Characterization of Newly Introduced Exotic Plum Cultivars for Character Association and Genetic Improvement

Exotic plum cultivars have been introduced at Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar in order to broaden the spectrum of existing germplasm and recommendation of better cultivars for their commercial cultivation. The present study consisted of fourteen different plum cultivars of uniform age replicated thrice in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The data recorded revealed that the bud swell and tight cluster stage was first in cultivar Beauty on 30th March and 2nd April, respectively. The early date of first flower bloom was observed in cultivars Frontier, Red Beaut, Tarrol, Au-Rosa, Krassivica Plum and Beauty (7th April), while the date of full bloom (10th April), first petal fall (12th April) and complete petal fall (17th April) was reported late in cultivar Beauty. Maximum duration of flowering (15 days) was recorded in cultivars Frontier and Au-Rosa whereas minimum duration of flowering (9 days) was registered in cultivar Red Plum. Highest number of flower per branch was recorded in cultivar Au-Rosa (104.83) whereas, highest percentage of fruit set was recorded in cultivar Krassivica Plum (52.85%). Highest percentage of fruit drop was observed in cultivar Frontier (44.21%). Cultivar Red Plum matured earliest among all the cultivars whereas cultivar Grand Duke matured late. Maximum fruit yield (52.54 kg/tree) was registered in cultivar Frontier while minimum (18.07 kg/tree) was recorded in cultivar Kubio Plum. The study conclude on the note that cultivars “Frontier”, “Au- Rosa” and “Grand Duke” were of vital importance in relation to their maturity and yield and recommended for used in breeding programme for further improvement of plum.