Plum

Varieties of Plum:-

There are many varieties of Plum cultivated in the world, but the following varieties are cultivated in Pakistan: Fazal Munai, Red Beaute, Santa Rosa, Stanley, Farmosa etc.

Preparation of root stock for Plum plants: -

The following rootstocks are used for transplanting Plum. Aloocha, local Peach, Apricot, Bitter Almond etc. The seeds are extracted from the following suitable plants by obtaining healthy and clean fruits. The seeds of Plum plants are usually very hard, so they are kept in moist sand for fifteen to twenty days for their germination this process is called stratification. For this process, wooden crates are usually used, five or six layers of seeds are laid in them and the moisture is preserved by sprinkling water on top of sand. When the seed coat of the seed bursts then transferred it to the nursery.

Method of transplant to nursery: -

Before transferring the seeds to the nursery, the land is prepared well, then furrows are made at a distance of 60 cm, their depth should not be more than 5-6 cm. Seeds are planted at a distance of 8 cm in these furrows. After planting the seeds, they are covered with leaf compost and irrigated with a sprinkler.

Cultivation time: -

The season of August to September is suitable for plantation of seedlings of these plants. The seedling of these plants capable to ready for grafting next year in the same season or next year in March-April.

Layout of Plants in Orchard: -

For planting an apricot orchard, the layout of plants is kept square and in this method the distance between the plants is kept 18 x 18 feet.

Method of Cultivation: -

Deciduous plants can be planted in Autumn or spring. Pits are dug before planting. These pits are left open for 15 days. The size of these pits should be 60-80 cm x 80-100 cm. The pits should be filled with top soil mixed with manure and chemical fertilizers. After that, well irrigated so that the plant stabilizes its place. Tall plants need support, support them with a bamboo or wooden stick, etc. so that the plant does not fall to the ground.

Method of Pruning:

Open center system method is used in Plum plants and pruning of plants is done in the month of January.

Grafting in Plum plants: -

T-shaped bud grafting is done on the following rootstocks of Aloo Bukhara i.e. Aloocha, Peshawar Local, Mariana 81. The best season for grafting is May and June.

Brown Rot:-

This disease is spread by a fungus (Monilinia fructicola). In this disease, brown spots are formed on the leaves. This disease is more prevalent in humid climates.

Control: -

• Affected parts should be cut and burnt.
• Spray Topsin M.
   

Plum Beetle: -

The color of the Beetle is brown and the head is light black. In June to August, this beetle attacks on the leaves and flowers. It usually attacks at night and stays underground or under leaves during the day.

Control:-

• Grub should be caught and destroyed.
• Chlorpyriphos at 0.3 liters per 100 liters of water and spray.

Use of Fertilizers: -

The amount of fertilizer required by Plum plants depends on the type of soil, the age of the plant, the time of fruiting, the type of fertilizer and the amount of fertilizer used in the previous year.

Fertilizer requirement before Fruiting

Fertilizer requirement after fruiting