Introduction
Peach (Prunus persica) is a significant temperate fruit crop in India, valued for its juicy texture, delightful flavor, and nutritional benefits. It is cultivated primarily in the northern states, including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and parts of the northeastern region. The introduction of low-chilling varieties has expanded its cultivation to subtropical areas, enhancing its commercial viability.
Soil and Climate
Soil Requirements:
Peach thrives in deep, well-drained sandy loam soils rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH ranges between 5.8 and 6.8. Soils prone to waterlogging or with high salinity are unsuitable for peach cultivation.
Climatic Conditions:
Peach requires a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Traditional varieties need 400–1000 chilling hours (temperatures below 7°C) during winter for proper bud break. However, low-chilling varieties requiring 150–300 hours have been developed for subtropical regions. Optimal fruit development occurs with warm days and cool nights.
Varieties
Several peach varieties are cultivated in India, categorized based on their chilling requirements:
- Low-Chilling Varieties: Prabhat, Pratap, Flordasun, Shan-e-Punjab, Florida Red Sun, Floridaprince.
- High-Chilling Varieties: Redhaven, July Elberta, J.H. Hale, Elberta, Quetta, Glohaven.
Propagation and Rootstock
Propagation Methods:
Peach is commonly propagated through budding and grafting techniques:
- T-Budding: Performed in July–August on one-year-old rootstocks.
- Tongue Grafting: Conducted in February on dormant rootstocks.
Rootstocks:
Rootstocks influence tree vigor, adaptability, and disease resistance. Common rootstocks include:
- Wild Peach: Preferred for well-drained soils.
- Plum: Suitable for heavy or waterlogged soils.
Planting Density, Planting Time, Planting Method
Planting Time:
The ideal planting period is during the dormant season, from December to January. In regions with irrigation facilities, planting can also be done in June–August.
Planting Density:
Standard spacing is 6.5 × 6.5 meters, accommodating approximately 250 trees per hectare. High-density planting with 5 × 5 meters spacing can be adopted with appropriate canopy management.
Planting Method:
Pits of 0.75 × 0.75 × 0.75 meters are dug and filled with a mixture of topsoil, 20 kg of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM), 125 g of urea, and 25 ml of chlorpyriphos. Planting is done slightly above ground level to prevent waterlogging.
Irrigation
Young peach trees require regular irrigation, especially during dry spells. Critical stages for irrigation include:
- Flowering and Fruit Set: Adequate moisture is essential for fruit development.
- Fruit Development: Regular watering ensures optimal fruit size and quality.
Drip irrigation is recommended for efficient water use. Avoid over-irrigation to prevent root diseases.
Manure and Fertilizers
Nutrient requirements vary with the age of the tree:
| Age (Years) | FYM (kg/tree) | Urea (g/tree) | SSP (g/tree) | MOP (g/tree) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 10–15 | 150–200 | 200–300 | 150–300 |
| 3–4 | 15–20 | 500–700 | 500–700 | 400–600 |
| 5 and above | 25–30 | 1000 | 1000 | 800 |
Apply the full dose of FYM, SSP, and MOP during December–January. Split the urea application into two equal doses: one before bud break and the other after fruit set.
Intercultural Operations
Weed Management:
Regular weeding is essential, especially during the initial years. Mulching with organic materials like straw helps suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. Herbicides such as Diuron (800 g–1 kg/acre) or Glyphosate (6 ml/acre) can be used as pre- or post-emergence treatments.
Intercropping:
Intercropping is feasible during the first 3–4 years. Suitable intercrops include legumes (peas, beans), vegetables (tomato, cabbage), and spices (ginger).
Training and Pruning
Training:
Peach trees are trained using the open-center system to allow sunlight penetration and air circulation. Select 3–4 well-spaced scaffold branches during the first year and remove other shoots.
Pruning:
Annual pruning is crucial as peaches bear fruit on one-year-old shoots. Prune during December–January to remove diseased, dead, or crossing branches and to encourage new growth.
Major Pests
- Peach Leaf Curl Aphid: Causes curling and yellowing of leaves. Control by spraying Dimethoate (Rogor) @ 1.5 ml/l of water.
- Stem Borer: Larvae bore into stems, causing gum exudation. Inject affected areas with Monocrotophos @ 2.5 ml/l of water and seal with mud.
- Flat-Headed Borer: Feeds on foliage, leading to branch dieback. Drench with Durmet 20 EC @ 1000 ml/acre in 500 liters of water post-harvest.
Major Diseases
- Powdery Mildew: White powdery growth on leaves and buds. Control by spraying Sulfex @ 2.5 g/l of water.
- Shot Hole Disease: Dark brown lesions on leaves leading to holes. Spray Captan @ 2 g/l of water.
- Brown Rot: Causes wilting of petals and young twigs. Spray Carbendazim @ 0.1% before 3 weeks of harvesting.
Harvesting
Peach trees start bearing fruit in 2–3 years. Harvesting is done from April to July, depending on the variety and region. Fruits are picked when they attain full size, color, and slight softness.126