Articles
Breeding of European plum cultivars in Germany – facing the demands of growers, retailers, and consumers
Article number
1260_7
Pages
35 – 40
Language
English
Abstract
Traditionally fruits of European plum trees are used for baking, fresh consumption, and distillery.
In recent years, the per capita consumption of European plum fruits in Germany has declined.
The reason is the low quality of fresh fruits available in supermarkets.
In order to enhance the shelf life of European plum fruits, growers harvest too early to avoid complaints by retailers.
Additionally, the fruit quality of many of the existing cultivars is too low to compete with nectarines, peaches, and apricots.
In the plum-breeding program conducted in Germany by the Technische Universität München and the Bavarian Centre of Pomology and Fruit Breeding, breeding aims focus on creating new cultivars with large, tasteful fruits with good shelf life.
Additionally, the needs of growers have to be respected.
The article gives an overview of the plum breeding activities in Bavaria and Germany.
In recent years, the per capita consumption of European plum fruits in Germany has declined.
The reason is the low quality of fresh fruits available in supermarkets.
In order to enhance the shelf life of European plum fruits, growers harvest too early to avoid complaints by retailers.
Additionally, the fruit quality of many of the existing cultivars is too low to compete with nectarines, peaches, and apricots.
In the plum-breeding program conducted in Germany by the Technische Universität München and the Bavarian Centre of Pomology and Fruit Breeding, breeding aims focus on creating new cultivars with large, tasteful fruits with good shelf life.
Additionally, the needs of growers have to be respected.
The article gives an overview of the plum breeding activities in Bavaria and Germany.
Authors
M. Neumüller, F. Dittrich, J. Hadersdorfer
Keywords
plum cultivars, Prunus domestica, Prunus salicina
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