Botanical Name: Prunus persica
Family: Rosaceae
The chromosome number of peach is 2n = 16.
1. Climatic conditions:
Peach trees require a mild climate with a minimum of 300-400 chilling hours (below 45°F) to break dormancy and produce fruit. They grow well in regions with warm summers and cold winters, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 35°C.
2. Soil:
Peach trees prefer well-draining, deep, and fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. They are susceptible to waterlogged and saline soils, which can cause root rot.
3. Propagation:
Peach trees can be propagated from seed or by budding and grafting onto a rootstock. Budding and grafting are the most common methods used in commercial orchards.
4. Planting:
Peach trees are usually planted in the winter or early spring. The seed rate is around 30-40 seeds per square meter. The recommended spacing between trees is 5 to 6 meters for standard trees and 2.5 to 3 meters for dwarf trees.
5. Irrigation:
Peach trees require regular irrigation from the day of sowing, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Adequate water supply ensures healthy growth and high yields.
6. Manures and fertilizers:
Peach trees require regular applications of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers. The recommended NPK dose is 120-150 kg/ha nitrogen, 50-75 kg/ha phosphorus, and 150-200 kg/ha potassium.
7. Training and pruning:
Peach trees require proper training and pruning to maintain a balanced shape, promote fruiting, and remove diseased or damaged branches. The recommended training system is the open-center system.
8. Varieties:
Some popular peach varieties are Elberta, Redhaven, Cresthaven, Hale Haven, and Georgia Belle.
9. Harvesting stage and yield:
Peach trees usually bear fruit in the second or third year after planting. The fruit is ready for harvesting when it reaches full maturity and develops a deep, uniform color. The average yield of a peach tree is around 50-60 kg per tree.
