Hybrid plum (Prunus sp.) SONEIKA

Hybrid Plum (Prunus sp.) 'Soneika'

A high-yielding Belarusian hybrid plum with very large fruits.

'Soneika' (Сонейка), meaning "Little Sun," is a Belarusian hybrid plum, valued for its high yield, very early entry into bearing, and very large, tasty fruits. It is also characterized by very high frost resistance and high disease resistance. The tree has less vigorous growth, making it suitable for smaller gardens.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High yield (up to 40 kg per tree) and very early entry into bearing.
• Very large and tasty fruits (rating 4.5/5).
• Very high frost and disease resistance.
• Less vigorous growth, suitable for smaller gardens.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Belarus
• Breeders: RUE Institute for Fruit Growing of Belarus
• Institution: RUE Institute for Fruit Growing of Belarus
• Crossing: ‘Mara’ × pollen mix of diploid plums
• Registration: Since 2009.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Less vigorous, grows to a height of approximately 2.5 m.
• Crown: Pyramidal, medium density, becomes spreading to drooping with age.
• Pollination: It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Very large, with a weight of 40 – 45 g.
• Shape and colour: Round, golden-yellow with a slight pink blush on the sunny side.
• Flesh: Orange-yellow, firm, juicy, and aromatic.
• Flavour: Very good, sweet with a mild acidity (rating 4.5/5).
• Stone: Medium-sized and almost does not separate from the flesh.
• Use: Versatile (fresh consumption, processing).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Very high.
• Disease resistance: High, especially to shot hole disease.
• Drought resistance: Resistant.

Cultivation Recommendations

• To ensure a harvest, it is essential to plant another hybrid plum nearby as a pollinator.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late, late August.
• Harvest characteristics: Fruits do not drop before full ripeness.
• Yield: High, up to 40 kg per tree.
• Entry into bearing: Very early, 2nd to 3rd year after planting.
• Transportability: Good.