The Influence of Climatic Factors on the Production of Apple Varieties Cultivated At S.C.D.P. Voinești

Abstract The acquisition and expansion of apple varieties genetically resistant to diseases in cultivation have the effect of reducing the number of pesticide treatments, from 14-16 as is done in current plantations with classic varieties, to only 6-8 in orchards with genetically resistant varieties, positively reflecting in the reduction of production costs. Varieties susceptible to diseases, Ionathan, Golden delicious, Grupa Stark, represented the basis of the apple assortment 20-30 years ago, but in recent years, apple varieties with genetic resistance to diseases have increasingly appeared: Prima, Florina, Romus 3, Real, Revidar, Dacian, Inedit, etc., which will quickly enter cultivation and compete with sensitive apple varieties. Apple cultivation in our country has expanded into established fruit-growing areas, where they find the most favorable conditions for growth and fruiting. However, studies must be undertaken to highlight the influence of climatic factors on the quantity and quality of fruit production. In apple, as in other fruit species, a decisive role in increasing production potential is represented by the respect of genetic and technological elements, but also by appropriate zoning, depending on the recommended varieties and crop systems. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the cultivation of apple varieties that behave best with respect to the influence of climatic factors, but also in terms of productivity and fruit quality. Lately, the varieties that are starting to be part of the assortment of newly established orchards are apple varieties with genetic resistance to diseases. The Voinești Fruit Growing Research and Development Station, promoter of the disease-resistant apple variety, through the research undertaken and the newly obtained varieties, creates the premises for the development of modern fruit growing and the expansion of orchards, with possibilities for obtaining productions with reduced phytosanitary product residues, requested by consumers, and for protecting the environment.