Evaluation of Adaptability, and Vegetative and Generative Traits of Some Peach Cultivars under Meshkinshahr Environmental Condition

Peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] is one of the important stone fruits cultivated in subtropical and temperate zones. In temperate zones, peach faces many problems such as late spring cold, incompatibility, low quality, quantity and low yield. In order to select the best peach cultivars in Meshkinshahr, 25 cultivars of peach were planted in Simple Lattice design (SLD) with two replications and 25 experimental blocks with four trees in each block and 3×4 m spacing. In 3 years’ research (from 2008- 2010) vegetative traits such as trunk diameter, annual growth, tree height and canopy extension and repoductive traits (beginning and ending of flowering, flowering period, harvest date, fruit growth period, yield, TSS, acidity, flesh and skin color) were evaluated. After combined analysis of variance, most cultivars showed proper morphological and pomological compatibility in the studied zone. SunCrest, Dixired, Robin, SpringCrest, Earligold, Amesdn, Alberta, Earlired, Red top, Baby gold 7 and Paeez e Meshkin cultivars showed the best compatibility of vegetative traits. J. H. Hale, Red skin, Loring, Red top, Dixired, Baby gold 7, SunCrest and Meril sundans had the highest yield. SpringCrest, Earliglo, Dixired and Earlired were recommended as early cultivars, Alberta, Loring, Redtop, Baby gold 7 and SunCrest as midseason cultivars, and J. H. Hale, Red skin, Meril sundans and Paeez e Meshkin as late season cultivars. Therefore, the latter cultivars are recommended for planting new orchards