Agronomic properties and nutritional status of plum trees (Prunus domestica L.) influenced by different cultivars

Abstract

The tree growth, fruit weight and leaf mineral status of ten plum cultivars grafted on rootstock of autochthonous plum 'Belosljiva' under high density planting system (HDP) on acidic soil was investigated in the fifth and sixth leaf. Results indicated that tree vigour, fruit weight and productivity significantly depend on the cultivar. 'Cacanska Najbolja' had the most vigorous trees, while 'Cacanska Lepotica' had the smallest. The fruit weight was the highest in 'Cacanska Rana', and the lowest in 'd' Agen'. 'Stanley' was the most productive cultivar in 2006 and 'Cacanska Rodna' in 2007. Yield efficiency was the highest in 'Cacanska Lepotica' and the lowest in 'Ruth Gerstetter', 'Cacanska Rana', 'Cacanska Najbolja' and 'Opal', respectively. Significant differences were observed among cultivars for leaf major nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) levels at 120 DAFB. Larger imbalance of leaf major elements was observed in 'd'Agen', whereas good balance was found in 'Violeta'.