‘FIRENZE ’90’, A NEW EUROPEAN PLUM CULTIVAR OBTAINED BY CROSS-BREEDING

The requirements of the Italian plum-growers in distributing the valuable cultivars of this European group (Prunus domestica L.) characterized by early ripening, high productivity and flavor find a valid response in genetic improvement program of this species which has been conducted in Florence since 1970.

Further study of the results, taken from examination of more than 2,000 seedlings obtained from several cross-bred combinations with the assistance of cultivation "in vitro" (embryoculture), and the continuing observation of the selected plum seedlings encourage us to consider the possibility of commercially promoting the ‘Firenze ’90’ cultivar (known as DOFI-70S.483), obtained from the ‘Ruth Gerstetter’ x ‘President’ cross.

This new cutlivar, developed by E. Bellini, is characterized by high and constant fruit production of medium size, with a very attractive, dark purple surface. the flesh is amber-yellow or greenish-yellow, uniform, aromatic and scented, of exquisite flavor, firm and non-adherent to the pit when mature.

The new cultivar produces a fairly hardy tree, upright, with abundant flowering and high fruit set.
It is not subject to fruit-drop, and presents considerable resistance to handling and transport.

The fruit ripening period at Follonica (GR) occurs at the end of July, 38–40 days after ‘Ruth Gerstetter’, 26–28 days before ‘President’.

‘Firenze ’90’ has remained immune to the more notable viruses, including "Sharka" (PPV). For this new cultivar a trademark has been requested.

Fruit Breeding and Genetics

E. Bellini

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1992.317.15