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.
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.
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).
4
Q
Explain staking of plums by rootstock.
A
- Pixy requires permanent staking
- St Julien A requires staking for first 2-3 years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
9
Q
Name three dessert plums.
A
- Early Laxton AGM
- Victoria AGM
- Late Transparent.
10
Q
Name three culinary plums.
A
- Early Rivers
- Purple Pershore
- Marjorie’s Seedling AGM.