Cultivation of Plum
- Botanical Name: Prunus salicina (Japanese plum), Prunus domestica (European plum)
- Family: Rosaceae
- Origin: Temperate regions of Asia and Europe
- Uses: Consumed fresh, dried (as prunes), or processed into jams, jellies, and juices
- Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants
Varieties
- Early: Rubio
- Mid-Season (June – July): Hale, Gaviota, Abundance
- Late (July – August): Shiro, Kelsey, Satsuma
Note: Hale should be planted along with other varieties for better pollination and fruit set
Soil and Climate
- Soil: Red lateritic soil with good drainage and rich in organic matter
- pH: 5.8 to 6.2
- Elevation: Suitable above 1200 m
Planting Material
- One-year-old budded plants
- Planting time: June – July or October – December
- Spacing: 4 m × 4 m
- Pits: 60 cm × 60 cm × 60 cm
Planting Season; June to November
Application of Fertilizer
- FYM: 30 kg/tree/year
- N: 500 g/tree/year
- P & K: 1 kg each/tree/year (October – November)
Training and Pruning
- Growing points tipped at 50 – 60 cm height to encourage side shoots
- Open centre system
- Time: December – January
- Remove dried, dead, diseased, water shoots, and criss-cross branches
Plant Protection
Fruit Fly:
- Spray Malathion 50 EC @ 2 ml/litre or Fenthion 100 EC @ 1 ml/litre
- Set up Methyl Eugenol 1% trap + Malathion 50 EC @ 1 ml/litre between 6 – 8 a.m.
Yield and Harvesting
- Yield: Average of 25–30 kg per tree per year, depending on variety and cultivation practices
- Harvesting Season: Varies by variety; early varieties mature in May–June, while late varieties are ready by July–August
