I.

INTRODUCTION :
The apple (Malus domestica) is a fruit widely cultivated in temperate zones with
a concentration in the Northern Hemisphere, between latitudes 30° and 60°. It has as
originates from West Asia and is derived from hybridizations between several species
including Malus sylvestris, M. Baccata and M. Borkh.

Although the number of species reported for the apple tree is high (25), the majority
apple trees in cultivation derive from the species Malus pumila and there are currently more than
7,000 cultivars.

Apple cultivation was introduced in Morocco in the 1960s, and it has

experienced a considerable expansion in the Middle and High Atlas and subsequently spread
to regions at intermediate altitude with the introduction of less
demanding in cold.

Today, the areas of apple trees are experiencing a certain stagnation that
In fact, it conceals a shift of production areas towards the mountainous regions.

II. REQUIREMENTS OF THE APPLE TREE:

1. Climate requirements:
The dispersion of the apple tree over very different areas suggests a great
plasticity of this species in relation to the environment.

a) The needs for cold:

The apple tree is a species of temperate zones, it requires a long period of

vegetative repos to meet its cold needs which amount to 800 to 1600 hours
less than 7.2°C.

Low chill requirement varieties have been developed and have allowed the extension of
the apple tree cultivation area.

The species can withstand up to -35°C in a dormant phase, but the most areas
Favorable to the culture are those that have cold winters and moderately warm summers.
warm and relatively humid.

b) Températures :

Temperatures between 21 and 26°C are the most favorable for bee activity during
pollination, they are also favorable for ripening and giving a good color to
fruits.

c) Rainfall measurement:

From bud break to leaf drop, the apple tree needs about 6000 m3/ha
of water, which corresponds to a rainfall of 600 mm. The highest consumption occurs
to feel in July and August.
 d) Sensitivity to hail:

If the mountain areas have favorable conditions for cultivation, they

however, threatened by hail that can occur during the swelling period of
fruits (May-April) and even in summer. The damage it can cause is significant on
wood and the production that can be completely destroyed. Protection through nets
Anti-hail is the most effective means of combat on a plot scale but it remains
costly. The fight against this natural scourge must go through the organization of the profession.

2. Edaphic requirements:
The apple tree adapts to a wide range of soils. However, well-drained soils are preferable.
slightly acidic (pH 6.5 to 6.7), clayey-silty, deep and rich in organic matter
are the most favorable for apple cultivation. Heavy clay soils with high capacity for
Water retention should be avoided as much as soils with a high content of active limestone.

III. Importance and production areas of the apple tree in Morocco:

1. Importance of the fruit rosaceae sector:

In Morocco, the fruit roseaceae sector occupies an area of 195,300.
and ensures an annual production of 674,000 T (Table 1). This sector is
characterized by a great diversification of production with a predominance
of the almond tree and the apple tree (1996, 1997).

Table 1: Areas and production of fruiting Rosaceae in Morocco

(1996/97).

Species Superficies (Ha) Productions (T)

Almond tree 132.000 40,000
Apple tree 29,000 390,000
Pear 3.900 37.500
Quince 3.000 22,500
Apricot tree 14,000 99,000
To fish 4.500 39.500
Plum tree 7.400 41,000
Cherry tree 1.000 3,500
Others 500 1.000
Total 195.300 674.000

The climatic conditions and the topography of the country allow for a
distribution of production across the national territory. Thus, the plains and the
mountains of the North and East (Fes, Meknes, Khemisset, Khenifra, Chefchaouen)
offer the pome-bearing rosaceae, cherry tree and plum tree favorable conditions of
growth. The almond tree and the apricot tree find their environment in the plains
from the South and the Northeast (Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Moulouya...).

The sector of fruiting rosaceae contributes with a significant share to

socio-economic development of the country. Indeed, fruit production is the subject of
of an important economic and commercial activity on a national scale. The production
annual production is far from meeting the country's need for fruits, especially concerning
pome fruits. Therefore, it is necessary to promote the extension of
plantations, which implies a great demand for seedlings.

2. Importance and production areas of the apple tree:

The apple tree occupies an area of about 26,000 hectares and ranks second among
rosaceae after the almond tree. This sector provides a production of 390,000 tons of fruit, which is a
average yield of 14 t/ha. The first commercial orchards were created in areas of
mountain where climate conditions are favorable for development and to
fruiting of the species. Its cultivation has been extended, following to other areas however less
favorable, by simple transposition of the cultural models. The statistics from the ministry of
agriculture reports the existence of the apple tree even in low-altitude regions (Gharb,
Rabat-Salé, Souss Massa, Khémisset...). However, the most important production areas
are located in high and medium altitude areas of the High and Middle Atlas (Khénifra,
Elhajeb, Sefrou, Ifrane, Midelt, Meknès..) with some concentration hubs. This
distribution gives the sector a significant weight in the country's economy through creation
employment (2 million workdays) and generating a commercial value of the order
1.5 billion dirhams.

Table 2: Evolution of areas and production of apple trees in

Morocco:

Superficies Productions
Years (ha) (T)
2002/03 28038 3003096
2003/04 26133 396778
2004/05 25671 308480
2005/06 25641 390990

Evolution of apple tree areas in Morocco (ha)

28500
28000
27500
27000
26500 Surface area (ha)
26000
25500
25000
24500
24000
2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06

Figure No. 1: Evolution of apple orchards in Morocco

 Productions (T)
3500000

3000000

2,500,000

2000000 Productions (T)

1,500,000

1,000,000

500000

0
2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06

Figure No. 2: Evolution of apple production in Morocco

Land distribution in Morocco

Khenifra
others Khenifra
22% Sefrou
Blessed 26% Ifrane
Mellal El Hajeb
4%
West Haouz
5%
Ouarza Tafilalet
youTafilalet
Haouz Ouarzazate
5% 5% 6% Sefrou
12% West
Béni Mellal
others
Ifrane
The Hound 8%
7%

Figure No. 3: Distribution of areas in Morocco

 Distribution of apple tree production
in Morocco
Khenifra
khe- Others Khenifra
21% 22%
Sefrou
misset
2%
Blessed
El Hajeb
Mellal Ifrane
2% Haouz
West
Tafi-
lalet Marrakech
3%
Ball Mar- Boulemane
mane Marrakech
3% West
4% Sefrou Tafilalet
5% 16% Béni Mellal
Ifrane Khemisset
El Hajeb
7% 9% Others

Haouz
5%

Figure No. 4: Distribution of apple production in Morocco

IV. Plant Material

1- The varieties:

One of the problems that limits apple growing areas is dissatisfaction.

winter cooling needs. Also, for cultivation in the plain (Saïs, Gharb), it is appropriate to
choose varieties with low cold requirements. Among them, we can mention Anne, Einschiemer, Vista
["beautiful","Jerseymac","summer Delbar","Earlygold","sungold","Primgold","Ozark gold","newgold"]
Arkcharm, Sunrise, Akane and Dorset Golden.

Some of these varieties are little known, particularly in terms of adaptation.

and it is only after behavioral testing that conclusions can be drawn about
the choice to make.

Jerseymac :
Tree of medium vigor, semi-spreading habit, rigid and stocky branches. Fruiting
on wood of two and three years. Quick fruiting. Good and regular production.

Blooming: 3 or 4 days before Golden.

Pollinators: Queen of the Reinettes, Granny Smith, Richared, Golden Delicious.

Medium-sized apple, washed red on a yellow background. Average quality, may be...
keep for 45 days at +2°C.
 b) Akane :
Weak to moderate vigor, semi-erect growth, tendency to become sparse, somewhat leaves
marbled. Fruiting on rods and joists supported by wood that is one to three years old. Implementation to
quick fruits, average but regular production. Sensitive to powdery mildew.

Pollinators: Golden, Idared, Richared, Queen and reinettes.

Red and yellow apple, small or medium size (thinning essential), good
quality.

c) Beautiful View :
Great vigor, moderately important branching, long and stout branches, very
large leaves. Quick fruiting on wood of 1 or 2 years. Medium fruit with washed skin of
red on ¾ of its surface, attractive, flattened shape, good taste quality,
Storage for 2 weeks at +2°C. Quite sensitive to powdery mildew and scab.

She is sensitive to maturity drop.

Pollinisateurs : Idared, Jerseymac, Priam.

 d) Golden Delicious :
Tree of average vigor, with a semi-upright growth habit, branches abundantly taking on a
bushy aspect. The vigor decreases with the start of production and high yields. The
Golden ages poorly, with a proliferation of weak twigs. It fruits on young wood: two -
three years and on twigs. Quick fruiting, abundant production, tendency to
alternation. Necessary thinning.

Very sensitive to viruses, sensitive to root asphyxia, to magnesium deficiency.

which causes the premature fall of leaves. Sunlight plays a primary role
in the quality of the fruits.

Pollinisateurs :Akane, Reine et Reinettes, Cox’s orange, Jonathan, Richared, Idared,

Melrose.

Medium to large yellow apple, variable quality depending on the environment and conditions.
culture. Sensitive to roughness (russeting), corking reaction of the epidermis to various factors:
cold fog, copper treatments, viruses...

e) Anna and Dorset Golden:

The necessity of cultivating the apple tree outside areas where the climate is favorable,
impose the choice of early varieties that are less demanding in terms of cold and can adapt to
environment like these two varieties: Anna and Dorset Golden.

The latter break their dormancy after 200 to 300 hours of cold (T° <
7.2°C). Their flowering begins in the 2nd decade of February and can extend until mid
Mars.
 Their pollination can be ensured by the Ein Shiemer variety.

Anna reaches maturity during the first week of July. The fruit is of medium size.
(80 to 120 g) with a generally striped or red color on a light green background of importance
variable.

The maturity of Dorset Golden is late by about 10 days with a fruit that
resembles that of GD which is green-yellow in color. The fruit can be stored for 4 to 6
weeks when prices in the market are low.

f) Ozark gold and Royal Gala :

Are perfectly suited in the transition areas towards the mountain and their
maturity arrives to fill a gap in the production schedule. They provide
respectively light yellow and carmine red striped fruits. Their
the texture is crunchy and the flow in the market is easy.

2- The rootstocks:
The observation made in the field showed that several fruit growers are granting
the importance of the variety and ignore that of the rootstock.

A very wide range of PG exists to meet the requirements of different

cultivation conditions. However, it is still dominated by MM106, regarded as one of the
best selections in the world.

With the limitation of irrigation water resources, the sector has turned towards
drip irrigation to create a balance between the size of the orchard and the
water availability. Several orchards are facing a situation of varying intensity deficit.
which led to problems of dwindling and limitation of growth. In these
conditions, the PG have different behaviors and some would be more productive than
others.

The PG MM106 is characterized by moderate vigor and rather good rooting.

tracing does not require tutoring. Quick fruiting maintains a good production at
over the years.

MM106 adapts well to heavy and deep soils, fears drought but is very
sensitive to phytophthora, which currently limits its use.

The PG MM109 is very vigorous, well suited for well-drained light soils, resistant to
the drought, but very sensitive to hydromorphy.

The PG M26 has a low to medium vigor, and the growth is rapid in the early stages.
years, which allows to form this tree very quickly. Superior anchorage to M9, but staking
necessary.

Rapid fruiting: one year after M9 with Golden Delicious.

 The M26 performs better in moderately fertile soil than in very rich soil.
Requires well-drained soil as it is sensitive to hydromorphy.

The vigorous rootstock MM111 has shown good adaptation in the climate region
hot as the nanisizing PGs. This performance is attributed to its effectiveness in absorption
mineral elements that affected the vegetative growth, the vigor,
productivity and the size of the fruits.

The recently introduced rootstocks are Pajam 1 Lancep, Pajam 2.

Cepiland, leM 9 NAKBet leM9 EMLA. These rootstocks are of recent introduction.

Table 3: Characteristics of certain rootstocks.

Range of Sols Mass Sensitivity to

The PG Anchorage Various observations
vigour recommended at fruit asphyxia

Sensitivity to Phytophthora
actorum in conditions
Fertles, healthy
favorable to sound
good Little
MM106 average Quick Medium development
drained. Fear sensible
the drought

No Susceptible to powdery mildew in

Very asphyxiants. Very nurseries

MM109 Fast Bad
vigorous Resists well to sensible
the drought.

Requires mentoring,
rapid growth the
early years, sensitive
the phytophthora cactorum
Average No Best under favorable conditions for
M26 Fast Average
weak wind asphyxiants what M9 its development

No Enough Very Very sensitive to viruses

MM111 vigorous Good
asphyxiants fast sensible
 V. Management of culture:

Density
The problems posed by central axis driving in establishing balance
vegetative, the control of fruiting and the mastery of the tree's characteristics, the goblet is
the driving mode to adopt when the technical level of the fruit grower is average.

The spacings that were practiced have evolved over the years in favor of a
intensification. But with the age of the trees, there have been overlapping issues on the line.
induces a thinning of the trees related to low lighting. A proper development
fruit trees and trees require the adoption of a density that allows for compliance
the balance brought to fruition vigor.

a) Semi-intensive system:

Planting distance: 5 x 3 m – 4 x 4 m or 6 x 4 m.
Rootstocks of medium vigor: M106, M111, M1.
Shape: bush with central axis, spindle bush, oblique fan.

b) Intensive system:

Planting distance: 4 x 2.5 m - 4 x 2 m or 3.5 x 2.5 m.

Weak rootstocks: M9, M26, M7, M106 (in low fertility soil).
Shape: oblique palmette, horizontal palmette, Merchant flag.

c) Super intensive system:

Planting distance: 3.5 x 1.5 m or 3 x 1 m.

Weak or very weak rootstock: M9, M27.
Shape: slender spindle, Pillar

The density of population per hectare generally allows for the distinction of three systems.
of the plantation.
 Table 4: Suggested spacing in meters (m) for apple tree cultivars of vigor
average established on the main rootstocks.

Weak Density High

rootstock
density average density

M.9 --- 2.5 x 5.0 1.5 x 3.5

M.26 4.0 x 6.0 3.0 x 5.5 2,5 x 4,5

M.7 5,5 x 8,0 4.5 6.5 3.0 x 4.5

MM.106 6.0 x 8.5 5.0 x 7.5 3,5 x 6,0

MM.111 6,5 x 9,0 5.5 x 8.0 ---

Rootstocks
7.5 x 10.0 6.0 x 8.5 ---
vigorous

2. Entertain the sun:

The soil maintenance method that seems to succeed best involves grassing the inter-row.
of trees and to chemically weed the line provided that irrigation can be done. Otherwise
to practice green manure instead of grass cover.

In chemical weeding, the products usable on apple trees are:

Simazine, Diuron, Oxadiazon.

Aminotriazole, Dalapon, Carbetamide.
2,4 D amine or potash, Glyphosate.
Diquat, Paraquat.

[Link]
Sizing is one of the most important operations of technical routing that is
difficult to describe and requires specialized labor for its implementation. After the
For plantation and for a goblet form of training, the plan should be reduced to 50-60 cm.
to shape the tree on 3 to 5 main branches The second year by eliminating the shoots at
closed angle or too open. The sub-rafters are chosen to be outside of the
leafing and distributed at regular spaces on the main structure. The growth
excessive underframing in the upper part of the structure must be controlled in order to
reduce the development of the branches of the basal part and cause a certain
imbalance of the tree.

a) The size of training:

It varies depending on the chosen driving mode, in Goblet, in palmette, on axis, etc.
Its objective is to provide and train a structure of the tree, and intervenes during the
first years of planting.

b. The size of fruiting:

 The apple tree produces on the girders inserted on branches of two or
several years. The fruiting size aims to ensure continuous renewal
of the vegetation by the thinning of overly dense fruit-bearing branches. The production pruning does not
including the removal of some of the excessive or poorly positioned one-year branches,
shortening and thinning of the small fruiting branches.

The size of fruiting involves controlling fruiting through elongation.

regularly from the fruit branch and by moderate pruning as the branch ages. The
fruit branches must be positioned below horizontal. Their simplification and removal
reiterations aim at distributing growth over the crowns in order to make them
autonomous.

4. fertilization
Organic fertilization provides, in addition to a certain quantity of elements
major fertilizers, trace elements essential for growth and
correct and quality fruiting in the species. Manure also contributes to
the improvement of soil quality (structure and permeability). The quantities to be applied and the
the frequency of inputs depends on the level of organic matter in the soil (the soil is good
provided that it contains 3 to 40% of organic matter) and availability of manure. A
a contribution of 10 to 20 t/ha/year may be sufficient.

The most important needs are felt at the level of lime, potassium,
Nitrogen, but the returns through the leaves and pruned wood are very important and the
exports remain modest:

Management of the nitrogen element:

The quantities of nitrogen necessary for the construction of apple trees per hectare,
as well as the quantities of nitrogen essential to support production are indicated
in the table below.

Table 5: Nitrogen fertilization for maintenance and production of one hectare of apple trees according to
fruit exports (kg/ha).

1st 2nd
3rd year / 4th year / 5th year
year year

20 40 60 80 80

According to the production forecasts

--- ---
+0.6 kg/ton of fruit.

Management of phosphorus and potassium elements:

The nutrient needs of an apple orchard vary depending on the variety,
soil fertility, vigor, and planting age.

Table 6: Evolution of the quantities of P and K needed for the construction of a

hectare of apple trees (kg/ha).
 Fall
Element Floral Uncover me Harvest Total
of
nt on nt you kg/year
leaves

P205 30 - ---------------- - - 30

K20 -- 60 60 120

The K20 must be brought before the harvest, the P205 before bud break to be used in
blooming.

Management of iron (Fe) element:

Iron deficiencies are common in calcareous soils and in wet and poorly drained soils.
drained. They generally manifest 2 to 3 months after sprouting and are expressed
by a discoloration of the young leaves. The blade becomes pale green, then yellowish, and finally
white if the chlorosis is severe.

Management of the boron (B) element:

Deficiencies in this element are common (calcareous soils) regardless of the type.
of sun. Boron deficiency can lead to bud drop, browning, and
drying of floral bouquets, chlorosis and necrosis of young leaves, deformation and
Drying out of the shoots. These deficiencies can be corrected in winter by applying salts.
borated in the soil, or by foliar applications of borate salts around flowering.

Management of the element Zinc (Zn):

Zinc deficiency is manifested by small, narrow, pointed leaves, with some
very short petioles. There is also a shortening of the internodes.

The application of manure, plant residues, or foliar applications based on

sulfate or zinc oxide, help correct zinc deficiencies. The application of
Fungicides containing zinc can sometimes be sufficient to prevent this deficiency.

5. Irrigation
The apple tree is a species that requires a lot of water, and its needs are estimated to be 6000-7000.
m3/ha that must be provided (depending on the regions) from the month of May until the month
of October.
The volume of water to be brought can be estimated using the water balance method which
particularly takes into account the PET (Potential Evapotranspiration), the easily available reserve
usable land (RFU) and the age of trees. This assessment can be calculated weekly by
adopting a cultural coefficient (Kc) of around 0.8 to 0.9 for an adult orchard.
Drip irrigation allows for a regular supply of the crop in
bringing in 5 to 10 m3/hour and at high frequencies. The dose to be delivered each day must
be calculated to compensate for the consumption of the previous day so that the wetting bulb does not
withdraws in an exaggerated manner. Daily irrigation should be carried out in a single period
continue, concentrated during the hot part of the day, and that the daily dose
applied should be close to the needs of the day.
It is also important to reason the irrigations according to the needs of
orchard and not according to the calendar.
Water needs are higher during the summer period, which is about 2 months.
Before the harvest, it is at this time when water stress should be avoided so as not to upset.
the production. Soil moisture should remain close to field capacity, the frequency of
irrigation is greater.

6. Thinning
Thinning of the apple tree is an essential practice. Three types are distinguished.
of clarifications:

Manual thinning:

To properly regulate the thinning of the orchard, it is essential to know the volume
previous harvests. The number of fruits to leave per tree is determined in advance. It
it seems that the most accurate method is to calculate the number of fruits to leave on a
tree according to the expected yield and the number of trees per hectare.
Thinning by winter pruning:

This operation involves readjusting the fruit button size and quantity.
that the tree is able to support, and in such a way that the formation of the sketches is not
not hindered the following year.

Chemical bleaching:

Chemical thinning is essential if the flowering is too abundant. It reduces

Alternation increases the size of the fruits and improves their color and quality. It can be
applied from the age of 7.

7. Plant protection

a. The diseases:
Normally, the application of pesticides to young plantations must be
minimized for economic reasons, however it is advisable to resort to a
close surveillance of the orchard. The most problematic diseases in the
apple trees are:

The scab disease:

This disease is manifested by brownish spots on the upper side of the leaves.
These spots reduce photosynthetic activity and lead to premature leaf drop.
On the fruits, the disease deforms the fruits due to the more or less deep cracks it causes.

Photo n°1: scab damage on apple fruits

The oidium:
 It is a fungus that mainly attacks the tips of shoots.
growth, young leaves and even the fruits. On the fruit, this fungus causes some
deformations and localized roughness.

Photo n° 2: damage from powdery mildew on the apple plant and fruit

The moniliosis:
The disease manifests as wilting of the flowers, followed by drying out.
appearance of a scabby sore on the branches, and the development of a rot
brown from a wound on the fruits in the orchard or during storage.
The current trend is towards reducing the number of treatments and towards the use of
environmentally friendly control methods, and natural agents (predators,
parasites and resistant varieties). Monitoring the evolution of insects and
diseases, climate, and the use of pheromones, essential for programs of
integrated pest management allows for better reasoning of treatments.

b. Insects :
The most common insects on the apple tree:

The aphid:
It is the most formidable insect on adult trees, which develops in spring and
deform young fruits. The stems are covered with clusters of black aphids. On the trees
young, all aphids are harmful as they slow down growth and
deform the developing branches. To combat this insect, it is necessary to
head the plants above the sixth flower. We recommend intervening very early by
the use of systemic insecticides to eliminate protected aphids in the hollows
some leaves.

Photo no. 3: apple fruits infected by aphids.

 The codling moth:
The damage from this insect consists of a hole approximately 2 mm in diameter surrounded by
with a reddish halo. If you cut the fruit, you observe a gallery that leads towards the
seeds and one finds the larva except at the end of the season. It is advisable to eliminate the apple trees.
abandoned over a radius of 200 m and to collect the damaged fruits. These methods
allow to decrease the population by eliminating infestation hotspots and cutting the
development cycle of individuals. Some cover crops such as clover,
would repel the codling moth. Also, the use of traps installed on the trunk allows for
retrieve a part of the caterpillars that descend along the trunk to go hibernate. The
sex pheromone sticky traps can also be used for trapping
massively. It is also recommended to use self-control, which involves the massive release of
males sterilized by irradiation.

Photo No. 4: damage from codling moth on an apple fruit.

The ringed miner:

The caterpillars, by devouring the parenchyma of the leaf blade between the cuticles,
causes very significant leaf drop, reduces chlorophyll function and the
yields

Photo No. 5: damage from the leaf miner on an apple tree leaf
 8. Harvest:
The ripeness at which apples are picked has a crucial influence on their
Quality. Premature harvesting has many disadvantages:

. Reduction of yield, given that the magnification is significant at the end of the cycle;
. Weight loss through sweating during refrigeration is greater.
large, and the fruits tend to wrinkle;
. The unfinished ripeness at harvest will remain so even after a long period of
storage in the fridge
. Increase in the incidence of glassy diseases;
There are several methods that allow for determining the optimal harvest date.
apples. Those based on the appearance of the fruit, color of the seeds, index
refractometric those based on certain physical properties, and those that
they rely on the relatively constant duration of the development period of the
fruit on the tree.
. The training and supervision of inexperienced workers is a very important aspect
important to avoid damage to apples that depreciate the quality of
fruits.

To avoid accidents that lead to fruit injuries during harvesting, it is necessary to

what:

. People who do the harvesting should not have long nails.

. Plastic crates or baskets used during harvesting must not contain
sharp parts or a rough surface, and must often be disinfected;
. Ensure the correct handling of fruits. Fruits must be placed carefully.
in the boxes and not thrown away;
. Avoid mixing fallen fruits and harvested ones. Fallen fruits are often
damaged during a fall and do not store properly. They are often
sold immediately without storage in the fridge.
. Fruits should not be exposed to sunlight for a long time, otherwise the
fruits can be damaged by sunburn which makes them invalid for
the conservation.
After harvesting, it is advisable to undergo a pre-cooling process in order to
slow down the ripening process. Subsequently, storage can be done in a chamber
cold with or without controlled atmosphere.

VI. Orchard creation

Site selection:

a. Edaphoclimatic conditions:

As already shown, the apple tree needs a rather cool winter to meet its
winter cold requirements that allow for the breaking of dormancy. The mountainous areas,
which have mild temperatures in summer, a cool autumn with dewy nights, a
Cold winter and reasonable precipitation provide the climatic conditions
favorable for the production of well-colored and high-quality apples. However, the
mild winter zones present a potential for the expansion of apple production with
the development of new varieties with low chilling requirements.
In addition to this purely climatic factor, there are other factors to consider.
consideration:
 the exhibition:
It plays an essential role in that lighting is necessary for the implementation of
fruits of trees, in the development and coloring of fruits. Concerning the hedges
When planting fruit trees, on one hand, it is necessary to orient the rows North-South in order to have sufficient light.
On the other hand, a distance between the rows should be ensured that is at least equal to the height of the trees.
adults.

the situation :
Valley bottoms are to be avoided. The situation should be airy, avoid close proximity.
important buildings and forests. In addition, it is necessary to look for a soft nesting ground.
sufficiently watered and avoid narrow and enclosed valleys where there is a risk of frost, and
also the plateaus exposed to the wind or the hail regions.

influence of the soil and the subsoil:

The soil must be healthy and deep, silty-clay, loamy, with a permeable subsoil,
Although it can somewhat accommodate limestone, the presence of the latter must be minimal.

b. Favorable Moroccan regions for cultivation:

The first commercial orchards were created in mountainous areas where the
climatic conditions are favorable for the development and fruiting of the species. Its
culture has then been extended to other less favorable areas, by simple transposition of the
cultural models. Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate the existence of
apple tree even in low altitude regions (Gharb, Rabat-Salé, Souss Massa, Khémisset..).
However, the most important production areas are located in high areas and
average altitudes of the High and Middle Atlas (Khénifra, Elhajeb, Sefrou, Ifrane, Midelt,
Meknès..) with certain concentration poles.

2. Choice of plant material:

a. Choice of variety:

In an area where there is a deficiency in cold, the progression of the stages

Phenological aspects are also affected in poorly adapted varieties. The dormancy of the buds
of the base cultivars Golden Delicious and Starking Delicious, is shallow and difficult to
overcome. The necessity of cultivating the apple tree outside areas where the climate is
favorable, imposes the choice of early varieties that are less demanding in cold conditions that can
to adapt in the middle like Anna and Dorset Golden. These varieties break their dormancy
under the effect of 200 to 300 hours of cold (T°<7.2°C).

In mountainous areas, the apple tree forms more spurs and twigs.
indicator of good adaptation to the environment. Under these conditions, the usual range formed
The Golden Delicious and Starking Delicious is to be expanded with the Red Chief variety, Golden
Smoothie and even Gloster. A trend of high demand for red-colored fruits
exists, indicating that future plantings should be based on colored varieties.

b. Choice of rootstock:

The assessment conducted in the field showed that several fruit growers grant
the importance of variety and ignore that of the rootstock (PG). A very wide range of PG
exists to meet the requirements of different cultivation conditions. It remains however
dominated by MM106, considered one of the best selections in the world.
The intensification of orchards has been a concern for Moroccan fruit growers who have transposed
cultural models not suitable for the national climate context (central axis, palmette) and
based on the use of nanoscale PGs such as M9, M26. This has resulted in several
driving problems.

The comparison of the performance of the GD and SD base varieties across 5 PG showed
that the latter affects not only the yield but also the quality of the fruits. The rootstock-
The vigorous graft MM111 has shown good adaptation in regions with a hot climate compared to the rootstocks.
nanisants. This performance is attributed to its effectiveness in absorbing elements.
minerals that have impacted vegetative growth, vigor, productivity, and on the
the caliber of fruits. The advantage of dwarfing rootstocks can only be exploited with
the increase in densities in fertile soil and under good water supply conditions.

3. land preparation
It is necessary to properly prepare the soil before planting. The objectives
are targeted:
Increase the thickness of exploitable soil by the roots.
Give the soil a loose and airy structure.
Avoid root asphyxiation accidents.
The operations that must be carried out before proceeding with the planting are:

a. The subsoil

Subsoiling allows the soil to be broken up without turning it over. It proves useful for breaking.
a hard layer deep down and aerate the soil, we do it with the plow never more than 60cm
and provided that the arable land has a sufficient depth so as not to bring back to the
surface of the basement.
The subsoiler targets the layers of the existing subsoil, it must be used from
preference in summer to better burst the particles of the earth, it is only interesting
In compact soils, in light soils, its effectiveness lasts at least one year.

b. The indentation

It is a deep plowing: 30cm and more, done over the entire area to be planted. It
loosens the soil in the thickness of the arable land explored by the majority of the roots. The
The breaking up must be accompanied by a significant addition of organic matter, well-rotted manure.
decomposed for example: 50 to 60 T/ha.

c. The base fertilization:

It is essential to carry out a base fertilization before planting, as the acid

Phosphoric acid and potash migrate slowly in the soil. According to the natural richness of
So, the baseline fertilization will be between 200 to 500 units of P2O5 and 350 to 1000 units.
of potash (700 to 150 kg of calcium per hectare expressed as Ca) if the soil is acidic.

d. Digging planting holes:

planting date: autumn or spring:

 In well-drained and worked loose soil, the autumn planting succeeds.
often better, as it allows for better compaction of the soil and the subsoil in contact with
roots. It must be done early, November, December at the latest.
In many other cases (cold, clayey, poorly drained soils), it will be beneficial not to
Plant only in spring (late February-March) as long as you don't wait too long, because there is a risk of...
drought periods, resulting in poorly compacted soil in contact with the roots.
It is wise not to replant a plot of land that has already been cultivated for several years.
fruit trees.
Before any new planting, it will be important to remove all the old dead roots.
or living beings that are all capable of transmitting diseases to young trees
cryptogamic diseases that are difficult to fight against.

choice of spacing, determination of location

We generally plant too closely, leading to difficulties in passage and a lack of space.
sunlight and illumination. Dense orchards are always unproductive if one
increasing the spacing of the rows, the harvest will increase faster than the costs
of crops from which a better cost price.

staking of the land:

For row planting, the layout on the ground and the marking of the location
The surveying of trees is done using surveying instruments.
For the planting of trellised fruit hedges, plant the stakes during staking.
and install the wires in the year of planting. Similarly, set up the stakes at the
plantation.

homogeneous planting or between planting:

All fruit growers now agree to recommend uniformity.

in the plantations.

. Do not adopt two different rootstocks on the same species.

. Separate the vigorous trees and the weak trees into two different plots
. One should not mix several varieties in the same row, but only plan for it.
one or two pollinator rows in a homogeneous block of a variety.
. Do not plant more than 5 varieties in the same orchard.

Figure 5: Example of variety distribution in the field (1/7)

 e. Installation of windbreaks

Windbreaks are used to reduce evaporation and drying out of

sun and plants, the cold and the damage (broken branches and stems) caused by the winds.
You can use several types of windbreaks, either living (trees) or inert.
(windbreak net), this can cause some problems for the apple tree; It can
in certain cases, present disadvantages by favoring the concentration of
insects or diseases (sclerotinia rot).

4. Setting up the culture and plantation:

a. Choice of seedlings:

The quality of young nursery apple trees is an important factor for the
successful establishment of a new orchard. The one-year-old apple trees in the nursery are
usually used for orchard planting. One of the most notable characteristics is
Important factors concerning the quality of young trees are their level of reserve accumulation.
of carbohydrates through photosynthesis, in the nursery. A better development
vegetative of young apple trees in the nursery allows for a larger leaf area
and to better capture solar energy. This is a major asset.
The main quality criteria for one-year-old nursery apple trees are
following:
. Height from 95 to 110 cm
. Spacing of 1.25 to 1.75 cm at the base of the tip (whip)
. Conical shape of the stem
. Wired or anticipated apple tree.
. No signs of winter frost damage.

b. Coating and pralining

Dressing the roots involves refreshing the roots and rootlets,

section the injured parts. The dressing is done with a knife.
As for pralining, it proves to be interesting in the case of late plantings and
consists of soaking the roots in a clay mud (3/5), mixed with manure
cow (2/5) or a bit of manure.

c. Plantation

Planting too deep is the main cause of failure in tree farming.

the roots must be located in the living layer of the soil. For planting, one
first dispose a bit of topsoil at the bottom of the hole, then mix it
with the base fertilizers, we will then create a mound of pure topsoil on which
we will place the main roots slightly directed towards the bottom of the hole. We
recouvrira ensuite ces racines de terre végétale, puis, on complètera avec de la terre
of second quality. We will then pack it tightly.
Thus, the practitioner will need to take precautions in the implementation of
plants :
. Do not put manure, even well decomposed, in contact with the roots.
. Similarly, never throw a handful of fertilizer into the planting hole because
we risk burning the roots.
. spread the roots well in the planting hole.
 . Place the graft bulge about 15 cm above the ground to avoid
the freeing of the trees.

5. Driving and maintenance

a. Tutoring:
Tutoring is only essential in areas where the wind is strong or
for the tall stems. To protect against the wind, we most often turn to
windbreaks. This operation should only be carried out in spring before departure.
from the vegetation, when the soil is compacted, even for autumn plantings.

b. Watering
It is not essential in the case of early planting (autumn, early
spring), it is essential in case of late planting in dry and hot areas
since young trees are sensitive as long as their root system is not
well established in depth. Also, to prevent evaporation, one can protect the plant.
with a little straw around the trunk (1 m)2).

c. Size:
la taille de formation n’est pas obligatoire la première année , mais il convient
not to leave the tree with only an aerial part in relation to its system
root. If the following year the planting is dry, the new shoots will be
burned and they will need to be beaten in the following autumn, if it is humid.

6. Installation costs of an apple orchard (density 5 x 4m,

Localized irrigation
The table below presents the installation costs (setup) of an orchard of
20-hectare apple tree orchard trained in goblet form with a planting density of 500 trees/ha in
the region of Midelt (C.R of Aït Âiach). The cultivated varieties are the Golden delicious and the
Delicious Stark grafted onto MM106.
The farm is equipped with an automatic irrigation system, (installed by a
a specialized company whose total cost is 24,000 dirhams) it also has two wells in
the average depth is 60m.
It should be noted that we presented the installation costs as if it were for one year.
(the first year), to introduce the depreciation values (annual payment). For the works
who request machines we chose the rental mode.
 Table 7: Installation costs of an apple orchard (density 5 x 4m, Irrigation
localized

Designation Unit Unit price Value in DH

Location terrain (Ha) 1.00 2,000.00 2,000.00
Soil works
Mechanics (Number of hours/ha) 5,00 80,00 400.00
Labor (Working day/ha) 20.00 40.00 800.00
Picketing (workday/ha) 2.00 40.00 80.00
Digging holes (unit/Ha) 500.00 5.00 2 500,00
Nursery plants 520,00 11.00 5 720,00
Plantation (Working day/ha) 15.00 40.00 600.00
Background furniture

Organic fertilizer (T/Ha) 20.00 250,00 5,000.00

Fertilizers (P2O5 and K2O) (Unit/Ha) * * 1 500,00
Irrigation
Irrigation station and network * * 1,000.00
Ramps (m/Ha) 500,00 1.50 750.00
Electricité (KW) 500,00 0.86 430.00
Well * * 125,00
Constructions * * 250,00
Fixed salaries * * 8,500.00
Maintenance and others * * 5 000,00
Total * * 34,655.00
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