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Performance of Bacterial Spot Tolerant Advanced Peach Selections in Alabama

Applied Research

Elina Coneva
EXTENSION SPECIALIST & PROFESSOR
ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM
AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Peach growers in Alabama are looking for competitive new cultivars to solve various production issues and improve production sustainably. Clemson University peach breeding program has developed new improved peach and nectarine selections that can considerably contribute to sustainability. Advanced selections ‘SC-1’ and ‘SC-2’ possess valuable traits, including fruit tolerance to bacterial spot. An experimental plot was established at the Chilton Research and Extension Center (CREC) near Clanton in Central Alabama in 2017 to test the performance of the two advanced selections in local conditions. The specific objectives of this study are to evaluate the vegetative and productive qualities of ‘SC-1’ and ‘SC-2’ and develop recommendations for peach producers in the state. The two selections produced their first commercial crop in 2021 when measurements were collected to determine total yield and fruit quality attributes. Due to a hard freeze event in mid-February, only 7% of flower bud survival was evident for ‘SC-1’. Consequently, a significant crop loss was evident by the poor total yield/tree (2.7 kg/tree) data recorded. Fruit size was 200.6 g on average for ‘SC-1’. In contrast, 80% freezing temperature survival of the flower buds was recorded for ‘SC-2’. Total yield per tree was high for ‘SC-2’ and averaged 38.3 kg/tree with a mean fruit size of 137.3 g, likely due to the high crop load of 337 fruit/tree. Both selections produced fruit with very attractive appearance and excellent taste. During the 2021 season when heavy bacterial spot infection was recorded in southeastern peach orchards, both selections demonstrated high fruit tolerance to this bacterial disease.

 

 

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Elina Coneva, Ksenija Gasic
  1. Coneva, E. EXTENSION SPECIALIST & PROFESSOR, Auburn Univertsity, Alabama, 36849-5408
  2. Gasic, K. Professor, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29634