1Department of Fruit Science, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-173230, Solan, HP
2Regional Horticultural Sub-Station, Tabo, Lahaul & Spiti
Temperate Horticultural Research Station, Kotkhai, District Shimla
Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-173230, Solan, HP
*Email for correspondence: naveen_pom@yahoo.com
Online published on 25 July, 2018.
To carry out the studies 9 years (2001–2009) meteorological and apple production data were taken into consideration. Data revealed that fluctuation in weather parameters (temperature, rainfall and snowfall) and shift of season from year to year had significantly influenced the apple production in the area. The annual minimum temperature increased gradually from 8.65ºC in 2001 to 12.70ºC in 2009 with an average annual increase of 0.45ºC which is a clear indication of changing climate in the area. However during the years 2005, 2007 and 2008 when annual minimum temperature was recorded slightly lower than the previous year's average minimum temperature it accounted for higher apple production (> 70000 MT). It was observed that variation in annual diurnal temperature between 11.0ºC and 20.5ºC with a mean annual temperature between 15.5–17.0ºC favored the higher apple production in the area. A positive and significant relationship was observed between minimum average temperature during different stages of fruit growth and development and apple production. However a negative but significant correlation was noted between maximum average temperature during different stages of fruit growth and development and apple production. It was observed that during the different stages of apple growing season it was not the average minimum or maximum temperatures but the variation in diurnal temperature coupled with quantum of rain or snowfall which affected the apple production. In the years when a small variation in diurnal temperature was observed with an average or good rainfall and snowfall a higher production was recorded however large variation in diurnal temperature negatively affected the apple production in spite of good rains or snowfall during the years. It was concluded from the studies that composite effect of all weather parameters viz large variations in diurnal temperature with erratic or poor rains, low or no snowfall and shift of season attributed to poor apple production in the area. Keeping in view the climate change, shift in seasons and fluctuations in weather conditions management practices need to be manipulated for sustaining the apple production in the area.
Apple, changing climate, weather parameters, production, temperature
