91Norwegian plum production is aimed at the fresh fruit market. Though plums can be stored commercially in CA-storage (Streif 1989) and ultra low oxygen (ULO) storage (Golias 2007), this is not common practice in Norway. However, during short time storage and transportation the plums are kept at low temperatures (2-4°C).Major commercial plum cultivars grown in Norway include Edda, Opal, Mallard and Victoria (Vangdal 2000). The early ripening cultivar Opal is dominant, and there is space in the market for large fruited late ripening cultivars. Victoria is popular among the consumers; however, these plums are highly susceptible to gumosis, a physiological disorder of the fruit flesh. No solution to this problem has been found, and the growers are looking for new cultivars to replace Victoria in Norwegian plum orchards.The market wants plums of a reasonably good quality for at least three weeks after harvest. It is a well-known problem that the temperature and humidity is suboptimal during marketing with changing temperatures and rather dry air in the shops. The losses during marketing of plums in Norway has been estimated to be close to 20% (Vangdal 2003). In addition, the consumers wish the plums to keep fresh for several days after the purchase.The major factors limiting the shelf life of plums are softening (overripe), fungal decay, reduced flavour quality (too low acidity, no aroma) and less favourable appearance (lack of freshness, shriveling or bruising). New cultivars should have fruits that stay firm during marketing, are resistant to fungal diseases and have a fresh appearance; they should also have good flavour even after several weeks in the marketing chain. This paper presents results from a short-term storage of new plum cultivars simulating the time needed from harvest to consumption. The results show how these cultivars perform in the marketing chain, and which cultivars need special attention to avoid large losses during marketing.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
CultivarsThe following cultivars were tested: -Reine Claude Souffriau (Belmans 1986) ripens approximately 7 days after Opal. Rounded, dark blue, medium sized fruits with a good appearance. The fruit quality is good. -Avalon (Jones 1989) is a medium to late ripening cultivar; approximately 7 days earlier than Victoria. The plums have excellent taste, however, the fruit skin is thin, and bruising may be a problem during marketing.
Fruit quality changes during marketing of new plum cultivars (Prunus domestica L.) E. Vangdal, S. Flatland, R. NordbøBioforsk Vest Ullensvang, Lofthus, Norway ABSTRACT: Registrations of crop, fruit size and fruit flavour in the plum cultivar testing programmes in Norway indicated that Souffriau, Avalon, Reeves, Excalibur and Jubileum could be valuable cultivars in commercial plum production in Norway. Norwegian plums are aimed at the fresh fruit market; hence, shelf life of new cultivars is very important. In short-term storage experiments the cultivars were compared to the standard cultivar Victoria. No significant changes...
