Threats and Avoidance Measures of Frost Damage of 'Shushanggan'Apricot in the Ili River Valley

[Objectives] To explore the threat factors of frost damage to 'Shushanggan'Apricot in the Ili River Valley, and to provide measures for avoiding frost damage. [Methods] Based on the meteorological data of the Ili River Valley counties and cities during the 12 years from 2010 to 2021 and using the critical low temperature of ‘Shushanggan’Apricot as the main factor, we comprehensively analyzed the threats of low temperature in winter in January and late frost in April in spring in the Ili River Valley. [Results] During the 12 years, there were 4 years of low temperature below the critical (-26 - -28℃) of ‘Shushanggan’ Apricot in the Ili River Valley counties and cities in January, accounting for 33.3%, and a total of 59 d. The frequency of occurrence was: Nilka County > Qapqal County > Yining City > Gongliu County > Huocheng County > Khorgos City > Yining County > Tekes County > Xinyuan County. In April, there were 9 years with a low temperature below the critical temperature (-0.6 ℃) flowering and fruit setting of ‘Shushanggan’Apricot, accounting for 75%, and a total of 134 d. The frequency of occurrence was: Nilka County > Tekes County > Gongliu County > Yining County > Huocheng County > Khorgos City > Xinyuan County > Yining City > Qapqal County. The low temperature threats of ‘Shushanggan’Apricot suitable cultivation areas were ranked as follows: Nilka County > Gongliu County > Tekes County > Qapqal County > Huocheng County > Yining City > Yining County > Khorgos City > Xinyuan County. Combined with the observation and survey of frost damage on the spot, we comprehensively analyzed and evaluated the cultivation area of ‘Shushanggan’Apricot in the Ili River Valley: three counties (Nilka County, Gongliu County, and Tekes County) in the eastern region, except Xinyuan County, suffered frequent late frost damage, are suitable areas for the cultivation of ‘Shushanggan’ Apricot; three counties and two cities in the western region (Qapqal County, Huocheng County, Yining City, Yining County, Khorgos City) and Xinyuan County in the eastern region are suitable areas for ‘Shushanggan’ Apricot. The inversion zone at an altitude of 820-1 100 in the valley is the superior area for ‘Shushanggan’ Apricot. [Conclusions] We explored the suitable areas in the origin area of ‘Shushanggan’ Apricot, and came up with measures to avoid frost damage, to provide a reference for the development of ‘Shushanggan’ Apricot.