A new era may begin in domestic apricot production

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 08. 12. 11:46

Hungarian apricot orchards suffered severe damage this year due to spring frosts: in most of the growing areas, 70–95 percent of the crop was destroyed, Ákos Mendel, a scientific associate at the Institute of Horticulture of the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences, told InfoRádió. According to the expert, in order to increase crop security and improve the economics of cultivation, it is necessary to rethink the entire production structure.

Frost tolerance and choice of growing location are the key

Spring frosts pose a serious challenge every year, especially for growers of apricot, peach and early-flowering cherry varieties. Ákos Mendel emphasized that although damage cannot be completely avoided, the appropriate choice of variety and growing location, as well as the use of modern technological elements, can greatly reduce losses.

“Late-flowering, frost-tolerant fruit varieties are needed, along with good commercial quality and adequate yield,”

he added.

Low-lying areas, high risk

Currently, 35–40 percent of apricot plantations are located in the southern part of Pest County, as well as in Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok and Bács-Kiskun counties – these low-altitude areas are particularly sensitive to late spring frosts. The remaining 60–65 percent, however, are located in higher-lying areas, such as the Northern Central Mountains or the Somogyi Hills, where the trees perform better even in frost-damaged years.

The solution lies in research and development

A comprehensive research and development project has already been launched in cooperation with the National Chamber of Agriculture, MATE and producers, which aims to reorganize production areas, plant new varieties and develop technologies.