevity of the tree, and high vitality even in difficult conditions.
