Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 2
Written by Nicoleta-Claudia SANDU, Mihaela-Cecilia DOGARU, Damian DRAGOMIR, Viorel-Cătălin OLTENACU, Mihaela OLARU, Andreea Mihaela BRASLĂ, Vlăduț HOLT
This study presents preliminary data on the adaptability of two Romanian almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) cultivars, 'Mirela’ and 'Veronica’, under the specific eco-pedo-climatic conditions of southeastern Romania, a region characterized by heavy clay soils and increasing climatic variability. The experiment was established in December 2022 at the Moara Domnească Experimental Base, Ilfov County. The main objective was to evaluate the viability of trees during the establishment, as an indicator of adaptability to local abiotic stress factors. Soil analyses were performed before and after planting, while climatic data were collected through an automated weather station. Results showed a survival rate of approximately 75% for both cultivars, despite the recorded precipitation deficit in 2023 (281.94 mm). The analysis of the soil revealed high clay content, slightly acidic pH in the surface horizon (6.17), and a sharp decline in available phosphorus with depth, whereas mobile potassium increased in lower horizons. The study provides a scientific basis for extending almond cultivation into non-traditional regions of Romania and highlights the importance of continued monitoring in the context of climate change.
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