As for the choice of which species to cultivate, we suggest the following evaluation criteria: of the types of species best suited to the pedo-climatic conditions in question, priority should be given to those that give the highest yield and have the best market development prospects.

If the PEAR TREE is considered the priority species, cultivars that are normally more productive should be chosen, such as Abate Fetel and Conference.

The APPLE TREE has a wider range of varieties and any decision should take account of organisational needs in harvesting. A good choice for summer harvesting is the Schniga clone of the Gala (productive, stores well in refrigerator); for autumn harvests the choice would be Golden B for a yellow and Red Chief or Red Cap (Red Delicious group) for a red, whereas for late harvesting a good choice would be Granny Smith (the classic green apple, also an excellent pollinator) and, inevitably, Fuji Kiku (noted for the crispy texture and sweetness of its pulp and its excellent refrigerator storage qualities).

As regards the PEACH TREE, a distinction has to be made between peaches and nectarines. As for the former, any of the classic varieties can be chosen, such as Redhaven, Glohaven, Fayette, Suncrest, Maria Bianca or Maria Delizia; as for nectarines, Stark Red Gold and Fairlane are recommended.

There are a number of productive varieties of PLUM TREE to choose from, well known on all markets: Black Star, Fortune, Angeleno and Stanley.

There are a number of varieties of CHERRY TREE to choose from, such as Burlat, Moreau, Giorgia, Celeste, Big Lory and Kordia.

Decisions about rootstock and plant spacings can be approached in the following way:
for the pear we suggest the quince BA29 for more unconsolidated soils (i.e. looser or more compact) with a plant spacing of 3.5 x 1 m, whereas in better conditions with medium-texture and standard soils and not too severe minimum temperatures, the quince MC can be used with a plant spacing of 3.5 x 0.4 m with free plantation systems (free spindle, vertical cordon).

For the apple, the choice would be the M9 clone T337 with a spacing of 3,5 x 1 m with free spindle plantation systems.

For the peach and plum, a rustic, hardy rootstock such as MISSOURI should be used.

For the cherry, good results can be obtained with the MAHALEB and GISELA 5-6 rootstock.