ISHS Acta Horticulturae 577: VII International Symposium on Plum and Prune Genetics, Breeding and Pomology
PLUM GROWING IN NORWAY, AT 60o N |
| Author: | G. Redalen |
| Keywords: | Prunus domestica, plum cultivars, rootstocks, tree density, pruning, soil management, fertilizing, thinning, plant protection |
| Abstract:
Plum is a minor crop in Norway. With the aim to obtain a more modern plum production and to supply the market with increased amounts of high quality plums, projects have been initiated. ’Opal’ and ’Victoria’ are the main cultivars. ’Mallard’, ’Edda’ and ’Jubileum’ are also grown. ’Avalon’, ’Anita’, ’Excalibur’, ’Meritare’, ’Reeves’ and ’Reine Claude Souffriau’ are new and promising cultivars. St. Julien A is the dominating plum rootstock. A normal tree density in young plantations is 1.5-2 x 3.5-4 m or 1250-1905 trees per hectare. The pruning principles of Zahn, including pyramidical trees with rather weak branches, are more and more used, especially in East Norway. The trees are normally not topped, and vigorous branches are cut back to stubs. When a tree has reached full height, the branches in the top are often removed by tearing them down by hand. Then the regrowth seems to be weakened. Problems connected to growing at 60o N are a short growing season, relatively low summer temperature, and low winter temperature. In addition, it is hilly terrain, small farm size and high production costs. Particular problems for plums are gummosis in the fruits (especially for ’Victoria’) and russeting (especially for ’Mallard’). Benefits related to growing at such a northern latitude are long days and high global irradiation around midsummer, delayed flowering and relatively low risk for spring frost, and reduced pest and disease problems in the rather cool climate. A normal plant protection spray programme include 2-5 applications per year. | |
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