Plum (Prunus domestica) DIANA

Plum (Prunus domestica) 'Diana'

Very early Romanian variety with large and attractive fruits.

'Diana' is an exceptional Romanian plum variety bred at the Piteşti – Mărăcineni institute. It is highly valued primarily as a very early table variety, producing large and high-quality fruits as early as the beginning of July. It was created by crossing the well-known ‘Renclod Althan’ (Count Althann's Gage) and ‘Early Rivers’.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Very early ripening (early July).
• Large fruits (60 – 65 g), which is above average for an early variety.
• Very attractive appearance (strong bloom).
• Resistance to frost and Monilinia.
• High productivity.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: Fruit Research and Development Institute Piteşti – Mărăcineni
• Parentage: ‘Renclod Althan’ × ‘Early Rivers’
• Registration: 1982

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium.
• Crown: Spherical.
• Fruiting: Bears fruit predominantly on medium and long branches.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large, weighing 60 – 65 g.
• Shape and Color: Spherical. The skin is light blue to blue-purple, glossy, covered with a thick layer of bloom, giving the fruit a very attractive appearance.
• Flesh: Yellow-green, fleshy, very juicy, and of high quality.
• Taste: Pleasant, harmonious.
• Stone: Small, separates easily from the flesh (Freestone).
• Usage: Primarily for fresh consumption (table variety).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Resistant to frost (including late spring frosts).
• Disease resistance: Shows resistance to Monilinia.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Partially self-fertile. For maximum yield, planting with pollinators is recommended.
• Suitable pollinators: ‘Stanley’, ‘Agent’, ‘Early Rivers’, ‘Gras ameliorat’.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Very early, first decade of July (July 1st – 10th).
• Yield: High.