Hungarian Ajancs

Plum variety Hungarian Ajancs — a Western European variety with a rich history, known since the 18th century. Medium-sized tree with a broad, round or spherical crown of medium density and foliage. Leaves are dark green, egg-shaped with wavy and serrated edges. Flowering is early, occurring in mid-late April. Self-sterile, requires pollinators, among which are recommended varieties such as Ekaterina, Renclod Green, Renclod Altana, Victoria, Anna Spet, Washington, and others. Trees begin fruiting on the 4th–5th year after planting and exhibit high yields, averaging 100–118 kg per mature tree, and up to 250 kg under favorable conditions. Fruits of Hungarian Ajancs are medium-sized, oval or egg-shaped with a rounded apex and medium-length pedicel. Color ranges from red-purple to dark blue with a waxy coating. Flesh is yellow-green, medium density, juicy, with good flavor, characterized by sugar content of 10–15%, and according to more precise data — up to 15.33%, and low acidity. Stone is semi-detachable, facilitating fruit use. Dry matter content in fruits reaches 16.98–23.89%, and vitamin C — up to 15.52 mg%. Ripening occurs in the third decade of August to September, fruits keep well for up to two weeks and are well suited for transport. Suitable for fresh consumption, as well as for technical processing, including drying and production of prunes. The Hungarian Ajancs tree is sufficiently cold-hardy and resistant to pests, though it may suffer from almond seed beetle, but is little damaged by fruitworm. For successful cultivation, regular watering, soil loosening, and preventive treatment against fruit rot are recommended. Wild apricot is often used as rootstock for seedlings, providing vigorous growth. Due to its qualities and high yield, this variety is popular in favorable climatic regions of Ukraine and Crimea, where it is successfully cultivated and valued for its tasty and versatile fruits.