Apricots are cultivated throughout the temperate regions of the world especially in the Mediterranean region

Apricot trees are small and spreading, with broad ovate leaves that have pointed tips.

Apricot is grown in dry temperate and mid-hill regions of India.

Major Apricots producing areas in India are Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and some extent of north-eastern hilly region

• Kingdom:  Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Rosales
• Family: Rosaceae
• Genus: Prunus
• Species: armeniaca

Apricot fruit is the most economically important part of the Apricot tree.

Apricot is grown successfully at an altitude of 900 to 2000m above mean sea level, however, some cultivars can be grown upto 3000m. 

The minimum temperature required for peak flowering is 5 - 60°C and for fruit ripening varies between 15 - 190°C. 

The long cold winter, frost free and warm spring are favorable for fruiting.

Apricot is hardy and can be grown in most of the soils which are deep, well drained and should be about 3m deep

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Aphids, Borers, Japanese beetles, Leaf Rollers and Mites.
    
  • Major Diseases: Bacterial Canker, Bacterial leaf Spot, Brown Rot, Coryneum Blight and Crown Gall.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Freezing Injury
  • Inking
  • Internal browning