the Nematodes

I. Apricot, plum, pear, and apple trees 

THE HOUSEHOLDER

Importance and area of cultivation

The cultivation of apricots (Prunus armeniaca) has increased significantly over the last five years.

years. From 8350 ha in 1993, the area reached 14000 ha in 2000 with a production of 100000

T. Cultivation is mainly concentrated in Haouz (Marrakech) and El Kelaâ, followed by

Ouarzazate, Moulouya and Boulmane.

Agro-ecological requirements

The apricot tree is a rather demanding species in winter cold (700 to 1000 hours below

7,2°C). It blooms just after the almond tree and before the peach tree. It is quite sensitive to winter frost, but

The floral buds can withstand temperatures from -16°C to -24°C when dormant.

It is a species that dreads wet and humid springs because of disease attacks.

cryptogamic. It is sensitive to the Mediterranean fly and capnode on root. The apricot tree

prefers deep clay-silt soils with good drainage.

Varieties

In Morocco, the varietal range is very small. It is constituted for 80% of Canino, a variety with

double purpose, the fresh fruit market and canning. Other varieties are Gelitano, Delpatriarca,

Maoui, Ouardi, Sayeb, Amal and local varieties. Early and late hybrid varieties of

Canino are also being tested. The most commonly used rootstock is mech-mech, a local apricot tree.

Other rootstocks such as Canino, Missour peach, bitter almond, Myrobolan plum and

Mariana are rarely used (incompatibility with Mariana peach and plum). The flowering of

the apricot tree is harvested between February and March for a harvest in April-May at Maoui and in May-June.

for the other varieties.

Cultivation techniques

These techniques are similar to those performed on the almond tree in terms of soil work and

irrigation. For fertilization, the following doses are recommended: N: 100-150 U/ha,

P205: 80-100 U/ha; K20: 150 U/ha. The apricot tree is demanding in potassium fertilization. The deficiency in

potassium is manifested by chlorosis and necrosis of the foliage. On trees in production, the

size is reduced to a few prunings to ensure the penetration of light into the interior of the

crown. Avoid large waist wounds. In the apricot tree, the bunches of May being carried by the

wood two years old and more, fruit wood must be renewed over 3 and 4 years. We maintain the crown

short enough to bring out the bouquets of May near the carpenter.

Diseases, pests and phytosanitary protection

The apricot tree is susceptible to decline, a group of diseases caused by mycoplasma.

(Chlorotic coiling), viral diseases (Stem pitting), various cankers (Pseudomonas

syringae, Eutypha armeniacae), to Verticilliosis and Neck Rot and Armillaria. The conditions

of excessive hydromorphy, high humidity, pruning on large woods and excess manuring are 

4-responsible for the development of wasting agents. Other diseases (Moniliosis,

Powdery mildew, Coryneum) and pests (Capnode, Ceratitis, Aphid) must be controlled according to the stage of the disease.

phenology of the apricot tree and the appearance of these alterations.

Harvest and conservation

The harvest begins in April for the earliest variety (Maoui) and ends in June for Canino.

and Gelitano. It is very grouped in time. The processing industry (mumps in syrup,

pulp, jam, dried fruits) suffers from the non spreading of the production which restricts its activities to

a maximum of one month for this sector. The fruit for fresh consumption is very fragile and must be

be picked two to four days before maturity and very early in the morning or evening. The fruit supports a

20 days storage at -0.5°C and 85% humidity.

THE PRUNIER

Importance and area of cultivation

The area under plum (Prunus domestica) cultivation currently amounts to 69,000 ha.

for a production of 50000 T. The regions of Chefchaouen (1450 ha), Khémisset (1200 ha), then

Meknes (900 ha) is the largest production area. The Tetouan region has some

200 ha. It is a sector that is showing a notable decline, particularly for the drying plum.

Stanley.

Agro-ecological requirements

Plum is a species that tolerates cold winter temperatures as well as apples and

pears and requires 800 to 1100 hours of cold temperature below 7.2°C. In case of

of insufficiency in cold, the bloom and the foliage are spread out. The European varieties are

Slightly more demanding in cold than the Japanese varieties (700 to 1000 hours of cold). The

plum tree fears spring frosts because of its early flowering. It prefers warm springs

and dry. The strong hygrometries are favourable to the development of Monilia on flowers and fruits,

Coryneum, Rust. It prefers well-drained, deep, clay-loam soils. Plum trees

European plum trees behave better on clay soils, whereas Japanese plum trees are better adapted to the

on light soils.

The varieties

The vast majority of plums grown in Morocco are of Japanese type (Golden Japan, Formosa,

Santa Rosa, Methley, Red Beauty). They are watery and do not tolerate handling and the

transport. A plum with double end, fresh fruit and drying, the Stanley has been developed especially in the

region of Khémisset and Meknes. Varieties of local plums such as Zerhouni, Fassi, Meless,

Zuitni have been established in urban belts and Riffaine areas. Late varieties

that can withstand long conservation periods have recently been introduced in Morocco.

(Royal Diamond, Black Diamond). The Japanese plum trees bloom in February-March and are harvested

in June-July. Stanley flowers around March-April and is harvested in August-September. The rootstock of the

plums are essentially the franc (Prunus domestica), the GF 43 plum, the myrobolans plum, and the

(Prunus cerasifera), plum Mariana GF 81, Damascus and St. Julien plums and peach x almond tree

GF 677.

Cultivation techniques

5- Cultivation techniques are similar to those of the apricot tree, except for fertilization: it is recommended to

the following contributions: Manure = 10 T/ha, N= 100 U/ha of which 2/3 before flowering and 1/3 after harvest,

P205= 80-100 U/ha in the fall, and K20= 180-200 U/ha in the fall. The fruiting size must

be operated according to alternation. In the winter following a high production, the number of buds

floral is weak and consists mainly of bouquets of May. It is necessary to practice a severe pruning on the

Mixed twigs (reducing the number of wood buds and restoring the bud balance)

floral-budding wood). In the winter following a very low production, the number of buds

floral will be very high. A certain number of May bouquets will be removed without touching the

mixed branches.

Diseases, pests and phytosanitary protection

In plum trees, there are many diseases due to either bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae and

P. morsprunorum, leaf riddling, crown gall), or to cryptogams.

(moniliasis, rust, coryneum, scab, powdery mildew, blister). Animal pests also have a

real danger if they are not controlled. They include codling moth, mites, scale insects,

aphids, budworm, ceramics, capnode, zeuzera and husk.

Harvest and conservation

As with apricots and peaches, the fruit is fragile and its harvesting time remains a compromise.

between quality requirements and handling and transport constraints. Plums

are very watery and need to be marketed quickly. The Stanley and Blue

Diamond stored between 4 and 6°C and 85% humidity, can be sold within ten days.

after they are taken out of the cold room.

THE PEAR

Importance and area of cultivation

The pear tree (Pyrus communis) occupies an area of 4000 ha for a production of 40000 T.

As for the apple tree, the main production regions are the Middle and High Atlas (AzrouIfrane), the Saïs plain (Meknès-Fès), Khénifra-Midelt and the Gharb.

Agro-ecological requirements

The pear tree is a species that grows in climatic zones where the winter temperature is higher than in the summer.

remains below 7°C. Its cooling needs are of the order of 1200 to 1500 hours of temperatures.

below 7.2°C. In the dormant phase, the pear tree can withstand temperatures without suffering from it.

up to -26°C. Less hardy than the apple tree, the pear tree is however more demanding in cold weather.

than fishing it. Temperatures above 27°C and below 12°C and the low

of hygrometry reduce the size of the fruit. The Williams variety is prone to early ripening if

Cool temperatures prevail during the few months before the harvest. The fruit

then has a vitreous appearance, softens and does not keep well in the refrigerator. The degree of these alterations

depends on a critical threshold of temperatures and the length of time the fruit is exposed to these temperatures. The

pear tree can adapt to a wide variety of soils as long as it retains enough moisture to

humidity and that they are well drained. Like many species, the pear tree grows well of course.

deep, fertile, silty-clay soils rich in organic matter.

6

Varieties

Compared to apples, the variety range of pears is much smaller. About ten

of varieties provide almost all the pear production in Morocco. In cultivation of plain and

In order of earliness of harvest, we find Wilder, Précoce Morettini, Coscia, Dr. Jules Guyot,

Clapp Favorite, Williams White, Williams Red, Louise Bonne d'Avranches and Passe Crassane. The

the most cultivated varieties are summer pears (Williams, Dr. J. Guyot, Beurré Hardy) followed by

Pass Crassane, an autumn pear. The varietal association is necessary in the pear tree to

ensure cross-fertilization. The types of associations encountered are as follows:

Varieties to be pollinated Pollinating varieties

- Precocious Morettini -Coscia -Dr. J. Guyot -Williams -Louise Bonne d'Avranches -Passe Crassane -

Coscia

- Précoce Morettini -Williams -Conference, Dr. J. Guyot -Beurré Hardy

The two most commonly used rootstocks are Franc and Cognassier BA29. The Franc confers a

variety, which is a disadvantage in intensive cultivation, but it is free from

virus disease with the exception of seed-transmitted "yellow vein"; it also has good

affinity with pear and is not very sensitive to calcareous chlorosis. A franc selected for its

homogeneity, Feudière is little diffused. The BA29 quince tree is a quince tree from Provence that is

stands out for its vigour, rapid growth and has a good affinity with Williams.

Cultivation techniques

Successful pear tree cultivation requires the following conditions:

- Avoid sudden variations in water availability. This amounts to:

. having a good water reserve in the soil;

. limiting evapotranspiration (choice of a sheltered area and planting of windbreaks);

. maintaining soil moisture close to field capacity by frequent irrigation.

- Avoid frost spots.

- Ensure excellent pollination (the presence of hives is essential).

For other techniques (fertilization, irrigation, pruning refer to the apple tree crop).

Diseases, pests and phytosanitary protection

The pear tree is subject to many virus and mycoplasma diseases, among which we can cite: the

yellowing of the veins (yellow vein), the annular mosaic, the gravel (pear stony pit), the

viral decline (pear decline) and rubbery wood (Rubbery wood). The latter two

diseases are due to mycoplasmas. A bacterial disease, the wilting of the bouquets

floral disease due to Pseudomonas syringae has been reported in orchards in Azrou. Fireblight due to

Erwinia amylovora presents a real danger for apple and pear orchards in Morocco.

Present in Europe and the USA, it has not yet been reported in Morocco. Practically the same

Cryptogamic diseases reported on apple trees, affect pear trees (Scabies, Powdery mildew, Cankers),

Parasitic lead due to Stereum purpureum, etc.). As a pest, codling moth should be mentioned,

psyllid, San Jose louse, scale insect, mites, aphids, capnode, ceramics, mite, moth, and

zeuzère and the cossus... (See apple tree treatment schedule).

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Harvesting and conservation

For harvesting and packaging refer to the apple tree culture.

THE APPLE

Importance and area of cultivation

Apart from the almond tree, the apple tree (Malus domestica) is the species that occupies the largest area in the world.

surface for fruit rosacea in Morocco. Currently, orchards planted with apples

total 29000 ha of which 1000 ha are newly created with a production of 390000 T. It is a

sector that is undergoing rapid change, stimulated by a buoyant market, a varietal range that

tends to diversify and a dynamic profession. The main regions are Meknes, Midelt,

Khenifra, Haouz Marrakech, Fez, Ouarzazate...

Agro-ecological requirements

The apple tree is a species of temperate zones, it requires a long period of vegetative rest.

to satisfy its cooling needs, which are of the order of 800 to 1600 hours below 7.2°C. From

varieties with low cooling requirements have been developed and have allowed the extension of the cultivation area of the

apple tree. The species can withstand temperatures down to -35°C in the dormant phase, but the areas with the highest

favourable for cultivation are those with cold winters and moderately warm summers and

relatively wet. Temperatures of 21 to 26°C are the most favorable for bee activity.

during pollination. Cool nights and intense brightness during maturity are very important.

favorable to the good coloration of the fruits. On the other hand, foggy days accompanied with

precipitation or morning dews depreciates the color of the fruit and favors the development of the fruit.

russeting. The apple tree adapts to a wide range of soils. However, well-drained soils

slightly acidic (pH 6.5 to 6.7), clay-silt, deep and rich in organic matter are the

more favourable to apple tree cultivation. Heavy clay soils with high water retention capacity

should be avoided as much as soils with a high active limestone content. The amount of water needed for the

apple tree for its growth and production varies from 700 to 900 mm/year. The water needs of the

apple tree in the growing season (March to September) would be 600 mm. The strongest needs

are manifested in July-August.

Plant material

Varieties

One of the problems that restricts apple growing areas is the unmet needs for

winter cold. Also, for the culture in plain (Saïs, Gharb), it is advisable to choose the varieties with

low need for cooling. Among them are Anna, Einschiemer, Vista Bella, Jerseymac, Delbar, etc.

Summer, Earlygold, Sungold, Primgold, Ozark gold, Newgold, Arkcharm, Sunrise, Akane and Dorset

Golden. Some of these varieties are not well known, especially in terms of adaptation and this is why they are not well known.

only after behavioural testing can conclusions be drawn about the choices to be made.

to do. Another important point to consider is the association of varieties that inter-pollinate. One

variety planted without pollinator cannot produce. This is how Anna has as pollinator

Einschiemer. Vistabella is pollinated by Jerseymac, Idared, Prima, Malus Floribunda Evereste and

Akane has as pollinator Golden delicious, Idared, Reine des Reinettes, etc...

8_ Rootstock

The most used rootstock in Morocco is MM 106. It is of average vigor, adapts well to the soil and is

to heavy and deep soils, fears drought but is very sensitive to phytophthora, which limits

currently its use. MM 109 is very vigorous, suitable for light, well-drained soils,

resists drought, but is very sensitive to hydromorphy. M26 has low to medium vigor,

requires a well-drained soil because it is sensitive to hydromorphy. Some rootstocks are currently

little used because of the vigour they confer to the variety (M II and MM111). Others, such as

M 9 selections, are attracting a lot of interest because of their dwarfing and fruiting effect.

fast. These are the Pajam 1 Lancep, Pajam 2 Cepiland, M 9 NAKB and M 9 EMLA. These rootstocks are of recent introduction.

Cultivation techniques

Soil preparation before planting

Two operations are important to carry out: soil profile and soil analysis. The profile

Soil depth up to 1 m allows to determine the possible rooting depth

and adapted soil working (breaking up, subsoiling etc...). The analysis of the soil will allow to

reasoning the fertilization both quantitatively and qualitatively (taking into account texture, rates, etc.).

of clay and organic matter, pH and active limestone).

Bottom manure

It is necessary to take advantage of ploughing or subsoiling to incorporate the bottom manure into the soil: Manure=50-60

T/ha, Phosphate = 300-400 U/ha as superphosphate, Potash = 300-400 U/ha as

of potassium sulphate or better double sulphate of potash and magnesia, Magnesia = 50-70 U/ha

in the form of sulphate or carbonate and trace elements = 500 kg/ha of a mixed fertilizer

trace elements (Zinc, Boron, Iron etc...).

Choice of the plating system