Propagation and field performance of own-rooted peach trees

Abstract

Ten peach and nectarine (Prunus persica L. Batsh) cultivars: Arm King, Early Crest, Early Gem, Flavor Crest, May Crest, May Grand, Red Gold, Red Haven, Spring Crest and Sun Crest, were propagated by both hardwood cuttings (HC) and by bud grafting onto peach seedlings. Significant differences were observed for rooting among cultivars and applied IBA. Degree of blooming and yield were higher for HC propagated own-rooted trees when compared with budded trees in the first 6 years of fruiting. Budded trees increased in size faster than HC trees but were less productive. Yield, yield efficiency and fruit size were not only cultivar specific, but were also affected by the propagation method, being higher for own-rooted trees in most cultivars. Tree mortality was generally higher for budded trees. No significant differences were found in mineral absorption efficiency, time of blooming, fruit firmness, acidity and sugar level between own-rooted and budded trees. Results based on percent rooting of HC, yield, fruit size, growth and tree mortality suggest that own-rooted HC trees should be an acceptable tree type for commercial orchards, especially for the cultivars Sun Crest, Spring Crest and Red Haven.