Plums Flashcards

1
Q

Name and explain two common plum rootstocks.

A
  • Pixy: dwarfing rootstock, trees reach 2m
  • St Julian A: semi-dwarfing, trees reach 4m.
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2
Q

Explain the pollination of plums.

A

Some plums are self-fertile and do not require cross-pollination.

Others are self-sterile and require cross pollination from another cultivar in the same or adjacent group.

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3
Q

Explain site and soil selection for plums.

A
  • Need protection from frost (flower early)
  • Sunny, sheltered site to promote ripening (dessert cultivars require more sun)
  • Deep fertile loam
  • Free-draining yet moisture retentive (not chalky soil).
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4
Q

Explain staking of plums by rootstock.

A
  • Pixy requires permanent staking
  • St Julien A requires staking for first 2-3 years.
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5
Q

Explain formative pruning of plums.

A
  • Should not be carried out in winter (increases disease risk)
  • Carried out in spring (and routine pruning is carried out in summer)
  • Plant a feathered maiden
  • The first spring select three or four evenly spaced laterals (highest 90cm above ground) trim by 2/3rds; remove the leader
  • The second spring select three or four of the strongest sub-laterals and prune back by half; remove all other sub-laterals.
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6
Q

Explain the cultivation of plums.

A
  • Protect from frost
  • Check stake and loosen when necessary
  • Keep base weed-free
  • Mulch regularly
  • Irrigate in dry weather (20l/sqm. Important after fruit set)
  • Thin the fruit to 8cm apart
  • Protect againNext st birds
  • Routine pruning in summer, removing excessively vigorous and awkward growth.
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7
Q

When do you harvent various types of plums?

A
  • Earlies - early August
  • Mids - late August to early September
  • Lates - October to early November.
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8
Q

Name a pest and a disease of plums, including symptoms and control method.

A

Winter moth

  • Green caterpillar with yellow stripes, chews holes in leaves and bud in Spring through early Summer. Extensive damage to blossom
  • Grease bands around trunks in mid-autumn, spray bacterial agent, use an approved insecticide as leaves emerge.

Silver leaf

  • Silvery fungus creates sheen on leaf, branches become dark brown, branches die back
  • Do not prune in winter, remove infected limbs 15cm below infection.
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9
Q

Name three dessert plums.

A
  • Early Laxton AGM
  • Victoria AGM
  • Late Transparent.
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10
Q

Name three culinary plums.

A
  • Early Rivers
  • Purple Pershore
  • Marjorie’s Seedling AGM.
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