Hybrid plum (Prunus sp.) MARA

Hybrid Plum (Prunus sp.) 'Mara'

A high-yielding and resistant Belarusian hybrid plum.

'Mara' (Мара) is a Belarusian hybrid plum that originated from a complex interspecific cross. It is valued for its high yield, very early entry into bearing, and high resistance to frost and fungal diseases. The fruits are medium-sized, bright yellow, with a pleasant sweet-tart flavour.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High yield and very early entry into bearing.
• High frost resistance.
• High disease resistance.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Belarus
• Breeders: V. A. Matveev, M. P. Malyukevich, Z. A. Kozlovskaya, M. G. Maksimenko
• Institution: Belarusian Research Institute for Fruit Growing
• Origin: Seedling from open pollination of a cross between Prunus cerasifera × Prunus salicina var. ussuriensis.
• Registration: In Belarus since 1999, in the Russian Federation since 2002.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Vigorous, fast-growing, reaches a height of 3 – 4 m.
• Crown: Globular, spreading, upright.
• Pollination: It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Medium-sized, with a weight of 23 – 25 g.
• Shape and colour: Round, bright yellow.
• Flesh: Yellow, loose, very juicy.
• Flavour: Pleasant, sweet-tart (rating 4.0/5).
• Stone: Medium-sized, clinging to the flesh.
• Use: Versatile.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: High.
• Disease resistance: Highly resistant to fungal diseases.

Cultivation Recommendations

• To ensure a harvest, it is essential to plant another hybrid plum nearby as a pollinator.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late, September.
• Yield: High, up to 35 t/ha.
• Entry into bearing: Very early, 2nd to 3rd year after planting.