Suitable European plum cultivars for organic orchards establishment (Biofruitnet Practice Abstract)

Summary in the original language of the document

Choosing the best height/size plum cultivars will give a stable yield of high-quality and good flavour fruits harvested in prolonged periods from August to November and suitable for fresh consumption.
Practical recommendations
• High-quality European plum cultivars suitable for organic production:
o Very early ripening: Ruth Gersteter
o Early ripening: Katinka
o Middle early ripening: Čačanska lepotica, Franzi, Opal
o Middle late ripening: Jojo, Toptaste, Čačanska rodna, Gabrovska
o Late ripening: Jofela, Joganta, Moni, Haganta, Stanley
o Very late ripening: Presenta, Jolina
• Combine PPV hypersensitive resistance cultivars (Jojo, Jofela, Joganta, Jolina, Moni) with PPV hypersensitive resistance rootstocks (Docera 6, Dospina 235) to prevent infection.
• Check with your advisors about the ripening time of the described cultivars and if they fit your climatic conditions.
• Aim for a wide ripening period, high and regular cropping, fruit size and fruit quality.
• Extend the harvesting period by introducing new cultivars with ripening from the end of August to the beginning of October.
• Self-fertile and partly self-fertile cultivars provide more regular yields and are very good pollinators for other cultivars.
• Most of the new large-fruited cultivars have excellent taste and fruit quality with a higher sugar content than 21°Brix.
• Consumers prefer new plum cultivars with attractive yellow/orange flesh and lose stone adherence.
• Large-fruited plum cultivars with high market quality can lead to more efficient labour costs and support incomes from established organic orchards.