FIELD PERFORMANCE OF SIX CHINESE JUJUBE CULTIVARS INTRODUCED AND TESTED IN NORTHERN ITALY
Authors
F. Cossio, G. Bassi
Abstract
“In 1995, six cultivars of Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujube Mill.) which were thought to be potentially interesting for their diffusion in Italy were introduced and tested at the Experimental Institute for Fruit Growing of Verona Province, Italy. They were Buluosuzao, Dabaizao, Dongzao, Hupingzao, Meimizao and Zanhuangdazao. After several years of observations the results are very promising. The cultivars introduced produce very big fruit, two or three times the weight of fruit of common Italian cultivars, and the results have generally confirmed the valuable features found in China. The main factors limiting the spread of these cultivars are that the fruit appear to be susceptible to cracking due to rain, and in general it is difficult to determine harvest time. Harvesting starts with Meimizao in the middle of September and ends in the third week of October with Dongzao. Harvesting generally requires two to four consecutive harvests and the fruits are not homogeneous in size and shape in some cultivars, particularly in Dabaizao. Generally they have excellent quality for fresh consumption, high content of soluble solids, crisp flesh and are very tasty. These initial results of cultivation in North Italian environment are encouraging, demonstrating the potential of the wide genetic heritage of this Chinese species. It is therefore considered that these six cultivars, possibly together with other Chinese genotypes, are worthy of further testing in Italy and also in Europe in different local environments, soils and climates for a diffusion that values the following distinctive features: the absence of very small thorns, rapid tree development, early and high yields, big fruit size, harvesting and consumption over an extended period, and high-value organoleptic fruit qualities. These plants appear to have no serious diseases, insects or pests in Italy, so they can easily be introduced for integrated or organic fruit production. Taking in consideration these results, the cultivation of some Chinese jujube cultivars should be extended, both for garden and commercial plantings.”
“The results obtained in Verona area, showed that the most promising cultivars for
commercial distribution for fresh-market are: ‘Meimizao’ for early ripening, ‘Buluosuzao’
for the general fruit quality, ‘Dongzao’ for late harvest. ‘Dabaizao’, even though some fruit
are very large, has too much variation in fruit size, so can be suggested only for home
gardening, even if it has some thorns. About the pear-shaped cultivars ‘Hupingzao’ and
‘Zanhuangdazao’, although widely used in China for many purposes (fresh-eating,
processing dried fruits and candied fruits, alcoholic fruits) do not seem interesting because
of a marked susceptibility to rain cracking.”
Scott gave me a Huping scion but he said it was a dud and I forget to ask him why. I may just graft it because I am a Jujube hoarder. I got a 3 feet tall Dong graft but no fruit yet. Hopefully my Zhou graft will fruit this year.
Tony
those italians like their jujus, no doubt! I am still trying to find a vegas-based wine store to get me one of these…
https://atmosferaitaliana.it/en/bitters-liquors-grappa/143-giuggiolone-jujube-fruit-wine-11.html
nothing wrong with that! hoarding juju varieties is key to isolating the best ones for your region.
If you can find that wine anywhere in the US, it might be Las Vegas.
It was extremely dry-fleshed - maybe good for drying but not for fresh eating. But, it was egg-shaped not pear-shaped so it sounds like a different one.
I have Mei Mi, Bu Luo, Da Bai, and Dong but no fruit yet. Zang Huang Da is a pear-shaped one which was OK but not great, it was somewhat dry; I removed it.
should be here right? The state where alcohol may be served 24 hrs a day…
searched lee’s liquor website but seems they don’t have it.
I have a picture of one in the long thread. I thought it was dry and not sweet. I’m surprised to hear that it is used for fresh eating in China.
I just went out and checked my grafts of the others. Most are alive, but tiny (1 bud), even after 2 years. Only Huping, has any growth.
Apparently Meimizao is distributed under the name Gigante. Fruits average 10 grams which is nowhere near gigantic…but they should ripen early. Big question, of course, is the taste.
More informations about those varieties here:
Fruits Seeker: Ziziphus jujuba varietà (viaggiatore971.blogspot.com)
Hi Should have this one I Think. The only one I have in fact. Was sold to me labeled Giant jujube (Gigante) .
No opinions about size or taste as it hasn’t fruited yet. Once it does I’ll report