Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) CARMELA

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) 'Carmela'

Early Romanian variety with very large fruits, sweet kernel, and high resistance.

'Carmela' is a modern Romanian apricot variety bred at the SCDP Băneasa institute. It is highly valued for its very large and attractive fruits, which ripen as early as mid-June. Another significant benefit is the sweet kernel with almond flavor and genetic disease resistance.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Very large fruits (95 – 100 g) for an early variety.
• Sweet kernel with a distinct almond aroma.
• Early ripening (second decade of June).
• Resistance to Monilinia, Stigmina, and Cytospora.
• Tolerance to Plum Pox Virus (PPV).

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: SCDP Băneasa
• Parentage: ‘Farmigdale’ × ‘NJA20’
• Registration: 2002

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium.
• Fruiting: Bears fruit on short spurs.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Very large, weighing 95 – 100 g.
• Shape and Color: Round-oblong. The color is intense yellow-orange, covered with carmine-red blush on 50–75% of the surface.
• Flesh: Orange, firm.
• Taste: Sweet with slight acidity, pleasantly aromatic.
• Stone: Medium size, Freestone. The kernel is sweet with a distinct almond aroma.
• Usage: Universal (fresh consumption, processing).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Hardy.
• Disease resistance: Resistant to Monilinia, Stigmina, and Cytospora; tolerant to Plum Pox Virus (PPV).

Cultivation Recommendations

• Flowering: Early.
• Bearing: Early onset, 3rd year after planting.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early, second decade of June.
• Yield: Good, 38 – 40 kg per tree.