(313) Climatic Effectson Four Low-chill Peach Cultivars in North Central and Central Florida

Abstract

Four low-chill peach cultivars were evaluated for vegetative and reproductive growth, fruit quality, and yield in north central and central Florida. Twenty-trees (five of each cultivar) were planted at each site in Feb. 2002. Prior to budbreak in the spring of 2004 and 2005, three shoots of average length and diameter were selected at a height of 1.5–2.0 m and the number of vegetative and flower buds was recorded for each shoot. Percentage of bloom was estimated, and the number of open flowers on selected shoots was measured weekly. Trees were harvested twice per week starting in mid-April in central Florida, and in late April in north central Florida. Total number and weight of marketable fruit was measured for each tree. Ten representative fruits were selected from each tree at each harvest. Fruit were measured for blush, weight, and size. Soluble solids, TAA, and pressure were determined for five fruit from each 10-fruit sample. Preliminary results indicate a higher mean number of blind nodes in central Florida and a higher mean number of flower buds in north central Florida. In central Florida, 90% bloom was about 4 days earlier than north central Florida. Fruit number and individual fruit size, weight, and marketable yield were higher in north central Florida than in central Florida. Fruit blush was higher in central Florida than in north central Florida and tended to increase as the season progressed. In north central Florida, blush decreased slightly throughout the season.