This report presents results of plum cultivars and selections studies, performed during 2018-2021 at NIBIO Ullensvang, Njøs Fruit and Berry Centre and Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in the frame of FRUIT-N-QUALITY (Evaluation of traditional Norwegian apple, plum and raspberry cultivars) project.The aim of this study was to evaluate Norwegian heritage plum cultivars from pomological, agronomical, and biochemical point of view, identify the most important quality parameters, and select cultivars with desirable traits for modern markets and breeding purposes.In total 64 heritage plum cultivars were evaluated. Along with some commercial cultivars and new selections, heritage cultivars Edwards, Prosser 84, Yakima, Belle de Louvain and Thames Cross have all very big fruits (71 – 90 g).Cultivars Experimentalfältets Sviske, Reine Claude Grøn and Italiensk Sviske accumulated the highest soluble solid content.Cultivars Sinikka, Grand Duke, Italiensk Sviske, Sviske frå Tveit and Vinterplomme had the most acid fruits.Cultivars Bleue de Belgique, Reine Claude Grøn, Vinterplomme, and Mount Royal accumulated the highest fruit phenol content.Cultivars Jefferson, Mallard and Mount Royal had the most aromatic fruits.13 cultivars and selections received very high overall sensor evaluation (taste, attractiveness, aroma) score, among them heritage cultivars Helgøyplomme, Reine Claude d'Althanns and Mallard.In addition, the chemical contents of the fruits and the kernels are listed for 60 cultivars.
Meland et al. (Wed,) studied this question.