Fruit bearing shoot characteristics of European plum (Prunus domestica L.) and Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) cultivars

Abstract

Morphological properties of fruit bearing shoots: length, number of flower buds and vegetative buds and their ratio were studied in 11 cultivars of European plum and 11 cultivars of Japanese plum during a two-year period. Fruit bearing shoots were divided into two groups: long (shoots) and short (spurs). For all studied traits, statistically significant differences between plum cultivars were found. Japanese plums had lesser thickness and shorter internodes of shoots in relation to European plums. They also had a significantly higher number of flower buds both on shoots and spurs. Based on obtained results, recommendations for pruning can be made. Cultivars with a higher number of flower buds per 1-m length and in relation to vegetative buds, like most varieties of Japanese plum and some varieties of European plum ('Stanley', 'Topper', 'Top', 'Topking'), require severe pruning. On the other hand, cultivars with lower density of flower buds, such as 'Cacanska rana' and 'Golden Plum', can be pruned slightly.