COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF VEGETATIVE AND PHENOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF PLUM CULTIVARS 'ANDREEA', 'RECORD', AND 'ČAČANSKA LEPOTICA' GRAFTED ON MIROBOLAN

Abstract

This study investigates the vegetative and phenological development of three plum cultivars ('Andreea', 'Record', and 'Cacanska lepotica') grafted on Mirobolan rootstock. Trunk diameter, annual shoot length and number, trunk cross-sectional area, and the budburst and flowering phenophases were monitored over a three-year period. The results highlight significant differences among cultivars: 'Record' showed rapid growth and early flowering, 'Andreea' exhibited slower growth and prolonged flowering, while 'Cacanska lepotica' displayed intermediate characteristics. The integrated analysis indicates varying adaptability of the cultivars to local climatic conditions and underscores the importance of selecting cultivars based on vegetation timing. The study provides valuable data for orchard management and for optimizing plum production.