Phenological characteristics, yield and fruit quality of medium-late ripening plum cultivars in the region of Belgrade

Abstract

Phenological characteristics, yield and fruit quality of 14 medium-late ripening plum cultivars, were studied in the region of Belgrade during the five-year period (2013-2017). The control cultivar for comparison was 'Čačanska rodna'. Flowering of tested cultivars occurred in the first half of April, and fruit maturation was in the first half of August. The average yield per tree was the lowest in the 'Nevena' cultivar (1.6 kg), and the highest in the 'Mildora' cultivar (22.5 kg). Compared to the control cultivar, significantly lower yield was achieved in seven cultivars. The lowest vigor was determined in the standard cultivar ('Čačanska rodna'), and the highest in the 'Milka' cultivar. The average fruit weight ranged from 19.5 g in the 'Nevena' cultivar to 50.5 g in the 'Valor' cultivar. Compared to the control, fruit weight was statistically significantly higher in five cultivars. In all studied cultivars, the high soluble solids content (over 17%) was found, while in cultivars 'Mildora' and 'Valor' it was significantly higher than in the control. On the basis of the obtained results, as regards cultivation in the region of Belgrade, it is possible to recommend the following cultivars: 'Valor' and 'Čačanska najbolja' as predominantly table cultivars (for fresh consumption), 'Jojo' and 'Vengerka krupna slatka' as cultivars of combined characteristics and 'Mildora' as a cultivar for processing.

Keywords

• prunus domestica
• flowering
• maturation
• yield
• fruit characteristics