Hybrid plum (Prunus sp.) KRESSU

Hybrid plum (Prunus sp.) 'Kressu'

A very early Estonian variety with good flavour but low frost resistance.

'Kressu' is a very early Estonian interspecific hybrid plum, created by crossing the varieties ‘La Crescent’ and ‘Suhkruploom’. It is a dessert variety valued for its good sweet-tart flavour. Its main disadvantage is its low frost resistance, which makes it sensitive to winter frosts in the conditions of Estonia and Latvia.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Very early ripening (late July).
• Good sweet-tart flavour.
• Good disease resistance.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Estonia
• Breeders: Arthur Jaama and Eevi Jaama
• Institution: Polli Horticultural Research Centre
• Crossing: Interspecific hybrid, ‘La Crescent’ × ‘Suhkruploom’ (1969)
• Registration: December 23, 2008

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Medium-vigorous.
• Crown: Upright, medium density, with thin branches.
• Pollination: It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Medium-sized, with a weight of 22 – 30 g.
• Shape and colour: Round to round-oval, brownish-purple with a red tint. It has a strong waxy bloom.
• Skin: Can be slightly tart in some years.
• Flesh: Yellowish-green to whitish, soft, sometimes slightly grainy.
• Flavour: Good, sweet-tart.
• Stone: Small, partially separable from the flesh.
• Use: Dessert variety for fresh consumption.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Low. Sensitive to winter frosts.
• Disease resistance: Good.

Cultivation Recommendations

• To ensure a harvest, it is essential to plant a suitable pollinator nearby, for example, the ‘Edinburgh’ or ‘Emma Leppermann’ varieties.
• The fruits are prone to dropping, so timely harvesting is important.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Very early, late July.
• Yield: Medium, averaging 16 kg per tree.