ABSTRACT
Worldwide production of almonds is considerable at ±1.25 million tons, of which the USA produces about 68%, Spain 16%, Italy and Greece about 4% each and the other major producers approximately 1% each. Two other stone fruits within the Prunus genera are apriums, hybrids between apricot and plum with apricot dominating and pluots, hybrids between plum and apricot with plum dominating. Broad issues of compatibility have been dealt with in the Ornamental Prunus. Basic principles of timing will follow those discussed for ornamental Prunus. In view of the large numbers involved, cold storage of rootstocks and scion wood will often be utilised to provide more flexibility in grafting and planting operations. Good matching of the cambia of rootstock and scion is important for Prunus, and for this reason most adopt manual grafting methods despite a requirement for very large numbers.
