TEMPERATE FRUITS

BY
DR-MOHAMMAD ILYAS
 INTRODUCTION
 Temperate fruit plants are specific in the
climatic requirement. They can tolerate both
diurnal and seasonal wide fluctuation of
temperature and are grown only in place
where winter is distinctly cold. They require
exposure of specific chilling temperature for
certain period to break bud dormancy and
initiate bud break. These fruit plants are
generally deciduous and suitable of higher
elevation as they can withstand frost.
Examples: apple, pear, plum, apricot, almond,
peach, strawberry, walnut, pecan nut and
cherry.
 Horticultural classification of
temperate fruits
 1.Classification on the basis of plant stature:

1.Temperate tree fruits: Fruits borne on the trees growing in

the temperate climates such as apple, pear, stone fruits etc.

2.Temperate small fruits: Fruits generally borne on the

vines, brambles or herbaceous plants grown under temperate
climate like strawberry, craneberry, blackberry, blueberry etc.

3.Temperate nuts: Nuts are characterized by the hard shell

outside, separating the kernel and husk of the fruit. Pecan nut,
hazel nut and walnut are good examples of temperate fruit
plants producing nuts.
 2.Classification based on fruit
morphology
 Depending on number of ovaries involved in fruit
formation, fruits are classified into three groups.
 (i) simple fruits (ii) aggregate fruits ( iii) multiple

(composite) fruits
i.Simple fruits: Simple fruits are derived from a
single ovary of one flower.
Simple fruits are further classified as fleshy and
dry fruits.
A. Fleshy fruits: These are this fruits whose
pericarp (ovary wall) becomes fleshy or succulent
at maturity. The temperate fleshy fruits may be
either pome or drupe.
 a.Pome: The pome is an inferior, two or
more celled fleshy, syncarpous fruit
surrounded by the thalamus. The fruit is
referred as false fruit as the edible fleshy
part is not derived from the ovarian tissues
but from external ovarian tissue thalamus.
Examples of temperate pome fruits are
apple, pear and quince).
 b.Drupe (stone): This type of fruit derived from a
single carpel, however, the olive is an exception in
that the flower has two carples and four ovules but
one carpel develop. Two ovules are borne in most
of drupes but one seed develops. In this type of
fruit, the pericarp is differentiated into three
distinct layers; thin exocarp or peel of the fruits,
the mesocarp which is fleshy and hard and stony
endocarp, enclosing seed. Examples of temperate
drupe fruits are cherry, peach, plum and apricot. In
almond at maturity exocarp and mesocarp get
separated as leathery involucre and are removed
before marketing, only endocarp containing the
edible seed is used hence it is nut.
 B.Dry fruits: This type of fruit has been
classified on the basis of pericarp (ovary
wall) at maturity. The entire pericarp
becomes dry and often brittle or hard at
maturity. They are dehiscent ( in which the
seeds are dispersed from fruit at maturity)
and indehiscent ( not split open when ripe)
Nuts are typical example of indehiscent dry
fruits
 a.Nut: A fruit in which carpel wall is hard or
bony in texture. Fruit is derived from an
hypogynous flower ( filbert) or an epigynous one
( walnut) and is enclosed in dry involucres
(husk). It is only one seeded, but in most cases
in derived from two carpels.
Examples are walnut, almond, chestnut, hazelnut
and pecan nut. Dry fruits are not juicy or
succulent when mature and ripe. When dry, they
may split open and discharge their seeds (called
dehiscent fruits) or retain their seeds (called
indehiscent fruits).
 b. Achene: A one seeded fruit in which the seed is
attached to ovary wall at one point. Example is
strawberry.

 ii. Aggregate fruits: Aggregate fruits develop from

numerous ovaries of the same flower. Individual
ovary may be drupe or berry. Raspberry is included in
this category.

iii. Multiple (composite) fruits: Multiple or

composite fruits are produced from the ripened ovaries
of several flowers crowded on the same inflorescence.
The example of this type is mulberry.
 3.Classification based on bearing
habit:
 The flower bud is either terminal or lateral.
Based upon the location of fruit buds and
type of flower bearing structure to which
they give rise, the temperate fruits are
classified as under.
1.Terminal bearer: Flower buds mixed,
flowering shoot with terminal inflorescences.
Examples are apple, pear, walnut (pistillate
flowers) and pecan (pistillate flowers)
 2. Lateral bearer:
 (a) Flower bud containing flower parts only

e.g peach, apricot, plum, cherry, almond,

walnut ( staminate catkin) and pecan
(staminate catkin)
 (b)Flower buds mixed, flowering shoot with

terminal inflorescences e.g blackberry,

raspberry, blueberry, apple and
pear(occasionally) (c )Flower buds mixed,
flowering shoot with lateral inflorescences
e.g. persimmon, chestnut, pistachio nut,
craneberry.
 4. Classification based on Fruit
Growth Pattern
 Sigmoid pattern: The combined growth of fruit
results from cell division, cell enlargement and air
space formation results in sigmoidal ( S- shaped)
curve when fruit weight is plotted as function of
time. Examples are apple, walnut, pecan,
strawberry and pear Single sigmoidal growth curve
 Double sigmoid: The first slow growth period
coincides with the period of pit hardening, during
which lignification of the endocarp( stone) proceeds
rapidly, while mesocarp and seed growth
suppressed. Near the end of pit hardening, flesh
cells enlarge rapidly until fruit is ripe, after which
growth slows down and ceases. Examples are
peach, plum, cherry and kiwifruit Double sigmoidal
growth curve
 Temperate fruits of Pakistan
Apple
 INTRODUCTION:
 Apple (Malus domestica) belongs to the genus Malus,

Family Rosaceae, the great family of the roses, which

includes not only the apples but also several other fruits
such as peaches, pears, plums and raspberries. Styles
are united at the base. Flowers are colored and fruit is
globular. Flowers are perfect with 5 petals, sepals,
carpels, 2 ovules and 15-20 stamens. Tree is upright
spreading, deciduous, carries mix buds, produce
flowers and leaves in spurs and fruit is technically a
pome.
Apple
BOTANICAL INFORMATION
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Rosales
Family : Rosaceae
Sub Family: Maloidae
Genus : Malus
Specie : Malus domestica
Origin and history
 Apple is one of the oldest fruit in the world and is native to
South western Asia and European countries. It has been
found wild in most temperate parts of the world and cooler
higher hills of sub-tropical areas. It was, probably first
domesticated in the caucasus (region between the
Black Sea and the Caspian Sea), and fast spread all
over Europe, even in pre-historical times. Apples spread
from Europe to USA, Australia and South America. In
Pakistan various forms of apple showing great diversity in
size, shape, color and taste are grown from the time
immemorial, particularly at higher elevations (about 1300m)
in areas adjoining Afghanistan, Iran and China.
 Apple in Pakistan
 In Pakistan, its cultivation is limited and restricted to northern hilly
tracts of Punjab, NWFP and Quetta region of Balochistan. Apple
cultivation in Pakistan is primarily concentrated in the northern and
western regions, particularly in areas with temperate climates like
Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Gilgit-Baltistan. These
regions provide ideal conditions for growing apples due to their cold
winters and moderate summers.
 Key Regions for Apple Cultivation:
 Balochistan: The province produces the majority of Pakistan's
apples, particularly in districts like Quetta, Kalat, Ziarat, and Pishin.
Ziarat is famous for its "Ziarat Red" variety.
 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK): Swat, Chitral, and Dir are major
apple-growing areas. The climate in these regions allows the
cultivation of high-quality apples.
 Gilgit-Baltistan: Known for organic apple production, this region
grows several varieties due to its high-altitude temperate climate.

 Apple cultivars are brought as seeds from Europe were spread along
native american trade routes, as well as being cultivated on colonial
farms
 In Pakistan, apple is among the major fruit
crops but ranks below citrus and mango in
terms of production and economic
importance. According to recent agricultural
data:
 Citrus is the top fruit produced in Pakistan,

especially kinnow.
 Mango ranks second.
 Apples typically rank third or fourth in terms

of total production, depending on the year

and region.
BOTANICAL INFORMATION
•Tree: The apple is a deciduous tree standing 1.8 to 4.5
m tall in cultivation.

•When cultivated, the size, shape and branch density are

determined by rootstock and trimming method.

•Leaves: The leaves are alternately arranged dark green

colored simple ovals with serrated margins and slightly
downy undersides.
Apple bud stages
BOTANICAL INFORMATION
•Apple blossom: the flower is perfect
with 5 petals, 5 sepals, 5 carpel with
two ovule each and 15-20 stamens.
•Most apple blossom petals are pink

when they first bloom then they fade

to white as the season progresses.
•All the flowers are self sterile and self pollination is
impossible. The honey bee is the best pollinator of
domestic apple
First Bloom (King Bloom)
Full Bloom
Post-Bloom
Pollination and fruit set:
• when apple tree is ready to grow it produces
flowers in winter
•Some apple varieties can self pollinate but most
varieties require cross pollination.
•The outer part of the ovary develops into fleshy
white part of the apple. The inner wall of the ovary
becomes the apple core around the seeds
Apple: false fruit
•The bulk of the fleshy edible portion is derived from the
hypanthium or floral cup, not the ovary. Seeds are
relatively small and black, and mildy poisonous.

•When the other accessory floral parts contribute to the

formation of fruit, then such fruits are called as false fruits
or pseudo-carp.

•In apple, the thalamus or receptacle grows around the

pericarp ton produce the fleshy edible part. Hence, it is a
false fruit.
CULTIVATED VARIETIES
 There are more than 7500 known cultivars of apples.

 Low chilling Varieties Suitable for plantation at Soan

Valley and comparative warm areas
 Anna, Tropical Beauty, Enshiemer, Apple No-1, Early Shan
Burry, Pink Lady and Kandhari

 High chilling varieties suitable forcolder area like

Murree Hills
 Saharni,King Red delicious,Star King Delicious, Red
Golden,Kashmiri Amri,Mashadi,Kandhari, Kids Orange
Red,Mc. Intosh,Golden Delicious, Kapani Red,Ida
Red,Beauty,of Bath,Golden Russet,English No.2,English
No.3,Winter Banana,Khura Seb,Early Shan Berey,Red
Delicious,Golden Lebanon,Amri,Sky Spur, Double Red
Delicious,Melrose,Sky Lime Supreme,Nugget MM-III,Oregon
SpurFranco, Annurca MM-106,Summer Red,Naga FU 2,Jona
Gold,Gala Must,Sparton,Red Chief
SOIL AND CLIMATIC CONDITION
Soil:
•Apple tree grows and bears fruit in wide range of soil
but deep, well drained, fertile loam which permits free
root development is more suitable.

•Water logged soil should be avoided.

•Hardpan soils are also undesirable, as are light,

shallow, gravelly soils, which are not capable of
retaining adequate moisture.
Climate:
•Apple need a cooler climate than most of the
temperate fruit because it require chilling
temperature in dormancy period.

•Temperature of about -30 degree or rapid

fluctuation in temperature is harmful.
•Uniformly severe cold nights during the rest periods
are useful.

•Apple thrives usually at altitude of 1700-2500 m.

Climate:
•The quality of fruits grown at lower altitude are not good
due to high summer temperature.
•Localities having mean summer temperature up to 27
degree or lower are more considerable for the growth of
apples.
•750ppm rainfall is ideal for apple trees.

•In Pakistan, northern hilly tracts receive most of their rain

during the monsoon while the Quetta region usually faces
shortage of irrigation water.
•Late spring frosts and hail during the early stages of fruit
development often damage apple crop in Murree Hills.
•Continuous strong wind particularly during the blooming
season is another hazard in apple culture
PROPAGATION
Raising of Rootstock:
•Apple trees are budded on crab apple, on various
East mailing types and on seedling of some
commercial apple varieties. In the Murree Hills, crab
apple is the only rootstock. Some other rootstock
are used in Sariab, Quetta and Tarnab, Peshawar,
including M-1, M-7 and M-9. M-1 is a very
outstanding rootstock because of its good nursery
performance. M-9 is the most growing stock in
heavy soil and is dwarfing in nature.
 PROPAGATION
 SEXUAL METHOD
 Mostly Apples rootstocks are propagated by seeds. For raising apple
rootstock from seed, the fruit of ordinary crab apple may be collected
in May-June form the plains or in July from the hills. The seed may be
extracted and stored in a cool, dry place till December, when it is either
sown directly in the soil or is subjected to stratification in boxes. The
seeds sown in early December on beds remain dormant till the season
warms up in March when they germinate. When the seedlings are 2-4
inches high they are transplanted and become fit for budding in the
following summer.
 Stratification is usually done in November-December, and the seeds are
planted in February March in the seed bed for one season and the
seedlings are transplanted in the nursery row in the following winter or
early spring. The usual method of stratification (Pre-sowing treatment)
is to place the seeds in alternate layers of moist sand in shallow boxes,
flat pits or trenches and subjecting them to cold or more generally
freezing temperatures. But in European countries nursery men have
developed their own special methods which involve the use of crude
acids, hot water, oven-baking and chilling of suitable combination of
these methods
 Following are the rootstocks used
commonly: Vigorous= Crab apple, Robusto,
M16 and M109
 Semi Vigorous= MM 111, M4, MM104 and

MM111
 Semi Dwarf=M7and MM106
 Dwarf=MM9, MM26 and MM27
 ASEXUAL METHOD
 There are many methods of budding and grafting
like Ring budding, Shield or “T” Budding T
Grafting, Side grafting Whip or tongue grafting but
the most popular and successful method is cleft
grafting. Vegetative production of rootstocks is
usually accomplished by stooling and rarely by
layering and root-cutting. Almost all malling
types of rootstocks and the crab apple which is
used in Murree. In Murree and Soan Valley the
mature apple plants sends out the sprouts from
the soil and these are collected from the field and
are transplanted duringthe month of August-
September. Further these are grafted during the
month of February-March via cleft Grafting.
Through Stooling:
•This is also called mound layering which is used for
raising of rootstock. Two years old crab apple are cut
back to ground level in the spring. Several shoots then
emerge and when they are 10-15 cm tall, moist and
friable soil is hilled up around them up to half he height
of the shoots. This process is repeated 2 or 3 times until
July, when the final height of the hill thus built up is 15-
20 cm and shoots are 45 cm or more in length.
•The un-rooted shoot and the parent stool are kept
exposed to light during spring so that they develop new
shoots then parent is again hilled up to encourage root
development in these shoots.
 CULTURAL PRACTICES
Planting:
On sloping land, contour planting is done because it has
advantages that soil
and rain water are conserved
which results in better tree growth
and production over a long period of time.
•On level land, square system is use for planting of apple trees.
New plantation is done in early spring. The plant to plant
distance should be 6-7 m.
• wide spacing improves tree vigor and also promotes fruit color
due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
•In hilly areas, sod helps to prevent soil erosion and in
maintenance of organic matter.
•In the Murree hills, trees are hoed under their canopy during
early summer to eradicate weeds and grass and monsoon
onward grass allowed to grow and mowed from time to time.
Manuring:
•It is an important cultural operation which is regularly
performed in commercial orchards.
•Three major elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium,
are applied through fertilizers
•Apple require high K levels, while the need of P is quite low.

•Organic manure is more suitable than chemical fertilizers.

•For full grown apple tree, 80-100kg of well rotted FYM is

applied in November before first snow.
•For full bearing tree, fertilizer doses of

Ammonium sulphate 1.5-2 kg

Potassium sulphate 2 kg
Superphosphate 3 kg
are recommended. Nitrogen is applied in three doses; one
soon after snow clearance and the other after fruit set.
Irrigation:
•During blooming season, irrigation helps to increase
fruit set and fruit development
•In Murree hills, irrigation is done through rainfall
except in the months of May-June. In these months,
irrigation is supplied from springs.
•In Quetta, there is no rainfall in summer and only 250
mm in winter. Water for irrigation is supplied through
karez and springs.
•At maturity, light irrigation should be applied. This
helps the fruit attain timely ripening and full color
development.
Pruning and training:
• Both young and bearing trees are pruned to
increase orchard output, mostly during the dormant
season. Training is done to maintain the shape of the
tree and to expose the tree to the sunlight. Young trees
are prune to train them to desirable shape so that limbs
constituting the main framework are strong enough to
bear heavy crop of fruit.
This can be helpful in managing
spraying, thinning and picking of fruit. Old and
undesirable trees are removed to maintain the tree in a
vigorous condition. The kind and amount of pruning of
tree will depend upon its age, original framework,
growth characteristics and fruiting habit of variety.
HARVESTING
Maturity:
Several methods are available for determining optimal
harvest time. Days from full bloom is relatively
constant from year to year and gives grower a rough
estimate of picking date. Cultivars like gala mature
early and Fuji very late.
Harvest method:
Apple must be picked by hands to avoid bruising of
fresh market quality grade. Fruit must be picked
carefully to avoid damaging the spur, where next
season fruit will be borne
Physiological disorders
•apples are affected by different physiological
disorders such as:
•Superficial scald
•Senescent scald
•Core fush
•Internal breakdown
•Braeburn browning
•Water core
INSECTS PESTS AND DISEASES
Apple Scab
Powdery meldew
apple fire blight
Crown Gall
Pear.. introduction
 Pear (genus Pyrus), genus of some 20–
45 trees and shrubs in the rose family
(Rosaceae), including the common pear (Pyrus
communis).
 One of the most important fruit trees in the
world, the common pear is cultivated in all
temperate-zone countries of both hemispheres.
 The fruit is commonly eaten fresh or is canned.
It is used to produce perry, an alcoholic
beverage. Several species, such as the Callery
pear (P. calleryana), are grown as ornamentals.
History and origin
• The probable origin of the Pyrus genus is
mountainous China. From there it moved to East and
West and in the different ecological conditions, the
evolution would have taken place. Pear is next to
apple in the temperate fruits.
• The pear was introduced into the New World by
Europeans as soon as the colonies were established.
Early Spanish missionaries carried the fruit
to Mexico and California.
 Propagation
 Pears are prorogated by vegetative methods
like cleft & whip grafting in winter or T budding
in spring.
 • For standard pear trees seedlings of
different varieties of common pear & Japanese
pear are used.
 • For producing dwarf trees Quince(Cydonia
oblonga) is universally rootstock.
 • In Pakistan seed of Batangi (Pyrus
pashia),a wild cultivar of common pear is more
commonly used.
 Description
Tree:
• The common pear tree is broad-headed and up to 13
metres (43 feet) high at maturity.
• The trees are relatively long-lived (50 to 75 years) and
may reach considerable size unless carefully trained and
pruned.
Leaves:
• The roundish to oval leathery leaves, somewhat wedge-
shaped at their bases, appear about the same time as
the flowers, which are about 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide and
usually white.
Fruit:
• Pear fruits are generally sweeter and of softer texture
than apples and are distinguished by the presence of
hard cells in the flesh, the so-called grit, or stone cells.
In general, pear fruits are elongate, being narrow at
the stem end and broader at the opposite end.
 Flower:
Pear flowers are usually white or pink
and have five petals and sepals; the
bases of the five styles are separated
 Climatic Requirements:
• Pear is adapted to a wide range to climatic condition from as
low as –26 °C (in dormancy) and as high as 45 °C (in growing
period). However most of the pear cultivars require about
1200 hours below 7 °C during winter to complete their chilling
requirement in order to flower and fruit to a satisfactory level.
• After bud break, at blossoming and fruiting phase, below
freezing temperature will affect the crop severely.
• Because of its tolerance to wide range of climate and soil, it is
grown both in temperate and subtropical conditions.
• In the tropical belt pear can be grown at an elevation of 1300-
2100 M above sea level.
 Soil Requirements
• Deep, well drained, fertile, medium textured clayey
loam soil is the bet for pears.
• A neutral pH range of 6.0-7.5 will be ideal.
• A minimum soil depth of 180 cm is required. When
compared to apple, pear is less tolerant to drought
but more tolerant to wet soils.
 Varieties
• Pear cultivars can be classified in to 3 groups viz.,
European types, Asian types and the hybrids of
European and Asian types.
• The Asian types (oriental pears) are mainly derived
from Pyrus pyrifolia, Pyrus ussuriensis or their hybrids.
• The European types are derived from Pyrus communis.
 A ripe European pear has soft, melting texture, and

creamy flesh while Asian pear fruits are very firm,

crisp, juicy and very sweet (low acid).
Preparation of Field and
planting
• One year ahead of planting, the field should be
prepared by removing stems and roots of previous
trees and shrubs, levelled giving a gentle slope for
drainage of excess water during heavy rains.
• For a crop on its own rootstock (pear), an initial
spacing of 3mx2m is given which is changed to 6mx
4m after 4-5 years.
• For pear on Quince, a planting distance of 3.5m x
1.1m is enough since quince has the effect of
dwarfing the trees.
• The pit size should be 1m x 1m x 1m and the pits are
filled with a mixture of soil and compost.
• The planting can be taken up during late fall or early
spring.
• Immediately after planting the basin should be
formed and irrigated.
Training and pruning
 Proper training and pruning of pear trees is essential
for the development of strong framework, to
maintain vigour and growth, spread the fruiting area
uniformly, secure fruits of good size and quality,
encourage regular bearing and to provide
convenience of spraying and harvesting. •Pear trees
are usually trained according to modified central
leader system. •In this method,4 or 5 well spaced
limbs are developed during initial 3-4 years and then
the leader is headed off.
 In first year, plants are headed back at 90
cm. The lowest branch is allowed to develop
at a height of 60 cm from the ground level
four or five primary scaffold branches
arising at wide rangle, well spaced,10-15
cm apart and spirally arranged around the
tree trunk are selected. •Two to three
secondary branches are selected on the
primary scaffold during second dormant
pruning.
In young bearing trees:
 •A certain amount of thinning out and heading back of
out ward growing laterals are considered adequate.
 A balance is required to be maintained between fruit
production and vegetative growth. Pruning intensity
varies with the bearing habit of a cultivar and vigour of a
tree. •Pear bears fruits on spurs on 2 year old wood and
a spur continues to bear for more than 6 years.
•Vigorous pruning results in fire blight and cork spot.
There fore, in heavy blight infection are a pruning should
be done in a limited manner. •Care should also be taken
to avoid the injury to the spurs during harvesting of fruit.
Pruning of older trees:
 The older trees need renewing and invigorating the
bearing wood of the trees.
 •This is accomplished by thinning out the unproductive
secondary scaffold branches entirely.
 •This helps opening up the trees for more light for better
colour development of fruit. The process of renewal as
completed in stages in 3-4 years.
 •The trees again develop new fruiting spurs which bear
fruit for another period of 10 years.
 •The pruning of pear should be done in January to early
February.
Rejuvenation of old
orchards:
 Pear trees tend to become less productive at an age of a bout
20 years. Production on such trees can be restored by
rejuvenating them.
 •It can be achieved by heading back the 3-4 main scaffolds to
about15 cm during December to January.
 •The rest scaffolds should be completely removed. Paint the
cut ends with Bordeaux paste.
 •Many sprouts shall emerge on these stubs in march.
 •In may, retain only one to two out going shoots on each
stub with a total of 6 to 8 shoots per tree.
 •Rejuvenated trees start fruiting in third year and bear
commercial crop in the fifth year.
Manuring and fertilization:
 In hills, the recommended dose for 10 year old plants
is 60 to 100 kg farm yard manure. 700gN, 350g P2 O5
and700 g k2o.
 •The farm yard manure, P and K are applied before

snow fall in December.

 •Half of N is added 3 weeks before flowering and the

rest half just after fruit set.

 •The deficiency of Zn and Fe on young foliage can be

controlled easily by spraying 0.4 to 0.5 % zinc sulphate

and ferrous sulphate respectively during April.
Irrigation:
 A major portion of fine roots are distributed in the top 60-
90 cm soil depth. A decrease in fruit growth is common
when the top 90-120 cm soil under the tree is depleted
50% of available moisture. •One irrigation after compost
and fertilizers application in the last week of January.
Another copious irrigation may be given before flowering
so that sufficient soil moisture is available throughout
flowering. •Regular irrigation at 7-10 days interval during
April to august as per need. •After harvest tree may be
irrigated at 3-4 weeks interval till they reach leaf shedding
stage. •No need of irrigation during December and January
Intercropping:
 Green gram, torio and sunflower can be grown in
kharif, while peas in rabi season may be intercropped
in young orchards. •Additional dose of fertilizers
should be given to the intercrops. Peach can also be
planted as fillers in pear plantations.
Flowering and fruiting:
 The flowers are epigynous and the ovary is
inferior.
 •The type of inflorescence in pear is corymb.

•The flowering starts in the last week of

February and continues up to third week of
march.
 •calyx persistent or rarely

deciduous,stamens15-20.
 Three types of trees were observed in pear 1.self fruitful 2.self
unfruitful 3.partially self fruitful

 Pollinizers: •Honey bees usually prefer flowers of other plants

to those of pears, this is due to fact that pear flowers provide a
relatively small quantity of nectar which is low in sugar content.
 •In general, planting of every fourth tree in every fourth row as
pollinizer is adequate, in addition, 23 bee colonies per hectare
are sufficient for obtaining higher yield Fruit setting in pear
starts by end of march. The fruit is borne on spurs. The fruit
growth in terms of length and diameter and follows a pattern
of sigmoid growth curve.
Thinning of fruits:
 Some pear cultivars, such as barlett, hardy, bose, winter nelis and
Anjou often set very heavy crops requiring thinning to avoid limb
breakage and to improve fruit size and quality. •The degree of
thinning however depends upon the tree vigour, growing conditions
and the fruit set.
 Thinning is done to obtain the fruits of good size and quality and to
stimulate floral bud formation for the next years crop. •Retention of
30-40 leaves per fruit in all cultivars for fruit growth, thinning is
done by hand, mechanical and chemical methods. Therefore,
selective removal of smaller and deformed fruits is done regardless
of spacing in hand thinning about 3 to 8 days after petal fall.
•Chemical thinning is however, replacing hand thinning on account
of lower cost. NAA at 25 ppm 3 to 8 days after petal fall has been
found very effective for thinning. • Recently ethephon and
paclobutrazol have gained importance in thinning. Harvesting: •
Pear fruits exhibit a typical climacteric pattern of
Cherry
 INTRODUCTION
CHERRY
 Taxonomical classification
 Order = Rosales
 Family = Rosaceae
 Genus = Prunus
 Sub genus = Cerasus
 Species = avium
 Basic chromosome = 8
 Somatic number =16
 Cherries occupy an important position among temperate fruits all over
the world.
  The cultivated cherries are divided into two main group i.e. sweet
cherries ( Prunus avium) and sour cherries (P.cerasus).
  The sweet cherry is mainly used for table purpose and sour cherries
for processing.
  Cherries are rich in protein, sugar, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc.
  Sweet cherries are believed to have originated between in area
between black and Caspian sea in Southern Europe.
  The earliest records indicate that it was first domesticated in Greece
around 300 BC. It spread to Italy from Greece where it was established
as a fruit crop by 37 BC. Early setter‟s brought seeds to North America
and part of South America
 The cherries are extensively grown in all the temperate countries. 
The leading cherry producing countries area USSR, USA, West
Germany, Italy and France.
 In Pakistan, cherry cultivation is successfully being
done at temperate zones including Quetta, Pishin,
Ziarat, Kalat, Zhob Mastung, Loralai, Swat and
Murree. According to the UN data, Pakistan produces
a little over 2,000 tons of cherry per year, while its
share in exports is zero.
 However, according to farm experts and traders, the
annual production of cherry is much higher, but due to
lack of recorded data, they do not have the exact
figures. The sale quantity is approximately 20 tons of
cherry per day during the season. Pakistan ranks
46th in the world with only 0.1 per cent production
share , harvesting 2,067 tons of cherry in 2017 .
Morphological Characters:
Sweet cherry is a tall tree, branches are erect, leaves are large, thin, pubescent beneath
and serrated.
 The petioles are long having two or more swollen glands.
 The fruit is cordate in shape, has deep cavity and apex is rounded or pointed
 The floral buds are borne on 2 year old shoot or at the base of 1 year old shoot and found only on
lateral, simple flower buds.
 Flowers are white in colure and have 5 petals, numerous stamens, single style and an ovary with a
single carpel containing two ovules.
 The fruit colour of cherry varies with varieties and may be yellow, red or purplish black.
 The texture of the flesh is tender or firm, sweet and yellow or red or dark purple in
colour. The colour of fruit and juice also varies from dark red to light red
  On the bases of flesh, sweet cherries have
been divide into two pomological groups :
 Heart Group and Bigarreau Group.
  The Heart cherry varieties. have soft and

tender flesh and heart shaped fruits. The

fruit
 colour varies from dark with reddish juice to

light coloured with colour less juice.

  The Bigarreau Group of cherries is usually

roundish.
CLIMATE AND SOIL
 Sweet cherry requires cool climate.
  It is grown successfully in areas between 2,000 and 2,700m above
mean sea-level,
 requiring 1,000-1,500hr chilling period during winters.
  Cherry blossom is very sensitive to spring frost; therefore frost-free
sites of hill slope and
 valley areas with and an drainage of cold air are preferred.
  Since southern and south –western aspects are warmer, they
should not be selected for
 cultivation at lower elevations.
  Generally, North-East or North-West aspects are most suitable for
cherry cultivation.
  An annual rainfall of 100-120 cm, well-distributed throughout the
year us desirable but
 high rainfall during flowering results in heavy blossom wilt.
 
 At the time of fruit ripening heavy rains causes
fruit cracking. Therefore, weather should
 be dry at the time of fruit ripening and locations

having early on set of monsoon should

be avoided.
 A well-drained deep sandy loam soil with pH

6.5-7.0, which can hold, moisture during

 summer are most suitable.

  The cherry plant is very sensitive to water

logging and therefore so heavy soil should be

 avoided
VARIETIES:
 About 120 varieties are available in germplasm
repository. Most of them belong to sweet cherry
group. All varieties are divided into 2 groups.
 1.Heart Group

Fruit is heart-shaped having soft and tender flesh.

Colour of fruit varies from dark with reddish juice
to light coloured with colorless juice. Red Heart,
Black Heart are important varieties of this group.
2. Bigarreau group
Fruit roundish, colour of fruit and juice varies from
dark to light red. Sam, Summit, Sue, Sunbrust,
Lapins, Compact Stella and hybrid (13-17-40) are
new promising varieties.
ROOTSTOCKS AND
PROPAGATION
 Cherry is propagated by grafting on seedling as well as on clonal
rootstocks.
 1.Seedling rootstock
 Seedling rootstocks of cherry are paja (Prunus cerasoides), bird
cherry (Prunus paddum),
 mahaleb and mazzard.
 2.Clonal rootstocks
  Clonal rootstocks are commercially recommended for raising its
plants as trees on
 paja show symptoms of delayed incompatibility.
  Clonal rootstocks are Colt, Giesela, Charger,SL64 and Mazzard F
12/1.
  Colt is semi-dwarf, compatible with almost all varieties of sweet
cherry, has good
 anchorage, and is tolerant to gummosis, crown-rot, moderately
resistant to stempitting virus and bacterial canker but susceptible to
oak-root fungus.
  Mazzard F 12/1 is semi-vigorous and difficult-to root rootstock.
Propagation of seedling
rootstocks
 Seeds of paja do not require chilling treatment to break dormancy. It has
now been discouraged as rootstock due to delayed in compatibility,
although most of earlier plantation existed on paja rootstock only.
  Seeds of mahaleb and mazzard require stratification before sowing..
  Seeds are soaked in 500 ppm GA3 for about 24hr, then they are
stratified by placing between the layers of sand in a cool place at 2 -4oC
for 80-120 days for mahaleb and 120-50 days for mazzard to break
seed dormancy.
  During stratification, the medium is kept moist.
  As the embryonic root comes out from seed coat, these are
transplanted 6cm deep and 10- 15 cm apart in rows spaced at 20-25 cm
in nursery beds.
  The nursery beds are mulched with 10-15 cm thick hay and irrigated
lightly.
  Mulch material is removed when seedlings attain 5-6 cm height.
  The nursery should be regularly watered and kept free from weeds.
Propagation of Clonal
rootstock
 Mound layering or trench layering is the common method of clonal rootstock
 multiplication.
  The stool beds are established during December by planting healthy mother plants 30-
45 cm apart in row spaced at 60-70 cm.
  Before new growth starts, the mother plants are cut back to 2.5 cm above the ground
 level.
  New shoots develop on the stub in the spring. When the shoots are 25-30 cm long,
their bases are covered with a mound of soil or saw-dust, building the mound to a height
of 20- 25 cm as the shoots grow during spring.
  The suckers are ringed at the base and then covered with soil to encourage rooting.
  In difficult-to-root Mazzard F12/1 root stock, IBA (7,500 ppm) is applied to the ringed
 portion of the shoots during summer.
  The shoots are separated in winter and then lined out in the nursery beds.
  If the suckers are well-rooted and more than 0.8 cm
in diameter, they are grafted in the spring, otherwise
they are kept in the bed for a year to produce strong
plants for grafting.
  Colt rootstock is easy to root and can also be
multiplied through cuttings.
  Hardwood cuttings of 30-45 cm length and of pencil
thickness are taken in February.
  Cuttings are treated with IBA (2,500ppm) for 10
seconds and planted in nursery beds for rooting.
  Rooted cuttings are lined out in December and
grafted with scion variety in March.

Propagation of scion:
 Cherry plants are propagated mainly through
grafting.
  Tongue grafting during February-March is
recommended, which gives a bud-take of
 more than 90%.
  For grafting, the scion wood is collected
during winter when the buds are dormant.
  Scion wood is packed in moss grass and then
wrapped in moist gunny bags.
  These packed bundles of scion wood are
stored at 2-4 C till these are used for grafting.
Planting and planting
density
 cherry cultivation is confined to hilly areas on sloppy lands so the
planting is done on contour or terrace system. However, in valley
areas, square system of layout is recommended for the establishment
of an orchard.
  The planting distance depends upon the soil fertility and the
rootstock used.
  A spacing of 6m x 6m is recommended for plants raised on seedling
rootstock.
  For semi-dwarfing rootstock like colt, spacing can be reduced to 4.5
x 4.5 m.
  Pits of 1m x 1m x 1m size are dug and filled with a mixture of 35-40
kg farmyard manure and half kg super phosphate one month before
planting.
  The pits are filled at last up to 15 cm above the ground level.
  The best time of planting is December-January
Pollination
 Since most of the cherry varieties are self-incompatible as well
as cross-incompatible therefore compatibility of varieties is
required for cross-pollination.
  There are many cross-incompatible groups and cross
compatible varieties within a group should be planted in the
orchard for proper fruit set.
  Care should be taken to see that not only their flowering
period overlaps, but they also do not have the same sterility
alleles.
  The varieties which have the same sterility alleles if planted
together will not set fruit and require at least one other variety
having different sterility allele for better fruit set.
  The universal donor varieties like Stella, Vista, Vic, Seneca and
Vega are good cherries as pollinizer to planted with any variety
to get good fruit set provided their flowering period overlaps.
CULTURAL PRACTICES
 Training
  Cherry trees are trained on modified leader systems.
  Plants are headed back at about 60-80 cm at the time of planting.
  The central leader is retained and 3-5 wide-angled branches, 20-
25 cm apart spirally around the tree are selected in first dormant
pruning.
  The lowest branch should be 40-60 cm above the ground level.
  The selected scaffold branches are headed back to minimum and
only one-fourth of the growth is pruned off.
  In second dormant pruning, 3-4 well-spaced main branches are
selected whose one-fourth growth is pruned off and on each main
scaffold well-spaced 3-4 secondary branches are selected.
  After 3-4 years, central leader is headed back and lateral
branches are allowed to grow, resulting in the development of strong
and moderately spreading tree.
Pruning
 Cherry plants require more corrective pruning rather
than too much heading back of the
 branches.
  Bearing trees need some pruning to keep the centre
of the tree open. The top is kept fairly
 low, to generate new growth.
  Pruning is restricted to eliminating the dead,
diseased and intercrossing branches.
  Fruits are borne laterally on spurs of one-year-old
shoot. The average productive life of fruiting spurs is
10-12 years, requiring less super renewal pruning
Manuring and fertilization
 Cherry requires all the essential nutrients
for better growth and quality fruits. Since
fruit
 development and vegetative growth occurs

simultaneously, it has high demand for

mineral nutrients.
  The amount of manure and fertilizer to be

applied is influenced by the age or size of

tree, soil types and fertility, cultural
practices and anticipated fruit yield.
Aftercare
 Cherry orchards are maintained under permanent sod
with a clean basin management.
  The basins are kept clean by hand-weeding or
using weedicides.
  Application of Diuron 4kg/ha as pre-emergence and
Paraquat (0.5%) as post-emergence are
recommended to suppress the growth of weeds for 4-
5 months.
  Mulching tree basin in April with 10-15 cm thick hay
also helps control weeds and conserves soil moisture.
  Green manuring crops-bean, pea, red clover and
white clover-can also are grown in tree basins to
improve soil texture and fertility.
Fruit cracking

  Fruit cracking is a serious problem in cherry, which causes 50 to

80 per cent losses.
  Sweet cherry cultivars differ in the susceptibility in cracking
because of differences in the rate of water absorption and
capacity for expansion of the peripheral tissues to accommodate
the increased fruit volume that results when water is absorbed.
  The cultivars with a rapid rate of absorption and a low capacity
for expansion tend to be immune.
  Any treatment that decreases the rate of water absorption or
increases the capacity of fruit tissues to stretch without rupturing
reduces the amount of cracking.
  Spray of calcium chloride at 300g per 100 litre water or GA3 at
2000 ppm or NAA 10 ppm at 25-30 days before harvest checks
fruit cracking.
MATURITY INDICES, HARVESTING AND POST-
HARVEST MANAGEMENT
 The yield and quality of cherry is appreciably affected by the
stage of maturity at which fruits are harvested.
  Early-picking results in flat fruits with les yield as cherries
usually develop rapidly in the last few days before maturity
is reached.
  Harvesting of over-ripe fruits results in loss of weight,
volume and quality.
  Colour development, TSS and flavour are the best
standards for judging the optimum time of harvesting.
  Fresh fruits are picked with stem when the surface colour
changes from green to red.
  The fruits are packed in boxes lined with paper. Generally,
1 kg cartboard boxes are used for packing now a days.
Peach
Morphological characters of
plant:
 Peach is a small to medium sized upright spreading, open
topped deciduous tree.
  The trunk bark is dark brown, rough and young shoots are
smooth and pinkish in colour.
  The leaves are simple, large, oblong lanceolate, glabrous
above, pubescent beneath.
  Vegetative and flower buds are borne in the axil of leaves.
  Flower are numerous, sessile, white or pink appearing before
leaves.
  The flower is of perigynous type as the perianth surrounds
the pistil but is not fused to it.
  The floral configuration is : five sepals, five petals, 30
stamens and single ovary.
  Fruits are fuzzy with free or cling stone, however, the
nectarines are fuzzless peaches.
 Peaches and nectarines are the same
species, though they are regarded
commercially as different fruits. The skin of
nectarines lacks the fuzz (fruit-skin
trichomes) that peach skin has; a mutation
in a single gene (MYB25) is thought to be
responsible for the difference between the
two.
ROOTSTOCKS AND
PROPAGATION
 Rootstocks
  Peach seedlings arc generally used as rootstock, though plum, apricot and
almond seedlings can also be used.
  Since wild species produce more vigorous and hardy seedlings than the
cultivated varieties, thus wild peach seedlings are preferred in the hills.
 Peshawar local peach seedlings are the ideal rootstock for peach
propagation. In Pakistan at NARC the peach rootstock GF677 have given the
encouraging results for yield and quality of fruit. In Malakand division “Swat
local” (wild peach)

  Clonal rootstocks are precocious, size controlling, very productive and

resistance to insect pests and diseases. Due to these plus points, clonal
rootstocks are preferred over seedling rootstocks for raising nursery plants of
these fruits.
  For peach, peach x almond hybrid GF677 clonal rootstock is commercially
used. This rootstock is useful on alkaline soil due to resistance to chlorosis.
  The other important clonal rootstocks are Siberian C ( cold hardy), St. Julien
hybrid No.1 and 2 and Damas GF677 ( resistant to water logging and alkaline
soil), Nemagaurd and
 Shalil ( nematode resistant).
Planting/ Planting Density
 The plantation operation is carried out in the winter season.
  Before planting, the site of an orchard should be leveled,
bushes and weeds are cut down and proper planning of
layout is adopted.
  In plains, square system of planting is common, while in
hills layout of an orchard is done with contour and terrace
system.
  Pits of l x l x l m at a distance of 4.5 m in hills and 6.5 m in
the plains, are dug in the month of September – October,
which are refilled with soil and 40-50 kg of well rotten
 Farm Yard Manure and 1 kg single super phosphate.
  In high density planting, the spacing is reduced to 3x 3 m.
and 5 x 1 m in tatura trellis
 (2000 trees /ha).
TRAINING AND PRUNING
 Training
  Pruning of young plants for developing frame work in initial 3-4
years of planting is
 termed as training.
  Training is mainly done to give a proper shape and to build a
strong framework of trees.
  Another benefit is to utilize the available space and sun light to
the maximum extent for
 the production of quality fruits.
  Peach is generally trained in the form of open center. However,
in the plain area where
 plenty of sunlight is available, trees are trained on modified
central leader system with 4-
 5 scaffold branches.
  In high density, peach are trained with tatura trellis system .
Open Centre System
 After planting, the plant is cut back to 40-60 cm above the ground level.
  During the growing season, about 3 to 6 laterals, in addition to the central leader are
 produced on the tree.
  In the first winter pruning, 3 to 4 scaffold branches which are well located and have wide
 angle should be selected and remaining unwanted branches are removed.
  The central leader is also completely removed. The selected branches are headed back to ¼
 to ½ of the growth.
  During the second dormant pruning, 2-3 secondary branches are selected on the primary
 branches.
  The major consideration in selecting secondary branches should be their location so that
 after pruning, the tips of primary and secondary leaders are about 30-40 cm apart from
 each other.
  The height of secondary branches is staggered in different years by pruning all branch
 leader more severely. The vertical ones are pruned more severely. This will produce branch leaders at
different heights and prevent overcrowding when the tree is mature. In
 the following years, the head should be fully formed and selection of secondary branches
 are completed.
Tatura trellis system
 In high density planting, this system of training of
plants is very popular being very yield efficient. Trees
are planted at a spacing of 5x1m or 6x1m.
  At the time of planting, one year old plant is headed
back to 20 cm above the ground level.
  In next growing season two limbs or branches are
selected in opposite directions and these branches are
trained across the inter row space at an angle of 60
degree from the horizontal, forming V-shaped canopy.
  The canopy is supported by a permanent trellis
constructed of high tensile galvanized steel fence posts.
  The secondary branches are developed along each
primary branches forming fruiting canopy
Pruning
 The main objective of pruning is to maintain balance between vegetative growth and
 fruiting.
  Bearing peach require heavy and regular pruning because it bear fruits laterally on the
 previous season growth.
  It is known, once a growth has fruited will never bear again in its life. Therefore,
pruning is done to remove the unproductive parts which in turn will form new fruiting
branches in the following season.
  In peach pruning, thinning and heading back of shoots are two basic components.
 Pruning should be done so as to produce 30-70 cm of growth under subtropical
 conditions and 25-30 cm under mid hills, annually, which is sufficient for optimum fruit
 production,
  For good quality fruit production, 40-50 per cent of thinning out and 75% heading
back
 of shoots is suggested under mid hills conditions.
  At the time of pruning , dead ,diseased and broken branches should be pruned off
 Taxonomical details
 Order = Rosales
 Family = Rosaceae
 Sub-family = Prunoideae
 Genus = Prunus
 Sub genus = Prunophora
 Species = salicina and domestica
 Basic chromosome umber = 8
INTRODUCTION
 Plum is an important temperate fruit, which is used as fresh
as well as in preserved form.
  It is next to the peaches in economic importance
amongst the stone fruits.
  It requires certain period of chilling during winters to
break dormancy, thus cultivated in areas where winters are
cool.
  Fruits are rich source of minerals, vitamins, sugars and
organic acids in addition to protein, fat and carbohydrates.
  The types of plums with high sugar content above 18%
are known as prunes which can be dried with pit
AREA AND PRODUCTION
 Plum are grown in the temperate zone of all
the countries of the world.
  The main plums and prunes producing

countries of the world are Africa, Algeria,

Morocco. South
 Africa, North and Central America.
 In Pakistan, plums are grown primarily in temperate regions where the climate supports the
chilling requirements needed for fruit development. The main plum-growing areas are located in
provinces with cooler climates and elevations suitable for stone fruit cultivation.
 Major Plum Growing Areas in Pakistan:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK):
 Swat Valley: The Swat region is one of the most important areas for plum production in Pakistan.
The valley's temperate climate and fertile soils make it ideal for growing a wide variety of plums,
including local and commercial varieties like Fazli Manani, Red Beaute, and Late Fazli
Manani.Dir: Another significant plum-growing area within KPK, known for producing high-
quality fruit.Malakand: This region is known for its cool climate, which supports plum
cultivation.Punjab:Murree Hills: The Murree and surrounding hilly areas are suitable for
growing plums due to their cooler temperatures, especially during the growing season. Varieties
such as Santa Rosa are grown here.Rawalpindi and Attock Districts: The northern parts of these
districts, with relatively higher elevations, also grow plums, though on a smaller
scale.Balochistan:Quetta and Ziarat: These high-altitude areas in Balochistan have cold winters
and moderate summers, which suit plum cultivation. The region grows a variety of stone fruits,
including plums, peaches, and apricots.Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK):Certain areas in AJK,
particularly those at higher elevations, provide favorable conditions for plum production.
 Export PotentialCurrently,
 Pakistan's plum export potential remains underutilized,
but there is room for growth in international markets.
Improving post-harvest handling, cold chain
infrastructure, and meeting international quality
standards could boost Pakistan's presence in global fruit
markets.
 Regional Trade:
 Pakistani plums, especially those from KPK, have
potential for regional trade, particularly to neighboring
countries with similar consumption preferences.
Morphological characters :
 Tree medium to large, upright growth and deciduous.
  Leaves alternate, serrate, sharp pointed , medium
sized and glabrous.
  Flowers are produced three in a bud on one year shoot
or on spur.
  Flowers perfect, solitary or raceme, sepals 5, petals 5,
usually white , stamens numerous, perigynous, (In
perigynous flowers, the ovary is partially surrounded by other
floral parts.)
 pistil 1 with elongated styles, 2 ovuled and fruit drupe
usually single seeded.
Climate and Soil
 Plum requires varying types of climate and is grown from
subtropical plains to the temperate high hills
  The European type of plums require temperate climate
and are grown in high hills at an elevation of 1300-2000 m
a m s 1. It requires about 800-1000 hrs of chilling below
7°c during winter to break rest period.
  Japanese plum requires 100-800 hrs chilling, winch is
met in mid hill areas located at an elevation of 1000-1600
m a m s l.
  Plums can be grown in areas where winters are cold and
summers are hot. Cold, wet and windy weather during
bloom is detrimental for good fruit set as spring frost injury
causes damage to bloom.
 A northern slope is preferred particularly for Japanese plum, which
tend to delay the bloom period and thus avoid early frost injury.
  Plum requires 90- 110 cm well distributed rainfall throughout the
year.
  Prolonged drought during fruit growth and development and
excessive rains during fruit maturity hamper fruit quality..
  Although plum can grow on a wide range of soils, yet, deep, fertile
and well-drained loamy soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5 are most suitable.
  The soil should be free from hard pan, water logging and excessive
salts.
  Very heavy or light soils are not suitable.
  The Japanese plums do well on average soils having high pH
SPECIES AND VARIETIES
 Japanese plums (Prunus salicina) and European plums
(Prunus domestica) are two distinct species of plums,
each with unique characteristics. Here's a breakdown of
their differences:
 1. Origin:
 Japanese Plums: Native to China but were widely
cultivated and developed in Japan. They were later
introduced to other parts of the world, including the U.S.
 European Plums: Native to Europe and Western Asia.
They have been grown for centuries in European
regions.
 2. Fruit Size and Shape:
 Japanese Plums: Typically larger, rounder, and more uniform in
shape. They often have a smooth skin with a shiny appearance.
 European Plums: Smaller and more oval or oblong in shape.
Their skin is often less shiny and may have a slight waxy coating.
 3. Skin and Flesh:
 Japanese Plums: Have thin skin and firm flesh. The skin color
can range from red, purple, or yellow, with flesh that is often
yellow or red.
 European Plums: Have a thicker skin, and the flesh tends to be
softer. Skin color ranges from dark purple to blue, with flesh
usually yellow or greenish.
 4. Flavor and Taste:
 Japanese Plums: Tend to have a sweet, tart, and juicy flavor. They are more
suitable for fresh eating due to their high water content and firm texture.
 European Plums: Are sweeter and less tart, often having a more mellow
flavor. They are commonly used for both fresh consumption and cooking,
including drying to make prunes.
 5. Culinary Uses:
 Japanese Plums: Primarily consumed fresh but can also be used in jams,
sauces, and salads.
 European Plums: Versatile and often used in baking, cooking, making
prunes, or preserving in jams. They are ideal for making tarts, pies, and
other desserts.
 6. Ripening and Harvest Time:
 Japanese Plums: Typically ripen earlier in the season, often harvested in
mid-summer.
 European Plums: Ripen later, usually in late summer to early fall.
 7. Climate Adaptation:
 Japanese Plums: Thrive in warmer, more temperate climates
and are more frost-sensitive.
 European Plums: Can tolerate cooler climates and are
generally more cold-hardy than Japanese plums.
 8. Tree Growth and Structure:
 Japanese Plums: Tend to have a more upright growth habit
and a faster growth rate.
 European Plums: Have a more spreading growth habit and
tend to grow more slowly.
plum" and "prune
 The terms "plum" and "prune" are often confused but refer to different things, though
they are closely related.
 Plum:Fresh fruit:
 A plum is a type of fruit that grows on trees in the genus Prunus. It is typically round
or oval, with smooth skin, juicy flesh, and a single stone or pit in the center.
 Varieties: Plums come in many varieties, ranging from yellow, red, purple, to blue-
black.
 Consumption: Plums are typically consumed fresh, but they can also be used in
cooking, baking, and making jams.
 Prune:Dried fruit: A prune is essentially a dried plum. Most commonly, prunes are
made from a specific variety of plum, called the European plum (Prunus domestica),
which has a firm flesh and a higher sugar content, making it suitable for drying
without fermenting.
 Varieties: Not all plums can be made into prunes. The ones used for prunes are usually
from varieties with a firm texture that allows them to be dried effectively.
 Consumption: Prunes are often consumed for their health benefits, particularly as a
source of fiber, and are known for helping with digestion.
 In summary, plums are fresh, while prunes are dried plums, typically from specific
varieties suitable for the drying process.
Varieties in Pakistan
 1. Santa Rosa
 One of the most popular plum varieties in Pakistan, known for its sweet and juicy flesh.
 2. Red Beaut (Red Beaute)A commonly grown variety, appreciated for its firm and
sweet fruit. Grown in regions like Swat.
 3. Golden Drop. A yellow-skinned plum with sweet and firm flesh.
 4. ShiroA yellow-skinned variety with mild, sweet flesh.
 5. Methley. This variety is popular for its sweet, reddish-purple flesh and early
ripening.
 6. Satsuma. A Japanese variety with dark red skin and a juicy, sweet flavor.
 7. Damson. Small, tart plums commonly used for jams and preserves.
 8. Mirabelle. A smaller, yellow-skinned variety used for both fresh eating and jam-
making.
 9. Black Amber. A variety with dark purple skin and yellow flesh, known for its sweet
and tart flavor.These varieties are selected based on their adaptability to different
climatic conditions in Pakistan, particularly in temperate regions like Swat.
 The Fazli Manani and Late Fazli Manani are well-known varieties of plums grown in
Pakistan, particularly in regions with cooler climates like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,
including the Swat Valley.
 Fazli Manani
Pollination in Plum
 Pollination in plums is a critical aspect of achieving good fruit set and high-
quality yields. Here’s an overview of how pollination works in plums:
 Types of Pollination in Plums
 Self-Pollinating (Self-Fruitful) Plums:
 These varieties can set fruit without requiring pollen from another tree. The
pollen from a flower can fertilize its own ovules, allowing it to produce fruit
on its own. Examples include varieties like Santa Rosa and Methley.
 Cross-Pollinating (Self-Sterile) Plums:
 Most plum varieties are self-sterile, meaning they need pollen from another
compatible plum variety for successful fruit set. Without cross-pollination,
these trees will produce little to no fruit. For instance, varieties like Red
Beaute and Satsuma require cross-pollination from another variety that
blooms at the same time.
 Pollinators Insects: Bees are the primary pollinators of plums. They transfer pollen from
one flower to another, ensuring proper fertilization. Having a healthy population of bees
or other pollinating insects is crucial for good fruit set in plums.
 Pollination Requirements
 Compatibility: Not all plum varieties can cross-pollinate with each other. Growers need to
ensure that compatible varieties are planted within a reasonable distance (ideally within 30
meters) for bees to transfer pollen effectively.
 Blooming Time: It is important to select plum varieties that bloom at the same time to
ensure cross-pollination. For example, if you are growing a self-sterile variety like Red
Beaute, you should plant a compatible pollinator that blooms in the same season, such as
Santa Rosa.

 Factors Affecting Pollination

 Weather Conditions: Cold, wet, or windy weather during the bloom period can hinder
bee activity, reducing pollination success. Warm, sunny days are ideal for effective
pollination.
 Spacing of Trees: Plums should be planted relatively close to each other to facilitate bee
movement between trees, especially if cross-pollination is required.
 Pollinator Health: Maintaining a healthy population of bees and other pollinating insects
is vital for achieving a good fruit set in plum orchards.
ROOTSTOCKS AND PROPAGATION
 In Pakistan, several rootstocks are used for plum cultivation, with each
offering unique characteristics that influence the performance of plum
trees. The choice of rootstock is crucial for successful plum production as
it affects tree vigor, disease resistance, fruit quality, and adaptability to
various soil and climatic conditions. Below are some common rootstocks
used for plum cultivation in Pakistan and their key characteristics:
 1. Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera)
 Vigor: It provides strong tree vigor and is compatible with most European
and Japanese plum varieties.
 Soil Adaptability: Tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including heavy,
clayey soils, and is highly drought-resistant.
 Disease Resistance: Good resistance to root diseases such as crown gall
and root rot.
 Fruit Size and Quality: Often leads to good-sized fruit, though it can
result in delayed fruit maturity in some varieties.
 Use: Widely used in Pakistan due to its adaptability to various climatic
zones, including cold regions like Swat.
2. Marianna Plum Rootstock (Prunus
cerasifera × Prunus munsoniana
 Vigor: Provides medium vigor to trees and is known for early
fruit-bearing.
 Soil Adaptability: Performs well in wet and poorly drained soils,
making it suitable for areas with heavy rainfall or poor drainage.
 Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to root-knot nematodes and
Phytophthora root rot.
 Fruit Size and Quality: Enhances early maturity of fruits, though
fruit size may be slightly smaller compared to other rootstocks.
 Use: Suitable for humid and waterlogged areas in Pakistan where
other rootstocks might struggle.
3. GF 677 (Prunus amygdalus × Prunus
persica
 Vigor: Provides vigorous growth and is mainly used for
peach and plum interspecific hybrids.
 Soil Adaptability: Performs well in calcareous and dry soils,
making it ideal for arid and semi-arid regions of Pakistan.
 Disease Resistance: Moderate resistance to root diseases but
sensitive to waterlogging.
 Fruit Size and Quality: Promotes good fruit size and
improves fruit set in some plum varieties.
 Use: Primarily used in drier regions of Punjab and Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa due to its drought tolerance.
Nemaguard (Prunus persica)
 Vigor: Provides high vigor and fast growth.
 Soil Adaptability: Performs well in lighter, well-drained
soils but is sensitive to heavy or waterlogged soils.
 Disease Resistance: Excellent resistance to root-knot
nematodes, making it suitable for areas prone to
nematode infestations.
 Fruit Size and Quality: Improves fruit size and overall
yield.
 Use: Commonly used in regions with nematode
problems, such as certain parts of southern Punjab.
St. Julien A (Prunus insititia)
 Vigor: Semi-vigorous, providing a good balance
between growth and yield.
 Soil Adaptability: Performs well in a wide range of

soil types, including both sandy and clayey soils.

 Disease Resistance: Moderate disease resistance,

particularly against root-knot nematodes.

 Fruit Size and Quality: Produces medium-sized fruits

with consistent yield.

 Use: Suitable for temperate regions, making it a good

choice for areas like Swat and northern Pakistan.

 Rootstock :
 Plums are propagated vegetatively by budding and grafting on
rootstocks.
 These can also be propagated by hard wood cutting and by leafy
soft wood cuttings under intermittent misting. Cuttings taken
from hard wood and semi hard wood treated with IBA (2000-
5000ppm) for better rooting..
 For raising the seedlings, the seeds of wild apricot are stratified
under alternate layers of moist sand for 45 to 50 days at temp 3-
5°C to break the rest.
 The stratified seeds are sown in nursery beds 6-10 cm deep in
row 25-30cm apart with a distance of 10-15 cm from seed to
seed.
 The seedling attain graftable size in a year
 Clonal rootstocks of plum are multiplied commercially
by layering.
 It has been observed that most of clonal rootstocks of

plum are difficult to root. Application of 2500ppm IBA

to stool shoot helps to improve rooting.
 Clonal rootstocks are also propagated by hardwood

cuttings. The hardwood cutting should be taken during

dormant season and dipped in 2500ppm IBA solution
for 30 seconds. Then these cutting are planted in mist
propagation chamber for rooting
 Propagation of scion
 Seedling as well as clonal rootstocks which are 0.8 to 1.2 cm in
thickness are grafted in February with tongue and cleft method of
grafting.
  The seedling which do not attain graftable size in February, they
should be budded with T- and chip methods of budding in June-
July.
  For grafting the scion wood should be collected from healthy,
disease free, true to variety trees during January. The scion wood is
collected from one year old shoots. They are packed in moist
 sphagnum moss, which are properly labeled for variety. These
bundles of scion wood are stored in cold storage or buried deep in
the soil at shady place till grafting is done.
  The best time of grafting of these fruits are February in lower
elevation and in March at higher elevations.
  Chip budding can also be done in March, July and September..
PLANTING AND PLANTING
DENSITY
 Planting of plum is done December -January when
the plant is in dormant conditions.
  Before planting, site of an orchard should be
properly cleared off the bushes and weeds. It is
 advisable to plough the plantation area.
  In hilly area, terraces should be kept inwards to
facilitate soil conservation.
  The orchard area should be properly laid out about
two month before planting. In sloppy land,
 layout of an orchard should be done with contour or
terrace system, while in flat land square system
 is followed.
 The planting distance varies according to the varieties,
rootstocks and fertility of soils. Plums are
 generally planted at a distance of 6 m x 6 m.
  In high density plantation, the plum plants raised on semi-
dwarfing clonal rootstocks should be
 planted at 4m x4m distance.
  Pits of 1 m x1 m x 1 m size are dug in October – November.
Pits should be filled with fertile top soils
 mixed with 40 kg of well rotten FYM and 1kg of single super
Phosphate.
 To avoid any damage from insects, the pits are drenched with
10 litres of chlorpyriphos (4ml/L)
 solution. The graft union should be kept 10-15 cm above the
ground level at the time of planting to
 avoid any scion rooting.
  Young plants should be watered regularly and basin area is
mulched with 15 cm thick dry grass.
Pollination and Fruit Set
 Most native American plums are self unfruitful and need
pollinizers be inter planted in the orchard.
 The partial self fruitful cultivars such as Santa Rosa and
Beauty are also benefited in fruit set with
 the pollinizers.
  The European plum in view of the fruit set are
categorized in to self fruitful varieties in which 30% of
 the flowers set fruit and self unfruitful varieties in which
1.5 to 2% of the flowers set fruits which
 need pollinizer.
  For proper pollination and to obtain good harvest, at
least every third tree in every third row, a
 pollinizer should be planted with the strong beehives per
acre.
  In case, the cultivars produce little or no pollen, a
pollinizer branch should be grafted on every tree.
Training and Pruning
Plums are generally trained on the open center
system or to modified central leader system
depending upon the varietal growth habits.
 The varieties with spreading habits of growth
as in Japanese plum should he trained to open
center system.
 In HP open center system is followed
irrespective of variety. However, in the plains,
where plenty of sunlight is available, trees
should be trained in the form of modified
central leader system with 4-5
scaffold branches
Open Centre System
 After planting, the plant is cut back to 40-60 cm above
the ground level. During the growing season,
 about 3 to 6 laterals, in addition to the Central leader, are
produced on the tree.
  In the first winter pruning, 3 to 5 scaffold branches
which are well spaced and have wide angle should be
selected and remaining branches are removed. The
Central leader is also completely removed.
  The selected branches are headed back to ¼ of the
growth. During the second dormant pruning, 2-3
 secondary branches are selected on the primary
branches.
  The major consideration in selecting secondary
branches should be their location so that after
 pruning, the tips of primary and secondary leaders are
about 30-40 cm apart from each other.
The height of secondary branches is staggered
in different years by pruning all branch leader
more severely. The vertical ones are pruned
more severely. This will produce branch
leaders at different heights and prevent over
crowding when the tree is mature.
 In the following years the head should be
fully formed and selection of secondary
branches are
completed.
Pruning
 In plums, thinning and heading back of shoots are two
basic components of pruning.
  Most of plum varieties bear on spurs on two years old

wood. The life span of these spurs is 5-6 years.

 It is necessary to prune for some spur renewal each

season .
  The extent of pruning is done such a way to induce an

annual shoot growth of 25-50 cm. In bearing plum trees,

25-30 percent thinning of shoots and 50-75 per cent
heading back of shoots is suggested for proper fruiting.
  At the time of pruning , dead ,diseased and broken

branches should be pruned off

Nutrition
 Plum requires adequate amount of nutrients for better
growth and quality fruits.
  Application of manures and fertilizers depend upon

soil fertility, type of soil, topography, age of tree, cultural

practices and crop load.
  The requirement of fertilizers varies from region to

region.
  The farmyard manure along with full dose of P and K

should be applied during December and January. Half

dose of N is applied in spring before flowering and
remaining half a month later.
Irrigation
 Plum is mostly grown under rain fed conditions.
However, in order to produce a fruits of good fruit size
and better quality irrigation is essential.
 Various methods of irrigation are adopted to irrigate
plum orchards but in hills basin and drip irrigation
methods are more popular and are widely used and
recommended.
 After fruit setting, the plum trees are irrigated at weekly
intervals and 6 to 8 irrigations are recommended for
higher production of quality fruits in Santa Rosa plum.
Orchard floor management and
Weed management
 In plum orchard, sod culture and mulching of tree basin
area with hay mulch or black alkathene mulch is the
most common method of orchard floor management.
During pre-bearing stage, intercropping with
leguminous and vegetable is also practiced in orchards
planted in flat and less sloppy land.
 The weed removal manually is one of the practices

employed in the orchards besides inter cultivation and

cover crop growing. In rainy seasons, the weeds in
plum orchard is controlled with the post -emergence
sprays of glyphosate at the rate of 800 ml/ hectare.
Crop regulation and Quality
improvement
 Generally plum tends to bear heavy crops and bear
under sized fruits of low-quality, thinning therefore, is
necessary to increase the fruit size and uniformity in
colour of fruit and to stimulate flower initiation for the
regulation of next year's crop.
  Various methods viz; hand, mechanically and use of

chemicals are used but chemical thinning has

superiority with respect to thinning cost, fruit size and
quality. NAA at 20 to 40 ppm sprayed after petal fall
resulted in good fruit thinning.
Maturity, Harvesting and
Yield
 It has been observed that plum usually ripen unevenly
over the tree. Fruits, therefore, are harvested in two or
three pickings and it is very important to find out the
exact stage of picking when they are mature.
  Among various indices of maturity, most commonly
used are flesh firmness 5.9 ± 0.45 kg, days from full
bloom (94±3), TSS 13.5-14.5 and TSS acidity ratio 1.2:
1.5.
  The fruits are harvested with stalk intact avoiding any
skin injury.
  Fruits are very delicate and perishable, therefore
picking baskets should be lined with soft material on the
inner surface.
  Immediately after plucking the fruits should be kept
under the shade of the tree to remove field heat.
Storage and Marketing
 Plum being perishable have very short shelf
life.
  In India work in HP has revealed that plum

can be stored for 1 to 2 weeks at 0°C with

80-90%
 humidity.
  The CA storage has been practiced

overseas by maintaining 2-3% oxygen and

2-8% CO2 and the fruits can be retained for
a duration of 2-3 months.
Plum Pests
 Aphids on Fruit.
 Apple Maggot
 European Red Mite
 Fruit Leafrollers.
 Greater Peachtree Borer
 Peach Twig Borer
 Pear Sawfly
 Root Weevils.
Diseases
 Armillaria root rot
 Black knot
 Brown rot
 Powdery mildew
 Bacterial canker
 Bacterial spot
 Crown gall
 Phytophthora root and crown rot
 Japanese plum
 The Japanese, more juicy for fresh
consumption. with earlier maturation and,
in general, reddish and black epidermis,
although some can be pale yellow.
 Its water content is high, so it is very juicy.
 European Plum
 European, that contain less water and more

soluble solids, suitable to be dried