High Plum Yield at LLC ‘Kolos’ Ensures Orchard Profitability

This year, LLC ‘Kolos’ (Odesa region) has recorded a significant increase in plum yield — 30 tons were harvested per hectare, which is 10 tons more than last year’s figure.

This is reported by AgroReview

Secrets of Stable Plum Yields

The chief agronomist of the enterprise, Petro Husev, explains that the stable yield of plums is related to the characteristics of this crop. According to him, plums do not suffer as much from weather extremes during critical periods of vegetation. Additionally, the variety has a long flowering period, which helps avoid losses due to spring frosts: if one part of the orchard is affected by unfavorable conditions, other trees continue to bloom without issues.

“Why are there no problems with plum yields? – he asks and answers himself. – The thing is, it is not significantly affected by weather extremes during critical phases of vegetation. Moreover, this crop has a very extended flowering period: if part of the plantings in the flowering phase is hit by frost, other areas bloom without problems.”

Market Potential of Plums and Their Role in the Economy

All 9 hectares of the orchard’s plum plantings are irrigated. The main varieties are of the Hungarian type, particularly the Stanley variety, which is in demand both fresh and for processing. It is actively purchased by yogurt producers, especially from Poland. The main wholesale buyers of plums are enterprises in the Odesa region, but traders from Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Kropyvnytskyi also take the products.

Petro Husev also notes that plums remain one of the most promising orchard crops for investment in the context of climate change, as they combine stable yields with favorable market prices.

“This is one of those ‘workhorses’ that often economically supports the entire orchard,” he explained. “And from a market perspective, it can be very profitable. For example, if we harvest 180–200 tons of plums, only 20 tons, or 10%, go for processing, while the lion’s share is sold on the fresh market at a good price.”