Status and Problems of Apricot Production in Xinjiang

According to investigation on the Xinjiang apricot garden and nearly nine years of Xinjiang apricot production status，purpose was to provide a powerful reference for development strategy of apricot quality and safety and industrial planning.Present situation and existing problems of Xinjiang apricot production were described by field investigation and literature review.Results showed that Xinjiang apricot producing areas mainly concentrated in Kashi district，such as Yingjisha county，Shache county，Shufu county，Yecheng county and Luntai county in Bazhou area，Kuche county in Aksu area and Aketao county in Kezhou area.Between 2005 and 2010，the area of apricot in Xinjiang increased from 158000 hectares in 2006 to 212000 hectares in 2010，yield by the increase of 769 000 tons to 1 745 000 tons，Xinjiang apricot area steadily production continued to grow more obvious regional advantage，the representative varieties such as Saimaiti，Little White Apricot，Heiye Apricot，Hang Dry Apricot，Baren Apricot and Star Apricot have become main cultivated varieties in Xinjiang.The brand effect was gradually emerging while the level of organization continues to improve.With exports increased year by year，frequent occurrence of plant diseases and insect pests and disaster weather，coupled with level of deep processing of relatively backward，during 2011—2013，apricot area has started to shrink，to 2013，apricot area reduced to 136000 hectares.The level of quality and safety and extension of industrial chain were facing severe challenges because of frequent occurrence of pests and diseases.Insufficient science and technology support ability，low level extensive management and intensive production were main factors which restrict sustainable development of apricot industry in Xinjiang.Increasing science and technology support，improving management and intensive production level should be done in the future to improve level of quality and safety of apricot and extend industrial chain.