The new apricot plants implemented by Battistini Vivai are moving along a very precise trendline toward self-fertile varieties, appealing bi-colored fruits with an excellent organoleptic quality.
"Technicians and farmers ask for advice on what to do when it comes to replacing an old plant that is no longer efficient, or even implementing a new one. The self-fertile varieties are the preferred ones, because they offer greater guarantees in terms of continuity of production," explained the manager Paolo Laghi.
Lady Cot
Among the self-fertile varieties, the choice also depends on the desired ripening duration. Battistini Vivai has varieties that cover the entire ripening calendar, such as the early ripening Mikado and Mogador, the intermediate Mediabel, Lido and Cocot, and the late-ripening Farbela and Playa Cot.
Paolo Laghi
On the varietal front, the choice is very wide. "The organoleptic quality and the appearance prevail over the caliber. Not that this isn't important, but apricots with one caliber less and an excellent flavor are preferred to fruits with a large size but without flavor, as confirmed by market trends.”
With regard to the coloring, the red ones are not always appreciated, especially if the varieties have a predominantly sour taste. "The right balance seems to be the bi-colored. However, the main advantage is the attractiveness of the fruit. Another fundamental aspect is durability in post-harvesting. The producer should also bear in mind the sales phase, which is not always immediate, and can take several days from the harvest to the consumer."
Playa Cot
In recent years, Battistini Vivai has received many orders from abroad, up to hundreds of hectares, most of them from Eastern countries. Requests arrive also from Southern Italy, slightly less from the North.
"The prices in 2020 were very good for those who had the product, since several areas had been hit hard by the spring frosts. In any case, apricots of excellent taste quality and good appearance always generate interesting prices, compared to those that have no taste," concluded Laghi.
Contact: 
Battistini Vivai
Via Ravennate, 1500
47522 Cesena (FC) - Italy
Phone: 39 0547 380545
Email: batvivai@battistinivivai.com
Website: www.battistinivivai.com