Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) VALERIA

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) 'Valeria'

The earliest Romanian variety with genetic disease resistance.

'Valeria' is an extremely valuable and rare Romanian apricot variety. It is unique in that it ripens first among all Romanian varieties (as early as the beginning of June). Besides its earliness, it stands out for its genetic resistance to major fungal diseases and tolerance to Plum Pox Virus.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Very early ripening (first decade of June).
• Genetic resistance to Monilinia, Stigmina, and Cytospora.
• Tolerance to Plum Pox Virus (PPV).
• Large fruits (60 – 65 g) for such an early variety.
• Extremely rare variety.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: SCDP Băneasa
• Parentage: B12/6 × NJA 13
• Registration: 2002

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Weak.
• Crown: Slightly open.
• Fruiting: Bears fruit predominantly on short spurs.
• Rootstock Myrobalan C5: Tree growth on this rootstock is similar to the St. Julien rootstock. The advantage of the Myrobalan C5 rootstock is that it tolerates drought, water stress, and poorer soil conditions better.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large, weighing 60 – 65 g.
• Shape and Color: Round-oblong. The color is light yellow-orange, with fine red dots.
• Flesh: Juicy, good consistency.
• Taste: Very good, balanced.
• Stone: Medium size, Freestone (separates from flesh).
• Usage: Universal (fresh consumption, processing).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Hardy.
• Disease resistance: Has genetic resistance to major diseases (Monilinia, Stigmina, Cytospora) and is tolerant to Sharka (PPV).

Cultivation Recommendations

• Flowering: Early.
• Bearing: Early onset.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Very early, first decade of June (the earliest ripening Romanian variety).
• Yield: Good, 30 – 35 kg per tree.