Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) COMANDOR

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) 'Comandor'

Late Romanian variety with large fruits and drought resistance.

'Comandor' (syn. 'Constanța 16') is a high-quality Romanian apricot variety bred at the SCDP Mărculești station. It is valued for its large and attractive fruits, which ripen in late summer. The variety is also popular for its good resistance to frost and drought, making it a reliable choice for growers.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Large fruits (60 – 75 g) with firm and juicy flesh.
• Good resistance to frost, spring frosts, and drought.
• Balanced, sweet, and aromatic taste.
• Stone separates easily from the flesh.
• Universal usage (consumption and processing).

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: SCDP Mărculești - Călărași
• Parentage: 'Mărculești 17/54' × 'Mărculești 43/1'
• Registration: 1983
• Synonyms: 'Constanța 16'

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Weak to medium strong.
• Crown: Spherical.
• Bearing: Starts bearing in the 4th year after planting.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large, 60 – 75 g.
• Shape and Color: Round, slightly elongated and flattened. The skin is elastic, yellow-orange, covered with red on the sunny side.
• Flesh: Yellow-orange, firm, and juicy.
• Taste: Balanced, sweet, and aromatic.
• Stone: Freestone (separates from flesh). It is relatively large.
• Usage: Universal – fresh consumption, industrial processing (jams, compotes, juices).

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: Has good resistance to frost, spring frosts, and drought.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late, turn of July and August (July 30 – August 5).