INTA San Pedro, well known for its work improving stone fruit trees, registered a new plum variety called Silvana INTA in the National Registry of Varieties (RNC) in early 2024. This action reinforces INTA's commitment to advancing Argentina's fruit production.
Silvana INTA, a Japanese-type plum, arises from the free pollination of the Letizia cultivar. According to Gabriel Valentini, the INTA specialist in charge of development, this variety's fruit is spherical, with an average weight of 110 grams, and has a two-colored skin that mixes a yellow background with a bright red overcolor on 80% of its surface. Its pale yellow pulp is sweet and slightly acidic, ideal for fresh consumption.
The EEA San Pedro, with a collection of more than 350 stone fruit cultivars, promotes the generation of new options for producers. Silvana INTA generated great interest during a field visit in 2022, which led to its official registration, stated Valentini.
Silvana INTA requires approximately 510 hours of cold for its development. Its medium vigor and semi-erect growth are its most outstanding agronomic characteristics. Its harvest begins between January 10 and 15. However, the plant is self-incompatible and needs to be planted with another matching flowering variety.
INTA San Pedro wants to offer new alternatives that improve the fruit sector's competitiveness. Valentini highlighted the importance of having access to varieties such as Silvana INTA to diversify supply and increase the profitability of farms. This variety is already available to producers through agreements with INTA.
Argentina is one of the world's main plum producers. Its production peaks between January and March, and Mendoza and Río Negro are the country's main plum-producing regions. Argentine plums are mainly destined for the dried fruit industry. However, they are also consumed fresh. Several varieties are popular in the country, each with a unique taste and texture.
The introduction of Silvana INTA to the market promises to enrich the diversity of plums available, opening up new marketing opportunities nationally and internationally.
Source: www.rionegro.com.ar