Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) VIORICA

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) 'Viorica'

Early Romanian variety with massive fruits, sweet kernel, and genetic resistance.

'Viorica' is a modern Romanian apricot variety from the SCDP Băneasa institute, which attracts growers primarily due to its very large fruits (over 100 g). Besides its size, it stands out for early ripening, a sweet kernel with almond flavor, and genetic disease resistance.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Massive fruits (average 118 – 127 g).
• Genetic resistance to major diseases and tolerance to Plum Pox Virus (PPV).
• Sweet kernel with almond aroma.
• Early ripening (end of June).

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: SCDP Băneasa
• Parentage: B 3/9 (P1) × NJA20
• Registration: 2002

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium.
• Crown: Medium wide.
• Fruiting: Bears fruit on short and medium-length branches.
• 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: Very large, weighing 118 – 127 g.
• Shape and Color: Round, slightly flattened. The color is intense and uniformly orange.
• Flesh: Yellow-orange, good consistency, juicy.
• Taste: Balanced, with a pleasant aroma.
• Stone: Small, round. The kernel is sweet with an almond aroma.
• Usage: Universal (fresh consumption, processing).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Hardy.
• Disease resistance: Has genetic resistance to major apricot diseases and is tolerant to Plum Pox Virus (PPV).

Cultivation Recommendations

• Flowering: Mid-early to late.
• Bearing: Early onset, 3rd year after planting.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early, third decade of June.
• Yield: Good, 30 – 40 kg per tree.