Variety traits

Plum Winter Hardiness

Prunus domestica L.

A complex trait characterizing the ability of a plum tree to withstand frost and temperature fluctuations. It is determined by the condition of tissues and generative buds, critically influencing the regularity of fruiting and the longevity of orchards.

In the reference 65 varieties crop European plum, where this is mentioned in the description.

The assessment of plum winter hardiness includes monitoring the degree of damage to the bark, cambium, wood, and pith, as well as the viability of flower buds after overwintering. To identify the resistance thresholds of genotypes, the artificial freezing method is used, along with the analysis of physiological and biochemical markers, such as the accumulation of proline, sugars, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the shoot bark.

Unlike many stone fruits, Prunus domestica has specific resistance thresholds at which even moderate frosts can cause significant freezing of generative buds. Crop regularity directly depends on the cultivar's ability to preserve flower buds, as damage to xylem tissues during the winter period weakens the overall condition of the tree and shortens its productive lifespan.

In breeding and variety testing, resistance is divided into the response to early autumn frosts, maximum winter temperatures, thaws, and late spring frosts. To increase the adaptive potential in regions with high-risk horticulture, crosses with winter-hardy species, such as sloe or Ussurian plum, are used.

General information about the subject — on the page Winter hardiness.

Sources8

Varieties of European plum mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.