Evaluation of Japanese Plum Cultivars in Serbia

Abstract

Phenological and pomological properties of seven Japanese plum cultivars were studied in the area of central Serbia during two-year period (2008-2009). Cultivar 'Cacanska Lepotica' was taken as a standard for comparison, because it is the most important dessert plum cultivar in Serbia. Compared to the standard cultivar, start of flowering of Japanese plum cultivars was 5-10 days earlier, and the duration of flowering was 4-5 days longer. Time of maturing ranged from the end of June ('Sorriso di Primavera') to the beginning of September ('Autumn Giant'). Productivity of the majority of cultivars studied was high, at the level of the standard cultivar, and only 'Autumn Giant' and 'Blackamber' had lower productivity. Japanese plums had a greater fruit weight compared to the standard cultivar, while the stone weight and its share in the fruit weight were smaller. Tested cultivars had a lower content of soluble solids and sugars in relation to 'Cacanska Lepotica', except 'T.C. Sun'. Also, they had a higher content of acids and lower sugar/acid ratio. The best fruit appearance was manifested by cultivars 'Blackamber' and 'Angeleno', and the best taste was manifested by cultivar 'T.C. Sun'.