Plum tree plant Prune d'Ente (Agen) Conventional bare-root scion

Technical sheet of the Plum tree variety Prune d'Ente/Agen

• Fruit flesh color: Yellow-green or greenish
• Skin color: Purplish red, slightly pruinose
• Size and shape: Large caliber, elongated
• Tree Size: Naturally grows up to 6 m tall when mature, with an upright silhouette
• Fruit maturity: End of August and beginning of September
• Fruit Taste: Very sweet and juicy, with a hint of cinnamon
• Fruiting period Late August - early September
• Disease resistance and storage: Good disease resistance, although susceptible to rust, shatter, and monilia on fruit. The fruit will keep for a few days in the refrigerator, but is ideal for drying and storing as prunes.
• Is this variety self-fertile? Self-fertile and good pollinator
• Commercial use: Fresh, pastries, jam, and especially dried fruit (Agen prunes)
• Is this a COV variety? No, but it has a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
• Comments: Likes sun or partial shade, sheltered from the wind. Grows in any type of rich, fresh, deep or even heavy soil, but without limestone.

Quick read / the essentials on Prunier Prune d'Ente/Agen

The Prune d'Ente plum tree , an emblematic variety of the South West of France , is used exclusively for the production of Agen prunes , benefiting from the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) "Agen Prune" . Its origin dates back to the Crusades , where it was introduced by the monks of Clairac , who crossed local plum trees with varieties imported from Damascus. Very productive and perfectly suited to drying , it is the pillar of the fruit industry in Lot-et-Garonne .

This tree of medium to strong vigor (up to 5 meters in height) thrives in rich, deep, well-drained soils , with a sunny exposure . It tolerates temperatures down to -15°C , although early flowering makes it sensitive to spring frosts . Its location is optimal in a warm temperate climate , where it benefits from ideal conditions for quality production .

At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum trees , we offer rigorously selected Prune d'Ente plum trees , guaranteeing rapid production and optimal yield . Buying Prune d'Ente plum trees from an expert ensures efficient cultivation and stable production .

The Prune d'Ente plum tree is self-fertile , although cross-pollination with varieties such as Reine-Claude Dorée can improve yield . It begins to produce fruit between 3 and 5 years after planting , reaching peak yield after about ten years .

Ente plums are large, elongated, with a purplish-red skin covered with whitish bloom . Their golden-yellow flesh, juicy and very sweet , is ideal for:

• Drying , transforming the plum into Agen IGP prune .
• Eating fresh , where its melting texture is very appreciated.
• Processing into jams, pies and pastries , thanks to its high sugar content.
• Sweet and savory recipes , particularly as an accompaniment to meat and poultry.

The harvest takes place from mid-August to mid-September , when the fruits reach full maturity and a high sugar level , essential for good transformation into prunes .

As a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , Arboriverse supports French producers by providing quality plants and appropriate technical support . Buying Prune d'Ente plum plants from a specialist guarantees controlled production and optimized profitability .

Presentation of the Prune d'Ente/Agen Plum Tree for Apple Growers and Plum Producers in France

The Prune d'Ente plum tree, mainly grown in the South West of France , is the exclusive variety used for the production of Agen prunes , benefiting from a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) . Originally from the Agen region, this variety was developed by the monks of Clairac , who crossed local plum trees with varieties brought back from Damascus during the Crusades. Renowned for its high taste quality, high productivity and excellent drying properties , this plum tree plays a central economic role in the fruit industry of Lot-et-Garonne and surrounding regions.

Origin and Climate Adaptation

Historically, the Ente Plum has its roots in the Orient and was introduced to France in the 12th century. Its development was then concentrated around Agen and Monflanquin , where it was selected for its excellent preservation and drying properties .

This plum tree adapts to a wide variety of soils , although it prefers rich, deep, fresh and well-drained soils . It tolerates slightly heavy soils , but avoids soils that are too chalky or poorly drained , which can cause root asphyxiation. It thrives in a warm temperate climate , requiring sunny exposure and protection from strong winds .

Its hardiness down to -15°C allows it to withstand moderate winters, but its early flowering can be sensitive to spring frosts , impacting production.

Fruit Characteristics and Harvest

The fruits of the Ente Plum are large, elongated and purplish-red in color when ripe. Their skin is covered with a whitish bloom , characteristic of plum varieties intended for drying.

The flesh is yellow-green to golden , juicy, very sweet, and lightly flavored with hints of cinnamon . Its high sugar content is a key element in the quality of Agen prunes , facilitating their natural preservation after drying.

Harvesting takes place from mid-August to mid-September , when the plums reach full maturity and their stones are easily removed. To obtain 1 kg of Agen prunes , approximately 3 to 3.5 kg of fresh plums are required, which underlines the importance of the size and quality of the fruit before drying.

Pollination and Yield

The Prune d'Ente plum tree is self-fertile , meaning it can produce fruit without the need for another pollinating tree. However, the presence of other plum varieties, such as the Reine-Claude Dorée , can promote better pollination and increase yield .

Its productivity is high and regular , provided that the tree is well maintained and grown in suitable soil with good drainage . It begins to produce fruit between 3 and 5 years after planting and reaches its optimal yield after about ten years .

Resistance to Diseases and Parasites

The Prune d'Ente plum tree is relatively disease resistant , although it can be subject to some common plum tree pathologies:

• Moniliosis , which causes fruit rot and can be reduced by aeration pruning and removal of infected fruit .
• Plum rust , a fungal disease that affects foliage in humid conditions.
• Fruit splitting , often related to humidity fluctuations before harvest.

On the pest side, it can be affected by aphids and codling moths , requiring regular monitoring and biological or conventional treatments as needed.

Rootstocks and Crop Management

The choice of rootstock directly influences the vigor, resistance, and profitability of the crop. Suitable rootstocks include:

• GF 43 : very vigorous, suitable for half-stems , but sensitive to drought .
• Jaspi : medium to low vigor, tolerant of calcareous and heavy soils , ideal for low-stems .
• Damascus : reduced vigor, quick to set fruit, but sensitive to drought , preferring fresh, clayey soils .
• Prunus Domestica : Promotes robust, healthy growth , while providing good resistance to soil-borne diseases .

The plum tree can reach 5 meters in height and 3 meters in width , requiring adequate spacing in the orchard to ensure good air circulation and optimal sunshine.

Orchard Maintenance and Management

The Prune d'Ente plum tree is easy to maintain , but requires some cultural practices to maximize production:

• Light annual pruning to aerate the foliage and stimulate fruiting .
• Regular watering during dry periods, especially for young trees .
• Appropriate fertilization , with a potash supply to promote fruit set.
• Disease and pest monitoring , with preventative treatments if necessary.

Good soil drainage is essential to avoid root asphyxiation , as this variety does not tolerate excess moisture .

Commercial Valuation

The Ente Prune is primarily cultivated for the production of Agen prunes , a flagship product of the South West of France , recognized nationally and internationally. Its added value lies in its exceptional drying ability , which produces naturally sweet and soft prunes .

It also finds opportunities in:

• Consume fresh , thanks to its sweet taste and juicy texture.
• Processing into jams, pies and pastries , where its intense flavor is highlighted.
• Sweet and savory recipes , particularly as an accompaniment to meat and poultry .

Its economic importance makes it a strategic crop for producers in Lot-et-Garonne and surrounding regions , where it constitutes a pillar of local agriculture .

Production Strategies and Recommendations

To ensure the profitability and sustainability of Prune d'Ente plum cultivation, several strategies can be implemented:

• Optimization of drying , by harvesting the fruit at perfect maturity to ensure a high sugar level .
• Effective pollination management , integrating other compatible plum trees to boost production.
• Careful selection of rootstocks , according to the characteristics of the soil and the local climate.
• Promotion of short supply chains and organic farming , meeting consumer expectations.
• Disease and pest monitoring , with a preventive and reasoned approach to phytosanitary treatments.

Conclusion

The Prune d'Ente plum tree is an essential variety for the production of Agen prunes , benefiting from ancestral know-how and recognition under PGI . Its high yield, exceptional taste quality and good resistance to diseases make it a wise choice for producers looking to invest in a profitable and sustainable crop.

By adopting the best cultivation practices and making the most of the finished product , fruit growers can optimize their production and strengthen their position in the processed fruit market .

To summarize: Prunier Prune d'Ente/Agen

The Prune d'Ente plum tree is the only variety used to produce Agen PGI prunes , a high added-value product with international renown . It is suitable for warm temperate climates , but requires well-drained soil and sunny exposure to ensure quality production .

Although partially self-fertile , its pollination is optimized by the presence of varieties such as Reine-Claude Dorée . Its yield is high and stable , allowing regular production over several decades .

Its elongated, purplish-red, very sweet and juicy plums are intended for:

• The transformation into Agen IGP prunes , requiring quality drying.
• Consumption fresh , where their melting texture appeals to consumers.
• Jams, compotes and pastries , where their high sugar content is an asset.
• Sweet and savory dishes , especially with meat and poultry.

Harvesting in August-September allows the plum season to be extended and the production to be fully exploited .

The Prune d'Ente plum tree is disease resistant , although watch out for brown rot, plum rust and aphids . Good orchard maintenance , including annual pruning and rigorous health monitoring , ensures healthy and profitable production .

The choice of rootstock directly influences the vigor and adaptability of the plum tree . Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , offers options adapted to growers :

• GF 43 , for strong vigor and good half-stem productivity .
• Jaspi , for good tolerance to calcareous and heavy soils .
• Damascus , for rapid fruiting in clay soils .
• Prunus Domestica , for robust growth and better resistance to soil-borne diseases .

Thanks to its multiple commercial outlets and its transformation into Agen IGP prunes , the Prunier Prune d'Ente is a strategic investment for producers .

At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of plum plants , we support French apple growers by offering them rigorously selected plants and personalized support .

Buying Prune d'Ente plum trees from a specialist guarantees controlled production, optimized profitability and a productive orchard , with a trusted partner for sustainable and efficient cultivation .