Articles
Maximizing Japanese plum crop value: response of fruit size and yield efficiency to crop load for different cultivars and quality traits that determine fruit price
Article number
1457_40
Pages
315 – 322
Language
English
Abstract
In the last decade, new cultivars of Japanese plums (Prunus salicina) have been introduced into Chilean cultivation, with a primary focus on the Asian market, where demand for high-quality fresh fruit is strong.
The new cultivars are characterized by large fruit, attractive color, and sweetness.
However, there is a lack of information on fruit size and yield response to increased crop load and, consequently, on how to maximize crop value.
During the 2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024 seasons, several thinning trials on 18 cultivars were conducted in commercial plum orchards located in central Chile (33 to 34°S). Data from these experiments were used to analyze the response of fruit size and yield to increasing crop load.
Yield was expressed as fruits per hectare that intercepts 70% (ha70i) of incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). According to the usual management given to the cultivars, a range of crop load between 245.000 and 595.000 fruits/ha70i, or 35 to 85 fruits m-2 PARi, was used.
The inverse response of fruit weight and the direct response of yield to increasing crop load were described by linear equations in all cases. 60 fruits m-2 PARi was used to compare cultivars regarding fruit size and yield efficiency; crop load adjusted yield of cultivars varied between 36.4 and 67.1 t ha70i, meanwhile, crop load adjusted fruit weight ranged between 88 and 158 g. ‘Larry Anne’, ‘Black Kat’, ‘Happy Giant’, ‘September Yummy’, Dapple Delight’, ‘Crimson Fall’, and ‘Black Majesty’ obtained the larger fruit size and, consequently, the higher yield.
On the other hand, ‘Autumn Pride’ and Flavor Rich’ exhibited the smallest fruit size and the lowest yield.
Despite fruit size being an important trait that influences the price, high sugar content (>16 °Brix) and red or bicolor skin are also important factors in maximizing crop value.
The new cultivars are characterized by large fruit, attractive color, and sweetness.
However, there is a lack of information on fruit size and yield response to increased crop load and, consequently, on how to maximize crop value.
During the 2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024 seasons, several thinning trials on 18 cultivars were conducted in commercial plum orchards located in central Chile (33 to 34°S). Data from these experiments were used to analyze the response of fruit size and yield to increasing crop load.
Yield was expressed as fruits per hectare that intercepts 70% (ha70i) of incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). According to the usual management given to the cultivars, a range of crop load between 245.000 and 595.000 fruits/ha70i, or 35 to 85 fruits m-2 PARi, was used.
The inverse response of fruit weight and the direct response of yield to increasing crop load were described by linear equations in all cases. 60 fruits m-2 PARi was used to compare cultivars regarding fruit size and yield efficiency; crop load adjusted yield of cultivars varied between 36.4 and 67.1 t ha70i, meanwhile, crop load adjusted fruit weight ranged between 88 and 158 g. ‘Larry Anne’, ‘Black Kat’, ‘Happy Giant’, ‘September Yummy’, Dapple Delight’, ‘Crimson Fall’, and ‘Black Majesty’ obtained the larger fruit size and, consequently, the higher yield.
On the other hand, ‘Autumn Pride’ and Flavor Rich’ exhibited the smallest fruit size and the lowest yield.
Despite fruit size being an important trait that influences the price, high sugar content (>16 °Brix) and red or bicolor skin are also important factors in maximizing crop value.
Publication
Authors
V. Beyá-Marshall, S. Gonzalez, A. Verdugo, G. Reginato
Keywords
Prunus salicina, photosynthetically active radiation, intercepted radiation, thinning, yield
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