New plum varieties for 2026: Centenar, Agent, and Diana (Romanian selection)

06 Jan

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Romanian Breeding Success: 3 Exceptional Plum Varieties for the 2026 Season

Fruit growing in Romania has a long and rich tradition, with the Fruit Research and Development Institute Piteşti – Mărăcineni being among the European elite. It is from their workshop that three plum varieties – 'Centenar', 'Agent', and 'Diana' – originate, which we plan to introduce for sale in April/May 2026. These varieties combine high resilience, fertility, and excellent taste, responding to the needs of modern gardeners and commercial growers alike.

“Romanian breeding has long focused on resistance to the Plum Pox Virus (PPV) and economic efficiency. The result is varieties that do not need intensive chemical protection and deliver stable yields even in poorer years.”

1. 'Centenar': The Resilient Choice for Bio-Gardens

The variety 'Centenar' (recognized in 1978) is the result of crossing 'Tuleu Gras' x 'Early Rivers'. It is direct proof that quality and resilience can go hand in hand.

Tree and Resilience

The tree has medium to vigorous growth with a spherical crown. What makes it exceptional is its health status. The variety is resistant to frost, drought, and common diseases. A key feature, however, is its high tolerance to resistance against Plum Pox Virus (PPV), which is the biggest fear of stone fruit growers.

Fertility and Fruit

'Centenar' is a highly productive variety with a potential of up to 30 tons/ha. It blooms early and, being androsterile (does not produce its own pollen), requires pollinators like 'Stanley' or 'Anna Spath'.

Fruit: Large (approx. 50 g), inversely ovoid, ultramarine blue with heavy bloom.
Taste: Pleasantly balanced, sweet-sour, reminiscent of the quality variety 'Tuleu Gras'.
Stone: Very small and completely separable from the flesh.
Ripening: Late July / Early August.

2. 'Agent': The Processing Specialist

While 'Centenar' is an all-rounder, the variety 'Agent' (recognized in 2004) was bred with a specific goal. It was created by selection from seedlings and is intended for those who want to process their harvest further.

Why Choose 'Agent'?

This variety excels especially in its suitability for drying and producing high-quality distillates or jams. The tree grows medium-strong and enters production early (in the 3rd year). Although partially self-fertile, we recommend the pollinator 'Stanley' for full yield.

Unique Fruit Appearance

The fruits are medium-sized (30 g) but captivate with their color. The skin is reddish to intense red-purple with characteristic dotting, distinguishing them from classic blue plums. The flesh is yellowish, aromatic, and sweet-sour.

3. 'Diana': The Super-Early Market Queen

If you can't wait for the first plums, 'Diana' (recognized in 1982) is the variety for you. This cross of 'Renclod Althan' x 'Early Rivers' bears fruit at a time when other plums are just gaining size.

Earliness and Quality

It ripens as early as the first decade of July, making it one of the earliest varieties on the market. Despite its earliness, fruit quality does not suffer.

Large Fruits Already in July

Unlike many early varieties that have small fruits, 'Diana' bears plums weighing 60 – 65 g. They are spherical, light blue, and very attractive.

Growing Requirements

The tree grows moderately vigorously and, like 'Centenar', shows high resistance to frost and Monilinia. It is partially self-fertile but grateful for pollinators (e.g., 'Agent' or 'Stanley').

Comparison Table of 2026 Novelties

Which One to Choose?

Feature	Centenar	Agent	Diana
Ripening	Turn of July/August	Mid-July	Early July
Fruit Size	50 g	30 g	60-65 g
Main Purpose	Consumption, Bio-farming	Drying, Distillates	Early consumption
Pollination	Cross-pollinated (needs partner)	Partially self-fertile	Partially self-fertile

Conclusion

Romanian breeding once again proves its quality. Whether you are looking for an early "gigantic" plum ('Diana'), a reliable variety for distilling ('Agent'), or a resilient tree for an ecological orchard ('Centenar'), these novelties cover all needs.