A new jujube cultivar ‘Zaoqiuhong'

Abstract: ‘Zaoqiuhong'is a new jujube cultivar selected from Shandong local variety‘Dalingzao', which is characterized by big fruit, excellent quality, early maturity and fresh-eating. It was initially selected in 1983 for early ripening time, big fruit, light fruit cracking, and excellent quality. Its spring twigs were selected in 1984 as scion wood for establishing a top-grafting orchard. 16 years' observations from 1984—2000 demonstrated that the superior lines had fine and stable character. Variety comparative test and regional test were carried out at Taian, Laoling, Wudi in 2001, which were found good comprehensive characters and wide adaptability. Then the superior lines were named‘Zaoqiuhong'and approved by provincial committee. The number is‘Lu S-SV-ZJ-033-2016'. The tree is vigorous with medium vigor, semicircular crown and open tree gesture. Young branches are red-brown in color and less waxiness. Bearing branches are 21.5 cm long. The acupuncture is underdevelopment. Leaves are ovate to lanceolate, acuminate, 6.3 cm long, 2.5 cm wide, bluntly serrated. Flower is white, 0.6-0.8 cm across, open at night. Honey palte is yellow. Filament is short. Anther has no pollen. Fruits is mainly inverted ovoid or round, has fresh-red pell and light ware surface. Its flesh is white. It has thin skin, juicy flesh and sweet taste. The average fruit weight is 18.5 g, maximum fruit weight is 25.5 g, and 1 seed per fruit. The content of soluble solid is 30.2%, the content of total acid is 0.61%. The fruit in white ripe season possesses can be making candied jujube, which is crystal clear and good qualities. The fruit development period is 80-85 d and it matures at the end August in Shandong area.‘Zaoqiuhong'have 10-13 inflorescences. It is resistant to fruit cracking. The cultivar is suitable for the Shandong Province and other regions with similar ecological conditions. It can bear fruits in the first year after planted, has high yield potential. Orchard can choose wide jujube or jujube as stock, grafting propagation, spacing in the rows and spacing between rows are (1.5-3) m × (3-5) m, natural roundhead shape or trunk thin layer shape, pinching at florescence.