Adaptability and stability of fruit set and production of peach trees in a subtropical climate

Idemir Citadin,Américo Wagner Junior,Silvia Scariotto,Marcos Robson Sachet,Maria do Carmo Bassols Raseira,Fábio José Rosa

doi:10.1590/s0103-90162014000200007

Idemir Citadin, Américo Wagner Junior + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0103-90162014000200007

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Abstract

Brazilian peach breeding programs have been established to improve peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] production, yield consistency, quality, and disease resistance. Every year several genotypes are selected and their traits must be assessed. This study aimed to evaluate adaptability and stability of fruit set and production of peach genotypes in a subtropical climate, using the GGE biplot methodology. The experimental design was completely randomized with three replicates (trees) in a factorial arrangement of 29 × 3 for genotype and growing season, respectively. The genotypes 'Conserva 1129', 'Rubimel', 'Kampai', 'Tropic Beauty', and 'Cascata 967' had the greatest adaptability and stability for fruit set. The genotypes 'Conserva 681', 'Santa Aurea', 'Atenas', 'Kampai', 'Cascata 962', 'Tropic Beauty' and 'Cascata 967' had the greatest production adaptability and stability. The GGE-biplot methodology classified the peach tree genotypes with regard to adaptability and stability of fruit set and production.

Highlights

The spread of commercial peaches [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] to subtropical and tropical regions has increased rapidly in recent years
This study aimed to evaluate adaptability and stability of fruit set and production of peach genotypes in a subtropical climate, using the GGE biplot methodology
Temperatures above 20 °C are undesirable during the dormant period, as they work against the accumulation of chilling (Erez et al, 1979)

Summary

Introduction

The spread of commercial peaches [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] to subtropical and tropical regions has increased rapidly in recent years. This increase is especially noticeable in Brazil, where climatic conditions are highly variable. Subtropical humid zones, located in Southern Brazil, have hot, humid, rainy summers that favor disease development. Inconsistent winter dormancy conditions, caused by conflicting air masses of tropical and polar origins, result in both insufficient chill accumulation in some years or sites and a late frost risk during bloom. Brazilian peach breeding programs have been introduced designed to improve peach production, yield consistency, quality, and disease resistance (Raseira et al, 2003; Medeiros et al, 2011; Sachet et al, 2013)

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