Spring rains raise concerns over apricot pollination in Armenia

Heavy spring rains coinciding with the blossoming of fruit trees often spark concern among growers, particularly when it comes to apricot orchards in the Ararat Valley. While rainfall is vital for plant growth, experts warn that during the flowering stage it can hinder pollination, a delicate process essential for fruit set.

Strong or prolonged showers can wash pollen from the stamens or leave it waterlogged, making it heavy and sticky, and less able to travel. Excess moisture on the stigma, the part of the flower that receives pollen, can also prevent germination. If rains persist throughout the five- to seven-day flowering period, yields may drop significantly depending on the crop.

Despite these risks, agricultural specialist and former Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ashot Harutyunyan told Panorama.am that apricot growers should not be alarmed. “At this stage, there are no serious concerns. The weather is normal, with abundant rainfall, but apricot trees are only beginning to bloom in some regions, and in others flowering hasn’t started yet,” Harutyunyan said. He added that even a few hours of sunshine during the day can allow pollination to proceed normally.