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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #171757
Title: PEACH VARIETY AND ADVANCED SELECTION EVALUATIONS AND WEB SITE.

Author
item LAYNE, D - CLEMSON
item Okie, William
item HITZLER, E - CLEMSON

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/10/2003
Publication Date: 10/1/2003
Citation: Layne, D.R., Okie, W.R., Hitzler, E.J. 2003. Peach variety and advanced selection evaluations and web site [abstract]. Hortscience. 38(5):799.

Interpretive Summary: In order to provide better information for growers regarding what peach varieties are better adapted for South Carolina conditions, more than 200 commercial peach and nectarine varieties were evaluated at the Musser Fruit Research Farm, Clemson University. The variety orchard had both yellow and white-fleshed varieties. Harvest began the first week of May and ended the middle of September. Bloom dates, fruit set, and ripe date were determined for each variety. Fruit samples were collected at commercial ripe stage and evaluated for the following characteristics (size, firmness, fuzziness, red coloration, attractiveness, pit freeness from flesh and taste). Digital photographs of representative fruit samples were taken on a standard scaled background. Results from 2000, 2001, and 2002 evaluations have been posted on our website. In addition, variety descriptions for all named cultivars have been added. The website has been completely updated and is found at: (http://www.clemson.edu/hort/peach/index.html). Two grower trials in the major peach production regions of SC have also been established. Grower trials consist of 17 standard accepted varieties spanning the entire harvest season. In addition 35 advanced selections from the USDA-Byron breeding program are being evaluated alongside the industry standards. Data for 2002 for the trial in Monetta is currently on-line. Data for 2003 for the Musser trial and the grower trials in Monetta and Cowpens, SC will be presented as well.

Technical Abstract: During 2000-2002, more than 200 commercial peach and nectarine varieties were evaluated at the Musser Fruit Research Farm, Clemson University. The variety orchard comprised both yellow and white-fleshed varieties. Harvest began the first week of May and ended the middle of September. Bloom dates, fruit set, and ripe date were determined for each variety. Fruit samples were collected at commercial ripe stage and evaluated for the following characteristics (size, firmness, fuzziness, red coloration, attractiveness, pit freeness from flesh and taste). Digital photographs of representative fruit samples were taken on a standard scaled background. Results from 2000, 2001, and 2002 evaluations have been posted on our website. In addition, variety descriptions for all named cultivars have been added. The website has been completely updated and is found at: (http://www.clemson.edu/hort/peach/index.html). Two grower trials in the major peach production regions of SC have also been established. Grower trials comprise 17 standard accepted varieties spanning the entire harvest season. 35 advanced selections from the USDA-Byron breeding program are being evaluated alongside the industry standards. 2002 data for the trial in Monetta is currently on-line. 2003 data for the Musser trial and the grower trials in Monetta and Cowpens, SC are presented.