Peach Cultivation Guide: Soil, Climate, Rootstocks, and Orchard Management

Peach (P. persica), widely cultivated among stone fruit species worldwide, has its main origin in East Asia and China. In our country, suitable soil and ecological conditions for economic peach cultivation are available. Peach cultivation is carried out in most provinces, except for a few. Among the regions where peach cultivation is practiced, the Marmara Region (especially Bursa) comes first, accounting for 49% of the production and 41% of the tree count.

In Turkey, fresh peaches can be marketed for 5 months, ranging from very early to very late. We have about 150 varieties of peaches and nectarines that ripen at different times.

Peach fruit can be consumed fresh, or it can be processed into juice concentrate and pulp. Additionally, it can be stored for a long time in the freezer.

By using suitable varieties, it is possible to cultivate peaches for both the table and the industry. Generally, early varieties are grown in the Mediterranean Region, while late varieties are grown in the Aegean and Marmara Regions.

Peach cultivation has rapidly developed due to its high adaptability, early fruiting nature as a species, and its significant contribution to agricultural industry as a crucial raw material.

ECOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS

SOIL

The most suitable soils for peach cultivation are well-drained, loamy, sandy, gravelly, deep, and quickly-warming alluvial soils. The pH should be between 6-7. With sufficient irrigation and proper fertilization, it can be grown in sandy soils. It does not perform well in heavy clay soils, leading to weak growth, increased risk of fungal diseases, yellowing of leaves, vulnerability to winter cold, and the formation of gum on the trunk and branches. The preference of the rootstock is crucial in soil requirements.

It is essential to plan for the cultivation of early peaches in our regions where it is suitable. Selecting productive, high-quality, and road-resistant varieties adapted to the region and informing the growers are essential. An unsuitable variety for the region may show abnormalities in flowering, low yield, and small fruits. It is crucial to select varieties that bloom regularly and abundantly in spring, with high yields and large fruits.

CLIMATE

Peach is a fruit that can adapt to various climate conditions. It can be grown between the latitudes of 25-40 in the southern and northern hemispheres near the equator. The factors limiting cultivation include low winter temperatures, the chilling requirement of the variety, late spring frosts, and low summer temperatures. It is observed to grow at altitudes of up to 1500 m in warm climates.

In areas where the winter temperature drops to -18oC to -20oC, buds and shoots freeze, and at -25oC, the trees freeze. However, the duration of the low temperature during the freezing period plays a significant role in the effect of cold on the tree. The Redhaven variety is the most resistant to frost, followed by J.H. Hale.

The chilling requirement for different peach varieties varies between 250 and 1250 hours. When varieties cannot meet the chilling requirement, the tree sheds flower buds and flowers, causing delayed and irregular flowering in spring.

Peach, being an early-flowering fruit type, is susceptible to damage from late spring frosts. A frost event that may occur after the flowers open freezes them. Although flower buds are damaged at -5 and -6 oC before opening, they freeze at -3 oC after opening. Additionally, it has been observed that small fruits are also affected.

In places where the summer temperatures are low, the ripening of fruits is delayed after this frost, affecting the quality and yield of fruits, especially the color of fruit flesh. In Turkey, there is no problem with peach cultivation regarding summer temperatures.

PEACH ROOTSTOCKS

It is challenging to propagate peach varieties without losing their characteristics through seeds. Practically, peaches are mainly propagated by grafting. Stump grafting is often used. In necessary cases, whip grafting can also be performed.

Various rootstocks are used in peach propagation, and the lifespan of the tree varies according to the rootstock. Approximately, the lifespan is known to be 30 years on peach seedlings, 25 years on almond rootstocks, 50 years on plum rootstocks, and 40 years on apricot rootstocks.

Cultivar rootstocks are well-matched with cultural varieties and provide quality and abundant yield. They are sensitive to heavy, calcareous soils. Initially, Lowell and Elberta varieties’ seeds were used because of their low branching and standard sucker formation. However, these varieties are not resistant to nematodes. Therefore, a rootstock called Nemaguard, resistant to Root knot nematodes, started to be used. It should not be used in cold regions due to its sensitivity to cold. It is also sensitive to chlorosis (yellowing). It is tolerant to fungal and root rot in heavy soil conditions. It is well-matched with all varieties.

GF 305: This rootstock is self-fertile and forms a homogeneous (single example) sucker. It has vigorous development and is well-matched with all peach varieties. It is resistant to leaf curl (Taphrina deformans).

APRICOT ROOTSTOCKS

Used as rootstocks for peaches in heavy and high-water table areas. However, late-ripening peach varieties should not be grafted onto them because vegetative activity ends early in them.

St. JulienA, Myrobolan, and Brompton clonal apricot rootstocks can adapt to calcareous soils relatively well, but problems are encountered in matching with varieties.

GF 655–2 and Damaskl969 apricot clonal rootstocks are used as rootstocks for peaches and show partial resistance to lime. St.Julien GF 655-2 reduces the crown of the tree by 30%, while Damsk 1969 reduces it by 20%.

ALMOND ROOTSTOCKS

Used as rootstocks for peaches in calcareous and gravelly soils. The trees are small and short-lived. They generally do not match well with peach varieties.

The peach x almond hybrid GF 677 clonal rootstock is very strong and resistant to nematodes. It can be used in soils containing 12-13% active lime. It is suitable for dry, calcareous, and especially sloping areas. It is produced by green cuttings and tissue culture.

The GF 577 rootstock is also a lime-resistant peach x almond hybrid clone rootstock.

APRICOT ROOTSTOCKS

Used in arid climate regions and under dry soil conditions. It is a nematode-resistant rootstock.

POLLINATION BIOLOGY

Peach varieties are generally self-fertile. Only varieties with morphological sterility of pollen, such as J.H. Hale, require a pollinator variety. Bees and insects play a role in pollinating peaches. June Elberta, Late Carwfort, and Mikado varieties also require cross-pollination.

ORCHARD ESTABLISHMENT

Peach is a plant that completes its development quickly and bears fruit early. Soil should be well-tilled and prepared before planting. Deep and surface soil tillage should be performed in the orchard site before planting. In addition, 1-2 tons of well-decomposed farm manure or compost per decare, and 250-300 g of triple superphosphate should be added to the soil.

While arranging the peach orchard, the rows should be positioned parallel to the steepest slope to ensure the sunlight reaches the soil more effectively.

If peach trees are planted with a distance of 5×6 meters, 300 trees can be planted in one decare, and 100 trees in the area. If the trees are planted in the fall, irrigation is started before planting, and pruning is performed after planting, along with root pruning. Root pruning should be done every 2 years.

The initial pruning is applied for tree formation, and young branches are formed in scaffolds. During the initial pruning, it is aimed to form a balanced tree and create the appropriate framework in line with the tree’s future growth.

Drip irrigation is mostly preferred in peach cultivation. It is essential to provide a sufficient amount of water, especially during the growing season, where the fruit is rapidly gaining weight.

Drip irrigation should be applied at regular intervals, and it is not correct to use overhead irrigation.

Drip irrigation, which provides significant water saving, is performed by placing drop-by-drop hoses on the soil surface or underground.

When it comes to water quality, a moderate amount of salt in water is acceptable. However, excessive salt in the water can lead to salt accumulation in the soil and negatively affect tree development.

Pruning is crucial for peach cultivation. Pruning is not only performed to shape the tree, but it is also essential for managing the size of the tree, increasing air and sunlight penetration, and maintaining overall tree health.

The goal of pruning is to create a well-balanced tree structure, remove dead or diseased wood, and stimulate new growth.

When it comes to fertilization, peach trees have specific nutrient requirements. Regular soil testing should be done to determine the nutrient levels in the soil, and fertilization should be adjusted accordingly.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential nutrients for peach trees. Nitrogen is particularly important for promoting vegetative growth, while phosphorus and potassium are crucial for flowering, fruit development, and overall tree health.

Peach trees require annual pruning to maintain their shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and promote new growth. Pruning is typically done during the dormant season in late winter or early spring.

Disease and pest management are essential aspects of peach cultivation. Common diseases affecting peach trees include peach leaf curl, brown rot, and bacterial spot. Proper sanitation, regular monitoring, and timely application of fungicides or pesticides are crucial for disease and pest control.

Harvesting time varies depending on the peach variety and local climate conditions. Peaches are typically harvested when they reach the desired size, color, and firmness. The fruit should be handled carefully during harvesting to prevent bruising.

MARKETING AND STORAGE

Fresh peaches have a short shelf life and should be marketed quickly after harvest. Proper packaging and handling are crucial to prevent damage during transportation and storage. Peaches are often sold in bulk, baskets, or clamshells in retail markets.

In addition to fresh consumption, peaches can be processed into various products, including juices, jams, and canned fruits. Processing allows for extended shelf life and creates value-added products.

Cold storage facilities are essential for preserving the quality of fresh peaches. The storage temperature should be maintained between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius to slow down ripening and extend shelf life.

Peach cultivation is a profitable venture with suitable soil and ecological conditions. It is essential to choose the right varieties based on regional climate and soil characteristics.

Proper orchard establishment, including soil preparation, irrigation, and pruning, is crucial for the success of peach cultivation. Disease and pest management are important aspects that require regular monitoring and timely intervention.

Harvesting and post-harvest handling should be done carefully to ensure the quality of fresh peaches. Marketing strategies, including proper packaging and storage, play a significant role in the success of peach cultivation as a commercial venture.

Overall, with proper planning and management, peach cultivation can be a rewarding agricultural enterprise, contributing to both local and global fruit markets.