Adapting nectarine cultivation in Morocco: Addressing climate change and thrips challenges through innovation and sustainability

Abstract The socio-economic importance of the nectarine tree in Morocco is significant, both locally and nationally, as a fruit tree. However, this tree is facing various phytosanitary problems, including thrips. Climate change has an impact on the nectarine tree, particularly on the phenology of its buds and fruits, as well as on thrips in terms of their reproduction and distribution. As a result, climate change can worsen the threat of thrips on nectarine trees. The adaptation of nectarine orchards to climate change can be achieved through the development of preventive phenological models, water stress management, genetic improvement, biotechnological innovations, biodiversity within the system, and agroforestry. Chemical control against thrips is the most commonly used method, but studies have been conducted on the use of biological control agents such as Amblyseius swirskii and the use of biopesticides based on neem, potassium soap, and pyrethrum.