Apricot x Plum hybrid MELITOPOLSKI CHERNY

Interspecific hybrid of apricot and Siberian plum. Very valuable for its fruit quality, good adaptability, high frost resistance in the wood and bloom at the level of Siberian plums, very good resistance to fungal diseases and excellent taste properties.

Origin: result of the selection by the breeders at the Irrigation Research Institute NII, Melitopol, Ukraine
Vigour: moderate, tree unpretentious to growing conditions, does not require special care
Blossom: late, the variety is partially self-fertile, so it produces crops even without the presence of pollinator. If there is a pollinator nearby, the harvest will be higher and more stable. A suitable pollinators are apricots, Siberian plums or plums. Flower buds are frost-proof, which contributes to regular fertility. Blooming flowers are resistant to mild frost.
Fruits: large, weight 70 g, oval shape. Peel firm, color dark burgundy, slightly hairy. Stone large. Fruits are resistant to cracking and well transportable. Suitable for fresh consumption as well as for processing into juices, compotes and jams, where the fruits retain their beautiful color and texture.
Pulp: reddish-yellow to red, juicy, not fibrous, semi-freestone
Taste: delicious, sweet and sour with a honey taste that is more reminiscent of apricots than plums. Honey-sweet when fully ripe.
Harvest season: early to mid-early, mid-July
Yield: high and stable, one of the most productive black apricot hybrids. Early yield onset, already in the 2nd - 3rd year after planting.
Disease resistance: generally high resistance to diseases and pests affecting stone fruits. Resistant to heavy and wet soils and tolerant to drought.
Frost resistance: excellent, both wood and flower buds are completely frost hardy. Flower buds are more resistant to extremely cold temperatures than non-hybrid apricots.
Usage: the variety is especially suitable for areas where the apricots cannot be grown due to the occurrence of spring frosts. Suitable for organic or no-spray culture.