Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
peaches are grown commercially around the Great Lakes and are well suited
to portions of the Okanogan and Fraser Valleys of British Columbia.
Climate concerns. In general, peaches are best adapted to warm and mod-
erate climates. They are among the least cold-hardy of the temperate-zone
fruits and are difficult to grow where winter temperatures fall below −15°F
(−26°C). In colder areas, even the hardiest varieties tend to be short-lived.
They bloom early in spring and are best planted well above frost pockets
where air drainage is good.
As with the other stone fruits, peaches are susceptible to root diseases
and disorders caused by poorly drained soils; they grow best on well-drained
loams, sandy loams, and loamy sands. Soil pH should be slightly acidic. On
alkaline soils, peaches and nectarines are particularly susceptible to iron
chlorosis.
Pests and diseases. In humid regions of the southeastern United States,
peaches and nectarines are considered to be high to very high management
crops because of disease and pest problems. Organic peach production in hu-
mid climates can be particularly challenging due to the peach's susceptibility
to a host of bacterial and fungal diseases. Two species of peach tree borers,
plum curculio and Oriental fruit moth, represent major pests. From an organ-
ic perspective, peaches and nectarines are much easier to produce in the arid
western parts of North America than in eastern regions. Select disease-res-
istant varieties, and use aggressive pest and disease programs, particularly
in humid climates.
Training. Of all temperate zone tree fruits, peaches are probably the most
labor intensive. Unlike most other tree fruits, peaches do not form fruits on
spurs. Instead, the fruits form on 1-year-old shoots, and the trees require ex-
tensive annual pruning to keep them productive. To maintain large size, the
fruit must be thinned, and particular care must be taken during harvest not
to damage the delicate fruit.
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