Plum (Prunus domestica) PESCĂRUȘ

Plum (Prunus domestica) 'Pescăruș'

Romanian variety with dark fruits, specially recommended for drying.

'Pescăruș' is a universal Romanian plum variety bred at the Piteşti – Mărăcineni institute. It was created by crossing ‘Renclod Althan’ and ‘Wilhelmina Spath’. It is valued for its regular bearing, frost resistance, and fruits that are suitable not only for fresh consumption but are ideal for drying.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Specially recommended for drying.
• Universal use (fresh consumption, processing).
• Good and regular yield.
• Resistance to both winter and spring frosts.
• Stone separates easily from the flesh.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: Fruit Research and Development Institute Piteşti – Mărăcineni
• Parentage: ‘Renclod Althan’ × ‘Wilhelmina Spath’
• Registration: 1979

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium vigor.
• Crown: Inverted cone shape, strong scaffold branches.
• Fruiting: Bears fruit on short spurs.
• Rootstock Myrobalan C5: Tree growth on this rootstock is similar to the St. Julien rootstock. The advantage of the Myrobalan C5 rootstock is that it tolerates drought, water stress, and poorer soil conditions better.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium to above average, with an average weight of 45 g.
• Shape and Color: Ovoid, asymmetric. The skin is dark purple to blackish, medium thick, firm, covered with a grey bloom.
• Flesh: Yellow-green, medium firm and juicy.
• Taste: Pleasant, balanced, slightly tart, specific to the variety.
• Stone: Separates easily from the flesh (Freestone).
• Usage: Universal – fresh consumption, processing, and especially drying.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Resistant to winter frosts as well as late spring frosts.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-summer to early August.
• Yield: Good and regular.