A STUDY ON LOCAL PLUM VARIETIES IN BOSNIA AS ROOTSTOCKS FOR THE POZEGACA VARIETY

In the regions of Bosnia where plum trees are grown, there are several local plum varieties to be found alongside the main Pozegaca variety (the common Quetsche). The varieties are mainly intended for distilling purposes, but some of them may be considered as table plums or plums for drying.

Most local plum varieties are very strong and productive, but their main importance lies in their good adaptability to unfavourable climate and soil conditions. It was therefore inferred that they could be used for breeding and as rootstocks for plum-, apricot- and peach-trees. Many authors also consider plum-trees well adapted for selection (1,2,5,6).

The stock problem, for the Pozegaca variety in regions where a heavy soil of podzolic type predominates, is not yet solved. A rather vigorous stock is required here, with a well developed root system adapted to heavy soils; they should also start to bear fruit early and give yields of high quality and quantity.

In order to grow thè Pozegaca variety on heavy, podzolic soils, local plum varieties were investigated as rootstocks for this variety.