Floods affect physiological and growth variables of peach trees (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch), as well as the postharvest behavior of fruits

Abstract

Flooding is a case of abiotic stress that can affect plant growth, yield and fruit quality of many fruit trees species. The peach tree is recognized as highly susceptible to this stress factor. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of flood periods on some physiological variables directly related to the growth and development of different organs of the peach tree and to evaluate the response to flooding by the plant with respect to postharvest fruit ripening. Flood cycles of 12h per day were applied for two months to ‘Red Globe’ peach plants, comparing them with other plants with no flooding. Physiological variables, growth and behavior of the fruits after harvesting were evaluated. Flooding affected negatively leaf conductance and water potential and significantly decreased the chlorophyll content of leaves compared to controls. The trees subjected to flooding had branches with lower diameter and length growth, as well as smaller fruits, than control trees. The fruits from flooded trees produced ethylene earlier after harvest and responded with a faster softening. The results of this study proved that stress due to flooding produces responses that not only affect the plant but also the fruits after harvest.