Positioning Portugal in the Context of World Almond Production and Research

Carolina Ribeiro Campos (), Beatriz Sousa, Joana Silva, Megan Braga, Susana de Sousa Araújo, Hélia Sales, Rita Pontes and João Nunes
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Carolina Ribeiro Campos: Association BLC3—Technology and Innovation Campus, Centre Bio R&D Unit|North Delegation, Rua Comendador Emílio Augusto Pires, Edifício SIDE UP, 5340-257 Macedo de Cavaleiros, Portugal
Beatriz Sousa: Association BLC3—Technology and Innovation Campus, Centre Bio R&D Unit|North Delegation, Rua Comendador Emílio Augusto Pires, Edifício SIDE UP, 5340-257 Macedo de Cavaleiros, Portugal
Joana Silva: Association BLC3—Technology and Innovation Campus, Centre Bio R&D Unit|North Delegation, Rua Comendador Emílio Augusto Pires, Edifício SIDE UP, 5340-257 Macedo de Cavaleiros, Portugal
Megan Braga: Association BLC3—Technology and Innovation Campus, Centre Bio R&D Unit|North Delegation, Rua Comendador Emílio Augusto Pires, Edifício SIDE UP, 5340-257 Macedo de Cavaleiros, Portugal
Susana de Sousa Araújo: Association BLC3—Technology and Innovation Campus, Centre Bio R&D Unit|North Delegation, Rua Comendador Emílio Augusto Pires, Edifício SIDE UP, 5340-257 Macedo de Cavaleiros, Portugal
Hélia Sales: Association BLC3—Technology and Innovation Campus, Centre Bio R&D Unit, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, 2, Lagares da Beira, 3405-155 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal
Rita Pontes: Association BLC3—Technology and Innovation Campus, Centre Bio R&D Unit, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, 2, Lagares da Beira, 3405-155 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal
João Nunes: Association BLC3—Technology and Innovation Campus, Centre Bio R&D Unit, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, 2, Lagares da Beira, 3405-155 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal

Agriculture, 2023, vol. 13, issue 9, 1-16

Abstract: Almond production plays a very significant role in the Portuguese socio-economic context, especially with regard to dried fruit production. Indeed, Portugal is the third largest almond producer in Europe, producing 41,450 t of almonds in shells in 2021. This is due to its edaphoclimatic conditions that are favorable for its production. Traditionally, the north region of “Trás-os-Montes” has stood out as one of the most relevant for Portuguese almond production and bioeconomy. However, production in “Alentejo“ and “Beira Interior” will surpass the northern region in a short time as a result of the installation of new orchards. Despite its importance, there is a need to uncover genetic traits underlying phenotypic desirable traits needed to improve yield and quality but also cope and mitigate the impacts of climate change on their production. To address this, it is important to characterize the genetic resources available and the germplasm collection since they are crucial players for conservation and breeding initiatives. In this review, we describe the main cultivars of almonds cultivated in Portugal and their productive challenges. We also provide an overview of the main genetic resources available, breeding goals, and accomplishments regarding their improvement towards biotic and abiotic constraints in both Portugal and the rest of the world.

Keywords: almond; bioeconomy; breeding; dry fruits; environmental constraints; genetic resources (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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