MIROVAL - A NEW CLONAL ROOTSTOCK FOR EUROPEAN TYPE PLUM CULTIVARS

The plum rootstock 'Miroval' was registered in Romania in 1998. It is a hybrid selection originating from an open pollinated local biotype of Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. ('Myrobalan 5C'). Selection work was carried out at SCDP Valcea in 1982. The rootstock is clonally propagated through hardwood cuttings and, in special installations, proved to have a very good rooting rate (86-92%). 'Miroval' rootstock assures high vigour for the plum cultivars budded or grafted onto it and it has good compatibility with many European type cultivars ('Centenar', 'Carpatin', 'Minerva', 'Stanley', 'Agen 707', 'Anna Spath'). The budded or grafted plants are uniform and come into bearing in the fourth year. Production of the grafted plants is good (15-25 t/ha) and the fruit size is normal. 'Miroval' is less susceptible to viral (PPV) and fungal diseases. 'Miroval' has good behaviour on forest brown soils and on other soils with good drainage and less than 30% clay. It shows a good response to fertilizing and soil tillage through increased yields and growth vigour. 'Miroval' plum rootstock is recommended for the ecological zones suitable for European plum culture.