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 [Čačanska rana (ČRA), Čačanska lepotica (ČLE), Čačanska najbolja (ČNA), Čačanska rodna (ČRO)] and six introduced cultivars [Ruth Gerstetter (RGE), Stanley (STA), Agen (AGE), Opal (OPA), Bluefree (BLU), Violeta (VIO)] grafted on suckers of local plum cultivar Belošljiva with high density under limited soil conditions of Cacak (Western Serbia). The highest trunk cross sectional area (TCSA) was recorded in ČNA and the lowest in ČLE. The higher fruit weight (FW) was registered in ČRA and lower in AGE. The most productive cultivars per tree and hectare were STA and ČRO, respectively. All cultivars showed significant differences regarding leaf micronutrient concentration and deviation to the optimum concentration (DOP). ČRO and AGE showed a wider and best balance in leaf nutritional values, respectively.