[Effect of rootstock and canopy management on peach fruit quality [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch; Tuscany]]
2005
Remorini, D. (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Coltivazione e Difesa delle Specie Legnose) | Massai, R. (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Coltivazione e Difesa delle Specie Legnose) | Loreti, F. (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Coltivazione e Difesa delle Specie Legnose)
Fruit quality was evaluated on peach as affected by rootstock, Summer pruning and solar radiation profile inside the canopy. Trials were performed in 2004, at the experimental farms of the DCDSL of Pisa University (Italy), on a peach orchard, cv Flavorcrest, planted in February 1998 and grafted onto GF 677, Barrier 1, Mr.S. 2/5 and Ishtara-Ferciana. Two Summer pruning intensity treatments were applied: half of the trees were not pruned, while in the second treatment a Summer pruning was performed every 15 days. Solar radiation intercepted by the selected branches was measured daily and seasonally. Starting from the end of June, four fruit samples were collected at weekly intervals on the selected branches and some fruit quality parameters were measured (i.e. weight, diameter, SSC and flesh firmness). All considered factors showed to be important for fruit quality. Particularly, medium vigour rootstocks and a good light availability induced a better fruit quality. On medium vigour rootstocks, that shift a high percentage of nutrients to the growing fruits, fruit quality was positively affected and they induced also a slightly earlier ripening time. The best quality was obtained from fruits on well illuminated fruiting shoots, independently from rootstock; consequently, Summer pruning strongly affected fruit characteristics. Between the tested rootstocks, Ishtara and Barrier 1 appear to be very interesting. The first one for its positive effect on soluble solid content and size of the fruit. The second one induced a delay in growth and ripening time of the fruit (6-8 days) but, at maturity stage, fruits on this rootstocks showed the highest SSC and size values with a good flesh firmness (5.2 kg); on the contrary, the other tested rootstocks showed the best fruit quality when the flesh firmness was at very low level (1.3-3.0 kg)
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