PRESIDENT ÖZCAN SAYS THE MOST CRITICAL PERIOD HAS BEGUN FOR APRICOT PRODUCTION.

Ramazan Özcan, President of the Malatya Commodity Exchange, stated that heavy rainfall in apricot orchards, which are entering the bud swelling and flowering period, increases the risk of monilia disease, and urged producers to spray at the right time.

"CLIMATE TRANSITIONS CREATE NEW RISKS"
Özcan stated that climate transitions have directly affected production in recent years, saying, "As you know, for the last 5 years, especially during climate transition periods, both in spring and during periods of heavy rain, we in Malatya have faced different problems every year. Looking at the warnings issued by the meteorological service in the last few days, intermittent heavy rains are expected in the next 15 days."

"THE MOST CRITICAL PERIOD FOR APRICOT PRODUCTION HAS BEGUN"
Emphasizing that the most sensitive period for apricot production has begun, Özcan stated, "We are at the beginning of the most important crisis period for apricots. The buds have now started to swell, and following this, we are entering the flowering period. As the Malatya Commodity Exchange, we are issuing warnings to our producers to properly manage the crises that may occur during this period. We plan to overcome the problems that may arise in apricot production this year together by being careful for the next two months and making the right moves at the right time."

"THE BIGGEST RISK IS MONILIA DISEASE"
Stating that heavy rains trigger monilia disease, Özcan said, "The biggest crisis during the bud swelling and flowering period is monilia disease caused by heavy rains. Looking at the averages of the last 5 years, there have been years when we experienced this crisis very severely. This disease not only causes fruit loss but also serious damage to the trees. Sometimes, when a tree contracts monilia disease, no crop can be harvested for two or three years."

"GREAT LOSSES WERE EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST"
Recalling the damages experienced in previous years, Özcan said, "Let's remember the process that took place two years ago. We all saw how the agricultural frost we experienced in April 2025 created an economic and social crisis in the city."

"SPRAYING MUST BE DONE ON TIME"
Calling on producers regarding spraying, Özcan stated, "In low-altitude areas, the first spraying must be done when approximately 10% of the buds have swollen. The first spraying should be done when the buds are close to blooming."

"A SECOND SPRAYING MAY BE NECESSARY"
Stating that a second spraying may be necessary according to meteorological data, Özcan said, "Looking at the meteorological reports for the next 15 days, intermittent rainfall is expected. Therefore, after the first spraying, the weather conditions should be monitored, and a second spraying should be done if deemed necessary. There is no pesticide residue in these applications, known as flower pesticides." He said:

"THE RIGHT MEDICINE AND THE RIGHT TIME ARE IMPORTANT"
Referring to the importance of expert opinion in choosing medicines, Özcan stated, "The medicines to be used must be obtained through the prescription method recommended by the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, and under the supervision of agricultural engineers. Applying medicine or treatment at the wrong time will be ineffective. This will result in both economic damage for the producer and a useless practice for the trees."

"CALL FOR TOTAL EFFORT"
Stating that the fight will be successful only if all stakeholders act together, Özcan said, "Malatya has different altitude regions. The fight should be carried out by carefully monitoring every region from the lowest to the highest altitude. Producers, the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, the Commodity Exchange, the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, and agricultural chambers should work together to manage this process correctly."

"WE WILL PROTECT OUR APRICOTS"
Emphasizing that apricots are of great value to Malatya, Özcan said, "This period is the first step in the formation of the fruit. If we cannot carry out the right fight during this process, the work we do later will be of no use. We will protect our apricots, we will take all the precautions we can, and we will leave the rest to God. Our aim is to protect the tree from monilia disease, reduce yield loss, and ensure quality production. Hopefully, by taking the necessary precautions this year, we will have a healthier production process and, by protecting Malatya's brand value in the world dried apricot market, we will reach new targets in both fresh and dried apricot exports."