site.bta Low Temperatures in January Saved Apricot Trees from Freezing

Low Temperatures in January Saved Apricot Trees from Freezing

Silistra, Northeastern Bulgaria, January 31 (BTA) - Contrary to logic, the freezing temperatures in January saved the apricot trees from freezing. There is a very scientific explanation for this: the low temperatures slow down the process of waking up from winter dormancy and budding, and thus reduce the risk of damage to the buds caused by spring frost, explains Prof. Lyulyana Ivanova of the Apricot Research Centre in Silistra.

In other years with milder winters, all apricot varieties grown in Bulgaria are roused from dormancy between January 25 and 28, which makes them more vulnerable to the usual spring frost.

Apricots are traditionally grown in that part of the northeastern region of Dobroudja that touches the Danube.

The Silistra Apricot Research Centre grows a collection of 500 apricot varieties. It has recently developed two new cultivars, Drustur and Istur.