‘luc ıa myrtea’ and ‘victoria myrtea’: Two New Japanese Plum Cultivars with Low Chilling Requirements, Early Ripening, and High-quality Fruit for the Fresh Market

Abstract

‘luc ıa myrtea’ and ‘victoria myrtea’ are early-season cultivars of Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) typology, both characterized by their low chilling requirements, so their adaptation is ideal for warm growing areas in the current context of climate change. High productivity, high-quality fruit and attractiveness are three characteristics common to both new cultivars. ‘luc ıa myrtea’ and ‘victoria myrtea’ stand out for their attractive dark purplish skin; their striking and intense red flesh; and their excellent taste qualities, with firm, juicy and aromatic fruit. Another remarkable characteristic is the floral self-compatibility in the case of ‘victoria myrtea’, uncommon in Japanese plumcultivars and especially interesting for farmers. These new cultivars will contribute to improve the availability of early, redflesh plums for the fresh market.