Welcome!

We have a  great pleasure to welcome all interested researchers, producers engaged in the apricot breeding, conservation and use of apricot genetic resources, orchards management and fruits processing to attend the XV International Symposium on Apricot Breeding and Culture to be held in Yerevan, Armenia on 20th -24th June, 2011. We would like to take the opportunity to invite you to visit Yerevan, the largest city and the capital of Armenia. The city is as old as Rome and Babylon, Nineveh and Carthage. In 2011 Yerevan will be celebrating its 2793th anniversary. Visiting Yerevan will leave you with unforgettable impressions about an ancient and, at the same time, modern city. During a thousand year the Armenian people have cultivated grape and various fruits, made wine and dried fruits and abundantly treated its guests. Name of the Armenian grape and fruits has been spread all over the world. According to the historical references the international recognition of Armenian apricot is connected with Alexander Makedonski, who brought apricot from Armenia to Greece on his way back from the eastern campaign and named «Armenian apple». Later the Roman commander Lucullus brought the apricot samplings from Armenia to Rome and distributed them in East Europe as “Armenian Plum”. From this place apricot was transferred to American mainland.

The symposium is an excellent opportunity to meet researchers, producers dealing with apricot, working in the field of apricot breeding, cultivation, apricot orchards management, fruits processing  to discuss and share the research results, to debate on future targets. The symposium tours envisaging visit of historical place and specialized field excursion as well as special programme for accompanying persons will be provided. We extend a warm welcome to all colleagues in the sector who share our interest in improving apricot cultivation and breeding technologies.

We are looking forward to meeting you in 

wonderful weather and environment.