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Fruit Notes |
Evaluation of Peach and Nectarine Cultivars for Massachusetts Orchards |
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Fruit Notes |
Karen I. Hauschild |
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Fruit Notes |
As Massachusetts apple growers face increasing competition from producers worldwide, they are turning to retail sales to maintain or enhance their economic viability. Additionally, the popularity of new apple cultivars has contributed to the decline in market share for McIntosh, the major variety. As an alternative to apples, Western Massachusetts growers have been especially successful with peaches. They rarely lose a crop to cold or frost injury, and have a clientele base that is looking for local, tree-ripened fruit. Central and Eastern Massachusetts retail growers also grow peaches, but these areas have been more likely to experience partial or full crop losses due to spring frosts. These growers, then, are constantly searching for hardier cultivars. For most retail growers, the decision to grow or add additional peaches is an easy one. Choosing cultivars is more difficult. In an effort to assist Massachusetts growers with cultivar choices, a cultivar trial was established at the University of Massachusetts Horticultural Research Center (HRC), included Flower bud hardiness, fruit size, harvest season, and fruit quality have been evaluated. The first trees in the cultivar evaluation trial were planted in 1990, and cultivars were added in 1998, 1994, and 1996. Trees were purchased from commercial nurseries and planted in a 10' x 20' spacing. Four-tree plots of each cultivar were used. Trees were mananged as in commercial plantings. Results Cultivars included in the trial are listed in Table 1 was evaluated following a test winter of 1993-4 during which a low of -15 F was recorded at Quabbin Reservoir (approx. 1.5 miles north of the HRC). On 4 May 1994, I evaluated bloom visually on all trees that were planted in 1990. I estimated bud survival on the top and bottom (below 4 feet) half of each tree. Table 2 lists cultivars that averaged more than 30% bud survival. From these results it appears that Madison has relatively hardy flower buds. Although most of the trees in the 1990 planting began fruiting in 1991 or 1992, data recorded from 1991-96 is incomplete. Fruit quality was evaluated yearly, and yield data is available for several cultivars during this time, however. In 1997, at least one 10-fruit sample per cultivar (except the 1996 planting) was weighed, measured, and judged for quality. Table 3 lists the most promising cultivars based on size, as well as average weight, average size, and harvest date. Recommendations Of the yellow-fleshed cultivars that met the three-inch size criterion determined by growers, eight also met the criteria for quality: Bounty, Encore, Fayette, Flavorcrest, JimDandee, Madison, Salem, and Sentry. Although the size and quality assessments of both Fayette and Encore were very favorable, the harvest timings of both cultivars very likely are too late for the majority of growers whose main crop is apples. Summer Pearl was the only white-fleshed peach that met size and quality criteria. It is 75% + red to dark red; firm, juicy, with sweet, melting flesh. Of the nectarines evaluated, Earliscarlet and Fantasia have both consistently maintained heavy yields, good size, excellent color and exceptional fruit quality. Of the cultivars that met the size criteron, but did not meet quality standards in 1997, several have shown promise in other years: Newhaven, Sugar Lady, White Lady, Mt. Rose, Harcrest, Redgold, and Summer Beaut. Trees in the 1993 planting did not do well. They were planted late, and suffered from a dry, hot summer. Trees of four of the cultivars in this planting were replanted in 1996, and should bear enough fruit for evaluation in 1998. JohnBoy is one cultivar that should perform well. Data from the 1990 planting will be collected for at least one more year. Because the demand for peaches and nectarines has been high at the Horticultural Research Center farmstand, these trees will most likely remain until other, commercial, plantings come into production. Cultivars from all plantings should bear fruit in 1998, and data will be collected for at least two more seasons from the 1993, 1994, and 1996 plantings. Acknowledgments The author wishes to recognize Mr. Joe Sincuk, Mr. Jim Krupa, and the field crew at the Horticultural Research Center. This work would not have been possible without their assistance. |
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