Plum (Prunus domestica) AGENT

Plum (Prunus domestica) 'Agent'

Romanian variety specifically designed for drying and distillation.

'Agent' is a modern Romanian plum variety bred at the Piteşti – Mărăcineni institute. It was created through selection from seedlings. It is valued mainly for its disease resistance and fruits, which are ideal for processing, especially for drying and the production of high-quality spirits.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Ideal for drying and distillation.
• Interesting reddish to red-purple color.
• Disease resistance.
• Regular yield.
• Stone separates easily from the flesh.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: Fruit Research and Development Institute Piteşti – Mărăcineni
• Method: Individual positive selection from a population of seedlings (open pollination).
• Registration: 2004

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium to strong.
• Fruiting: Bears fruit on mixed wood.
• Rootstock Myrobalan C5: Tree growth on this rootstock is similar to the St. Julien rootstock. The advantage of the Myrobalan C5 rootstock is that it tolerates drought, water stress, and poorer soil conditions better.

Fruit

• Size: Medium size (approx. 30 g).
• Shape and Color: Round to slightly elongated. The skin is reddish to intense red-purple, shiny, with characteristic dots.
• Flesh: Yellowish, juicy.
• Taste: Sweet-sour, aromatic.
• Stone: Small, separates easily from the flesh (Freestone).
• Usage: Primarily intended for drying and processing (production of spirits, jams, compotes), but also suitable for fresh consumption.

Resistance and Requirements

• Disease resistance: The variety is resistant to diseases.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Partially self-fertile. For higher yields, pollinators are recommended (e.g., ‘Stanley’ and other compatible varieties).
• Bearing: Starts in the 3rd year after planting. Yield is medium high but regular.

Harvest and Storage

• Ripening time: Mid-summer (July).