Yield stability of peach germplasm differing in dormancy and blooming season in the Mexican subtropics

Abstract

Peach cultivation in Mexico has recently extended to subtropical climates to reduce drought, but in many areas winter frosts are a strong limiting factor. Information about the behavior of a wide range of peach accessions during dormancy and bud-break was collected over a 4-year period in the most important peach growing region in the subtropical highlands of central Mexico where winter frosts are common. Observations were made on 33 peach accessions (local, introduced and hybrids between both groups). Differences in fruit set among peach genotypes which were related to sensitivity to enter rest (SER), time of blooming, duration of blooming, bud density (BD) and flower density (FD). The latter were generally related, however, bud to flower ratios and yields were low for materials that were very late blooming. Selections such as San Juan, Fred, 17-1, and 24-1, were based on mid to late-bloom, high and stable yielding. SER, BD and FD values and BD:FD ratios, should be included as important breeding goals to provide more stability of peach production in the subtropical highlands.