Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Volume LXII
Written by Miljan CVETKOVIĆ, Nikola MICIC
As a result of two decades long research this paper provides basic parameters and characteristics of training system plum spindle on Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.) seedling rootstock. Utilization of Myrobalan rootstock induces intensive plum growth in initial years of production. This growth can only be controlled by application of adequate and precise pomotechnics and induction of early fruiting as a result of applied treatments. Obtained results indicate that training principles for plum spindle system are similar for most analyzed cultivars. On the other hand, cultivar specifics concerning biological predispositions for this training system may greatly influence success of production. Certain cultivars (ʻČačanska Lepoticaʼ and ʻStanleyʼ) can serve as model plants for correct and successful high intensity plum production in spindle system. All factors should be taken into consideration, when defining training systems adequate for plum (Prunus domestica L.) on Myrobalan rootstock, so the optimal combination could be defined depending on growing conditions and level of application of agrotechnical measures. Level of applied measures in orchard needs to be one of the most important elements of financial feasibility of plum production in spindle system. Planting density depending on the cultivar and growing conditions is between 1000 and 2000 trees per hectare. Increase in number of individual spindles per hectare is possible by modification of planting system (“V” spindle planting) or modification of training system (multi-leader spindle systems), which implies different approach to production.
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