Comparison of Asian and European Plum Cultivars in Terms of Storability

Abstract

Plums are an important fruit that is widely grown in temperate climates in Europe, such as the Czech Republic. Currently, stone fruits, including plums, are more susceptible to ongoing climate changes, which leads to a lower production. One possible solution is to cultivate Asian species, which show greater resistance in that regard. The fruit of Asian plum trees feature a higher variability of fruit - size, aroma and color. To support more significant distribution of such species in the European temperate zone, it is necessary to monitor their resistance as well as the potential of storing the fruits. The low storage temperature of 1oC vs. 20oC (shelf-life) had a more significant effect on carbon dioxide and ethylene production than the composition of the ultra low oxygen (ULO) atmosphere vs. random atmosphere (RA). Based on the physiological response observed, the "Sorriso Di Primavera" fruit can be classified as having a suppressed climacteric phase.