Open AccessPeach Evaluation Website
Author(s) -
Desmond R. Layne,
W.R. “Dick” Okie,
Eric J. Hitzler
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
hortscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.518
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 2327-9834
pISSN - 0018-5345
DOI - 10.21273/hortsci.39.4.800c
Subject(s) - cultivar , horticulture , biology , fruit set , geography , botany , pollen , pollination
The evaluation of peach and nectarine cultivars and advanced selections for suitability of production in the southeastern U.S. has been conducted at Clemson Univ. since 2000. Currently, there are 240+ cultivars and advanced selections being tested at the university's Musser Fruit Farm in Seneca, S.C. The harvest season begins in early May and ends in the middle of September. Additionally, two on-farm grower trials were planted in the primary peach growing regions of the Piedmont (Cowpens, S.C.) and the Ridge (Monetta, S.C.). At the grower locations, advanced selections are compared with industry standard cultivars. Evaluation data collected includes bloom and ripe date, fruit set, shape, color, size, firmness, taste and disease susceptibility. Digital photos are taken to scale at commercial maturity. Evaluation information, photos, plus chill hours, variety descriptions and other valuable information are on the website. In 2004, substantial improvements were made to the site utilizing a database, search and compare tools. The website has been well received by the southeastern commercial peach growers and is utilized to assist them in cultivar selection and to learn more about peach culture in general.