Influence of climatic indicators on the sustainability of fruit farming in the regions of Slovakia

Rising temperatures are already affecting fruit production, and phenological data are important in examining the agroclimatic conditions of the area. The research aims to analyse climate indicators for the sustainability of apple (Malus domestica, L.) production in Slovakia – the onset of the phenological phase of full flowering (BBCH 65) in 1931–2020, the occurrence of frost days in 1961–2020, and the analysis of the area and yield of apple trees in 2014–2022. The results show that in 1931–1960, full flowering began in the third decade of April (western Slovakia – April 24) and in the first decade of May (eastern Slovakia – May 3). On the contrary, over the past 30 years, the average onset begins already in the second decade of April (western Slovakia – April 18) and in the last decade of April (eastern Slovakia – April 25). This also caused a higher probability of frosts occurring between the 1st and 10th day after the onset of the BBCH 65 phase (Piešťany station – up to 137%), and thus a greater risk of flower damage. Due to climatic and economic factors, the total area of orchards is decreasing, but this is also related to the decrease in fruit harvest in Slovakia.