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Crop yield response to water - Cra

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Figure 1 Production trends for almonds in the principal countries (FAO, 2011).1 600USA Spain Syria Turkey Algeria1 4001 200Production (1 000 <strong>to</strong>nne)1 000800600400200019851990199520002005 20082009Quality considerationsInsect damage, shrivel, kernel colour, and broken kernels are quality criteria worldwide.Additionally, marketplace differences result in cultivar-dependent crop values.Some markets also place a premium value on larger nuts; the United States, forexample.Description of the stages of developmentin relation <strong>to</strong> <strong>yield</strong> determinationAlmond trees require very low chilling and thus, vegetative growth and flowering begin veryearly in the season relative <strong>to</strong> other deciduous tree species; although plant breeders aim <strong>to</strong>develop cultivars that bloom late <strong>to</strong> avoid chilling injuries. This earliness feature relates <strong>to</strong>the evolution of almonds in mild, subtropical climates with prolonged summer drought. Theperiod from flowering <strong>to</strong> fruit maturation of almond is relatively long, depending on climateand cultivar; from late January-March <strong>to</strong> August-September in the Northern. Hemisphere, andthe sensitivity of each of the physiological processes during this time <strong>to</strong> <strong>water</strong> deficits must beconsidered <strong>to</strong> assess the impact of stress on the <strong>yield</strong> and quality of the fruit at harvest. No<strong>to</strong>nly current season impacts but those of subsequent seasons must be taken in<strong>to</strong> account.ALMOND 359

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