KARATASH

The Karatash plum is a late-ripening Ussurian variety, distinguished by its high yield and universal purpose. Fruits ripen in the middle or first decade of September, with almost simultaneous maturation that facilitates harvest collection. Fruits weigh up to 18-20 grams, are round, primarily yellow with reddish-purple hues, and can take on a violet-blue or nearly black shade when fully ripe. The skin is medium thickness, smooth, with a waxy bloom; the flesh is orange or yellow-orange with pink specks, dense, fleshy, of medium juiciness and density, with high sugar content and excellent taste qualities. Karatash trees are dwarf, fast-growing, reaching heights up to 2.5 meters, with a strong, compact, and wide-oval canopy of medium density, which eases care and fruit collection. The variety is resistant to fruit drop, winter wetting, and clasterosporium, and exhibits good winter hardiness, withstand ing temperatures down to -40°C provided proper preparation and planting on mounds that prevent spring flooding. For successful cultivation, it is recommended to choose well-lit areas with light soil and ensure the presence of nearby pollinator Ussurian plums. Karatash fruits are noted for their good storability—they can be stored for up to a month, making the variety attractive for both fresh consumption and processing into compotes and dried fruits. Thanks to its high yield, stable fruiting, technological suitability, and low-cost cultivation, this variety is suitable for industrial cultivation in the central region and Siberia.