Cherry plum (plum) Traveler

Cherry plum Traveler is an unpretentious variety with a short ripening period. The hybrid is valued for its high yield of juicy fruits and resistance to most fungal diseases. Subject to agrotechnical measures, it annually produces a stable harvest of cherry plum.

History of breeding

The plum variety (plum) Traveler was bred by scientists G. V. Eremin and L. E. Velenchuk, employees of the Crimean Experimental Breeding Station of the All- Research Institute of Plant Growing N. I. Vavilov, in 1977. It was obtained by crossing Tauride plum and Chinese plum Burbank. It is intended for cultivation on the territory of the Central, North Caucasian, Central Black Earth and North-Western regions. Since 1986, the variety has been included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements.

Description of the culture

The fruit tree has a rounded crown and reaches a height of 3-3,5 m. The trunk is medium branched, with smooth light gray bark and many lentils. The leaves of this cherry plum have an oval shape with a pointed tip, a shiny surface with slight pubescence. Each bud produces 2 white flowers with a pronounced aroma that attracts insects. In the photo of the cherry plum Traveler during flowering, it can be seen that the petals are large, a long pistil is surrounded by many yellow stamens.

In accordance with the biological description of cherry plum Traveler fruits in the stage of technical maturity have a weight of 19-28 grams. The red-purple skin of the plum is smooth, with a slight waxy coating. The pulp is characterized by an orange color, slight acidity and sugar content. Plum stone Traveler is of medium size and weight.

Features

A hybrid of the plum Traveler is grown in many regions due to its ability to produce an early harvest even during frosty winters. Cultivation of a variety does not require significant efforts from gardeners. Plum Traveler is rarely affected by fungal diseases, while being sensitive to humidity levels and spring frosts.

Drought and winter hardiness

One of the characteristics of the cherry plum variety Traveler is good resistance to low temperatures in winter. The fruit tree withstands up to -30 ° C, which corresponds to the 4th climatic zone. The danger is represented by return frosts during the formation of plum buds. A sharp drop in temperature leads to the fall of flowers.

A hybrid of plum and cherry plum is characterized by medium drought tolerance. The culture reacts equally badly to high soil moisture and to a lack of water, especially in hot weather. Insufficient watering provokes partial dropping of leaves and ovaries. Stagnation of water leads to rotting of the roots.

Pollination, flowering period and ripening period

Abundant flowering of the plum Traveler in central Our Country begins in the 3rd decade of April. Low spring temperatures can delay bud emergence by 1-2 weeks. The plum tree is self-fertile. As pollinators of cherry plum Traveler, it is recommended to plant plums and cherry plums of other varieties on the site, for example, Skoroplodnaya or Chinese. The ripening period is 2-2,5 months from the moment the ovaries are formed. The crop can be harvested in early July.

Yield and fruiting

Reviews of the plum (cherry plum) Traveler from gardeners testify to high yields over the years. From one tree, older than 4-5 years, you can collect 35-40 kg of fruit. This indicator is achieved due to the large number of ovaries with relatively small fruit sizes.

During the period of mass ripening of fruits, it is necessary to harvest the crop in a timely manner, without waiting for it to shed. Variety Traveler is characterized by low keeping quality. Cherry plum, which has fallen from a branch, quickly deteriorates and rots.

Scope of fruits

Juicy, sweet pulp of the Traveler plum with a pleasant sour taste is used for various types of preservation and consumption of fresh fruits. Jam and juice with pulp received a high tasting rating. Plum is perfect for freezing and making compotes.

Disease and pest resistance

Like most hybrids, the Traveler is immune to major diseases that affect fruit trees. Unfavorable weather conditions in the form of prolonged rains at high air temperatures can lead to the appearance of fungal diseases.

Gardeners note the resistance of the variety to pests, subject to preventive measures to protect against harmful insects.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Traveler plum hybrid, bred by breeders, combines several of the best characteristics of crossed varieties:

• short ripening period;
• resistance to low temperatures;
• high yield;
• immunity to moniliosis and clasterosporiasis.

In reviews of cherry plum Traveler, the unpretentiousness of the fruit tree and a stable harvest of sweet fruits with a pronounced fruity aroma are noted. Among the shortcomings of the variety stands out:

• small size of fruit with a hard-to-separate stone;
• short shelf life of the crop and the impossibility of transportation;
• low resistance to long dry periods.

Features of landing

The cherry plum variety Traveler takes root on the site and is distinguished by productivity, subject to the conditions, planting technology and proper care. Before placing a fruit tree in the garden, you should take into account the requirements of the culture.

Recommended dates

Regardless of the region in which the Traveler hybrid will be grown, the optimal time for planting a young tree is the spring months. Planting cherry plum is recommended before the buds open. In this case, the seedling will successfully take root during the season and endure the winter well. In the southern regions, planting plums in the fall after leaf fall is allowed. Before the onset of frost, there should be 2-2,5 months left for the tree to adapt the root system.

Choosing the right place

A large number of fruits and their taste directly depend on the site where the Traveler cherry plum grows. This variety of plum needs a lot of sunlight. In the shade of large trees or houses, fewer fruits are tied on cherry plum. A heat-loving culture develops better in areas protected from through winds. It is recommended to plant plum near small buildings, fences.

What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherry plum

Red-fruited plum Traveler feels good in the garden next to stone fruit trees. Experts recommend combining different varieties of the same species on the site, acting as pollinators of each other. Representatives of the nightshade family, large shrubs or tall trees should not be planted next to the tree.

Selection and preparation of planting material

In nurseries, one-year-old or two-year-old seedlings of cherry plum Traveler, grown from cuttings or using root shoots, should be preferred. Compared to grafted trees, they are distinguished by better survival and cold resistance.

Plum seedlings should be with smooth, upright shoots and a developed root system. It is necessary to make sure that there are no mechanical damages and signs of diseases on the trees. Before planting seedlings with an open root system, the plant should be treated with a growth stimulator.

Landing algorithm

A pit for planting a tree is prepared in 2-3 weeks. The recommended hole depth is 70 cm, diameter is 100 cm. The landing algorithm involves several successive stages:

1. The soil is mixed with rotted compost and a glass of wood ash.
2. A fertile layer is poured into the bottom of the hole.
3. At a distance of 20 cm from the center of the pit, a high peg is dug in for support.
4. The roots of the seedling are straightened on the surface of the mound.
5. Carefully fill the hole with the remaining soil.
6. Tie the plant to a peg and spill the earth around the tree.

Culture aftercare

Planting and caring for cherry plum Traveler has no significant differences from other varieties. plum most of the time does not require attention and effort from the gardener. Agricultural technology consists in watering, mulching the soil and preventing diseases. Particular attention should be paid to the formation of the crown.

A year after planting, it is necessary to shorten the shoots by 1/3 of the length and disinfect the cut points. In the future, the formation of the crown is carried out annually in the autumn months. Branches growing inward, diseased and damaged shoots should be cut off, as well as shortening those that have grown strongly during the season.

Watering the traveler plum is important in the first weeks after planting the seedling and in dry weather. The rest of the time, the tree has enough natural rainfall. To maintain moisture, it is desirable to provide the soil with a mulch layer. The introduction of ammonium nitrate and potassium salt during the formation of ovaries favorably affects the yield.

Diseases and pests

One of the advantages of the cherry plum variety Traveler is resistance to fungal diseases and harmful insects. In most cases, it is sufficient to carry out preventive spraying of shoots and whitewashing of the plum trunk in a timely manner. For processing, a solution of copper sulfate or 1% Bordeaux liquid is used. If there is a spread of aphids and yellow sawfly in the area, the trees should be sprayed with an insecticide. To protect against rodents, it is recommended to tie a tree trunk with spruce branches.

Conclusion

Cherry plum Traveler is grown in most regions due to the frost resistance of the culture. The popularity of the variety is due to the high yield of early fruits with little labor. Gardeners are attracted by the opportunity to get vitamin fruits in early July. Useful information about the features of growing cherry plum Traveler in the video

Reviews

Gardeners share their reviews about the cherry plum Traveler in the suburbs.