Scientific Classification
- Common Name: Almond
- Botanical Name: Prunus dulcis
- Family: Rosaceae
- Origin: Central and South-West Asia
- Type: Deciduous tree
- Lifespan: 30–40 years
Importance & Uses
- Almonds are nutrient-rich and contain proteins, healthy fats, vitamins (E & B), and minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium).
- They are used in the food industry (chocolates, bakery, confectionery, and oil extraction).
- Almond oil is used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- It has medicinal properties—good for brain health, heart health, and skin care.
Major Producing Countries
- Top Producers: USA (California), Spain, Iran, Italy, Australia
- In India: Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakha
Introduction
- Almond (Prunus dulcis) is a highly valued nut crop belonging to the Rosaceae family.
- It is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
- It is mainly grown in temperate and Mediterranean climates.
Climatic and Soil Requirements
Climate
- Almond requires a Mediterranean climate with:
- Cool winters (300–600 hours of chilling below 7°C for dormancy and flowering).
- Warm, dry summers for fruit development.
- Susceptible to late spring frost; avoid frost-prone areas.
Soil
- Well-drained, sandy loam or loamy soil is ideal.
- Soil pH: 6.0–7.5.
- Avoid saline, waterlogged, or heavy clay soils.
Varieties
Self-compatible Shalimar, Mukhdoom, Waris, Pranyaj
Self-incompatible (Require Cross-Pollination) Nonpareil, Carmel, Drake, Peerless, IXL, Neplus
Indian Varieties Kagzi, California Paper Shell
Propagation Methods Almond is propagated through vegetative methods such as:
- T-budding
- Tongue grafting (on peach, plum, or wild almond rootstocks)
Land Preparation and Planting
Land Preparation
- Deep plowing and harrowing to ensure proper root penetration.
- Land should be leveled to facilitate irrigation.
Planting Time December–February (Dormant season).
Spacing
- Low-density planting: 6m × 6m (277 trees/ha)
- High-density planting: 4.5m × 3m (740 trees/ha)
Pit Preparation
- Pit size: 1m × 1m × 1m.
- Fill with a mixture of FYM (Farm Yard Manure) and topsoil before planting.
Orchard Management
Pollination
- Most almond varieties require cross-pollination.
- Honeybee colonies (5–8 per hectare) enhance pollination.
Irrigation
- Almond trees require regular irrigation, especially during:
- Flowering and fruit set.
- Kernel development.
- Drip irrigation is recommended to save water.
Mulching
- Organic mulching helps in:
- Moisture conservation.
- Weed control.
- Soil temperature regulation.
Nutrient Management
Fertilizer Application (Per Tree/Year)
Age | FYM (kg) | N (g) | P (g) | K (g) |
First Year | 20 | 50 | 30 | 20 |
Mature Trees | 25 | 500 | 250 | 150 |
Training and Pruning
Training System Open center or modified leader system is commonly used.
Pruning
- Conducted during the dormant season to:
- Maintain tree shape.
- Improve sunlight penetration.
- Remove dead or diseased branches.
Pest and Disease Management
Major Pests
Pest | Symptoms | Control Measures |
Almond Leaf Roller (Archips argyrospilus) | Rolls and feeds on leaves | Spray neem oil or insecticides |
Aphids | Sucks sap from young leaves and shoots | Use insecticidal soap or neem-based formulations |
Major Diseases
Disease | Symptoms | Control Measures |
Blossom Blight | Flower rot and fruit drop | Spray copper-based fungicides |
Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing of leaves | Use resistant rootstocks, ensure good drainage |
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
- Harvesting Time September–October (when hulls split open).
- Harvesting Method Hand-picking or mechanical tree shaking.
- Drying Sun-dry for 7–10 days to reduce moisture to 6% before storage.
- Storage Store in cool, dry conditions to prevent mold and insect infestation.
Yield
- First bearing: 3–4 years after planting.
- Economic yield: From 6th year onward.
- Average yield: 10–15 kg/tree (Mature tree).
- Lifespan: 30–40 years.
