Growth, fruit size, yield performance and micronutrient status of plum trees (Prunus domestica L.)

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the growth, fruit size, yield performance and leaf micronutrient status of four Serbian cultivars originated from Fruit Research Institute in Cacak [Cacanska rana (CRA), Cacanska lepotica (CLE), Cacanska najbolja (CNA), Cacanska rodna (CRO)] and six introduced cultivars [Ruth Gerstetter (RGE), Stanley (STA), Agen (AGE), Opal (OPA), Bluefree (BLU), Violeta (VIO)] grafted on suckers of local plum cultivar Belosljiva with high density under limited soil conditions of Cacak (Western Serbia). The highest trunk cross sectional area (TCSA) was recorded in CNA and the lowest in CLE. The higher fruit weight (FW) was registered in CRA and lower in AGE. The most productive cultivars per tree and hectare were STA and CRO, respectively. All cultivars showed significant differences regarding leaf micronutrient concentration and deviation to the optimum concentration (DOP). CRO and AGE showed a wider and best balance in leaf nutritional values, respectively.