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New Varieties PUZZLING PLUMS? What to call these Is it a Pluot, plumcot, or interspecific plum? by Melissa Hansen state’s stone fruit growers in the areas of cultural prac- tices, production, pruning, and training systems. He’s known for his pragmatic approach. Asked for his views on how interspecific plums have affected the industry, Day said that about 15 to 20 years ago, the top two plum vari- eties grown and shipped in California were Angelo and Friar. “Today, they’re still the top two varieties.” There’s more talk these days about the importance of I taste and flavor profiles than a few decades ago, he said, but, surprisingly, some of the tried and true varieties are “holding their own.” Growers in California, as elsewhere, have struggled with low productivity, said Day. “Production has not been consistent with interspecifics. It’s been all over the board, nterspecific plums have been a real conundrum for much of the industry, says a University of California farm advisor. Kevin Day, University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisor, works closely with the so it’s hard to categorize the impact and successfulness of interspecific plums. “Those that have invested a lot in interspecific plant- ings will tell you that they’re the best thing since sliced bread. But many of the more traditional growers still prefer a regular plum over an interspecific.” Day points to the Black Kat Pluot variety as an example of the industry’s puzzlement over what to do with the category. Black Kat, trademarked as a Pluot by Zaiger Genetics, Modesto, California, and sold by Dave Wilson Nursery, is large, with dark skin and high soluble solids (Brix of around 20). Day said it looks like a plum, though it has some apricot in its parentage. “But it’s often sold and mar- keted as a traditional plum. If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, the consumer will think it’s a duck.” He believes that most consumers don’t care if the plum is a Pluot or interspecific. They just want fruit that tastes good. DWN EXCLUSIVE VARIETIES Interspecific plum, the generic name given to plum/apricot crosses, look like a plum inside and out, though many are much sweeter than conventional varieties. The industry has had difficulty trying to crack the mar- ket with a new type of fruit that often doesn’t look all that new, Day said. “With the Pluot name trademarked, indus- try and retailers can’t call them all the same. Some are Plu- ots, some are interspecifics. It’s very confusing to the consumer because all they really see is a plum.” Unknown acreage Acreage and plantings of interspecific plums are only voluntarily reported to the state plum marketing order— not mandatory, like they are for plums. “So, we really don’t Leah Cot Aprium® USPP 21863 Ripens - June 10 Zaiger Genetics Variety Crimson Royale Pluot® USPP 18178 Ripens - August 1 Zaiger Genetics Variety When big isn’t big enough! Get the results you want with KDL® AGRO-K’s nutrient foliar sizing program 0-0-24, BIG cherries with great color and high sugar offer growers the best returns. Unfortunately, this year’s poor spring weather will negatively impact cell division, which can lead to poor fruit size. This year’s crop also appears to be spotty, possibly smaller that could increase fruit price. Maximize your returns by maximizing your fruit size with KDL® , Agro-K’s foliar cherry sizer! Peak demand timing for potassium in cherries begins at color break and should be supported by foliar potassium, in the right chemical form, to maximize cherry size, color and sugar and to encourage uniform maturity. Agro-K’s unique sugar-based potassium formulation, KDL® 0-0- Honey Lite Nectarine USPP 18400 Ripens - June 10 Zaiger Genetics Variety Hickman OfficeHickman Office 19701 Lake Road Hickman, CA 95323 01 Lak Hickman, CA 9 209-874-1821 www.da ewilson.co 12 JUNE 2011 GOOD FRUIT GROWER Honey Punch Pluot® USPP 19596 Ripens - August 15 Zaiger Genetics Variety 21200 E. Dinuba Av. Reedley, CA 93654 Reedley Officey Office 00 E eedle , CA 9365 559-638-6675 www.davewilson.com 24, applied beginning at color break, can dramatically improve cherry size, color and sugar, while encouraging uniform maturity. KDL links potassium to a sugar complex that quickly penetrates plant tissue – encouraging the sugar development process within the leaf and aiding in transport into the fruit – leading to increased sugar levels and improved color. KDL also maximizes cell bulking leading to larger, firmer cherries that ship better and store longer. Bulking, sugar content and color are all indicators of ripening fruit. By influencing these quality factors, KDL also promotes greater uniform maturity. KDL is compatible with most pesticides used for powdery mildew and fruit fly. For more information on how KDL® cherry crop, contact Agro-K today. can influence your AGRO-K CORPORATION www.goodfruit.com BQ GENETICS