Adaptation of twenty peach and nectarine varieties in Kos and their susceptibility to Plum pox virus and Phytophthora citrophthora: Short communication

Abstract

Twenty peach and nectarine (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch) varieties (Morettini No. 1, Coronet, Dixired, Jerseyland, Gialla Precoce Morettini, Cardinal, Golden Jubilee, Red Haven, Belle di Georgia, Early Elberta, Elberta, J.H. Hale, Rio Oso Gem, Desert Gold, Spring Time, June Gold, Red Cup, Flavor Top, Fantasia, Flame Kist) grafted on wild peach seedlings were evaluated for 10 years in the Greek island Kos. The results showed that some peach and nectarine varieties with high chilling requirements such as Red Haven (950 hrs) gave satisfactory yield in the soil and climatic conditions of Kos, where the mean duration of temperatures below 7°C was found to be about 150 hr. Bloom and maturity dates were different in the same varieties in Kos compared to their standard bloom and maturity dates in Naoussa. Regarding a response to Plum pox virus the varieties Jerseyland, Gialla Precoce Morettini, Desert Gold and Spring Time were the most resistant whereas Dixired, Red Haven, Belle Di Georgia and Red Cup were the most susceptible to the disease. No significant difference was found in the susceptibility of peach and nectarine varieties to Phytophthora citrophthora.