Behavior of the 'douradão' peach in Itupeva

The 'Douradão' peach trees evaluated in Itupeva, SP, Brazil (23º05'S), at 6 x 4m spacing presented medium vigor, compact growth, and short branches with 2.24 buds per node, being 1.58 reproductive. After six years of development the peach trees reached 13.4 m3 canopy volume, 437 cm² trunk cross-sectional area 43cm² leaf area, and 67 leafs per branch meter. The blooming occured in early-July, with 65 self-fertile flowers per shoot meter, 41.3 anthers per flower, 1,345 grains of pollen per anther, and 55,548 per flower, with an in vitro germination of 58%. The fruit-set was about 45%, with 18.1 fruits per shoot meter. The average yield was good, with 23, 48, 60 and 65 kg per tree in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th years, equivalent to 9.6, 20, 25 and 27.1 ton.ha-1, respectively. The fruits ripened between October 10 and October 25, with 105 days between full bloom and harvest. 'Douradão' peach trees produced extra-large fruits (160 g), globose-oblong, attractive, with external colour until 90% red (over yellow) and had medium pubescence. The flesh was yellow, firm, freestone, with a pleasant and well balanced taste: ºBrix 16 and pH 4.5. The fruit quality of 'Douradão' is considered excellent for fresh market since it has a good post-harvest conservation.

Prunus persica; peach; breeding