The Custom Plum Company, stonefruit specialists based in Paarl, have identified five interspecific plums among their evaluation trials across the Klein-Karoo and the Boland, says Jannie Marais. "What stood out with these varieties is their storage ability – they keep exceptionally well. Anika van der Merwe of Provar, which conducts all of our evaluations, rates it very highly and we have extensive fact sheets available on all five varieties."
From early to late, these new generation Zaiger IS plums are Sierra Rose (ripening in week 46), Flavour Delight (week 51), Sonoma (week 6), Festiva (week 7) and Sunset Delight (week 8).
Following due process, he says, these cultivars are all planted in semi-commercial orchards before they go fully commercial. Both Sierra Rose and Sunset Delight (right) are already in this phase and Flavor Delight, Sonoma and Festiva will follow soon.
With the exception of Sierra Rose, which has a marketing restriction, the other varieties are open for marketing through a channel of the farmer's choosing.
The plum trade with the United States is booming, and access to China currently under negotiation and expected within about two years, plums with exceptional shelf life should be top of mind of plum growers, Marais believes.
"The first phase of cultivars, including Ruby Dawn, Midnight Gold, Honey Punch, Fall Fiesta and Autumn Treat are all planted widely and successfully exported to these far markets. Having cultivars that travel well not only boost our market exposure, but they also give marketers options when necessary."
For more information:
Jannie Marais
Custom Plum Company
Tel: +27 21 860 1800
Email: [email protected]
https://www.cpcsouthafrica.co.za/