APRICOT GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY IN HIGH DENSITY ORCHARDS

There is no intensive apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivation in the Middle Dalmatia region, although the climatic conditions of this agroecological area enable its cultivation and successful production. In 2000, two local unknown cultivars, separated on the basis of their phenotypic characteristics, were planted together with 'Aurora' and 'Orange Red' cultivars on Fereley-Jaspi rootstock. The research aim was to evaluate vegetative growth and productivity of local cultivars compared to the cultivars 'Aurora' and 'Orange Red' in a high density orchard. Research results showed significant differences in growth and productivity between local cultivars and 'Aurora' and 'Orange Red'.