Plum training systems on vigour rootstocks - experience from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

An efficient system of plum production implies the application of all measures that will enable the timely achievement of the optimal tree size with the achievement of the initial yield, which is especially important for vigour control. The reasons for the intensification of training systems in plum orchards are of a universal character, as for other fruit species: Earlier return of invested funds, economically viable use of labour and production of high yields with good fruit quality. Regardless of the finding of vegetative rootstocks for plum during the previous years, in the area of the western Balkans, the dominant rootstock is still the seedling of 'Myrobalan' (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.). The vigour of this rootstock requires a specific approach in intensive training systems. For more efficient plum production, it is necessary, in addition to the training system, to change the concept of pruning. The paper presents the characteristics of the most important current plum training systems on vigorous rootstock based on the experience of production in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The most significant challenges of modern plum training systems that impose the need for efficient plum growing are also presented. The most important training systems in regular plum production in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are the combined pyramid, vase and plum spindle. Training systems that enable mechanization of certain work operations, primarily harvest and pruning, as well as redistribution of vigour, can be of special importance for further intensification of plum production.