Long-term Effects of Peach Production Systems for Standard and Pillar Growth Types on Yield and Economic Parameters

Abstract

The lack of dwarfing rootstocks for peach has led to cultural and genetic approaches that reduce tree size and vegetative growth to establish high-density plantings. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the interactions of pruning strategies, groundcover management, tree densities, and peach (Prunus persica) architecture combined in eight peach production systems on components of yield and economic value. The use of sod management reduced pruning time and costs, but the reduction of crop load reduced net return. High-density plantings in large vegetation-free areas (VFAs) had greater economic return than low-density plantings.