Profitable Stonefruit Research

The peach (cv. September Sun) and nectarine (cv. Rose Bright) rootstock experiments are investigating the impact of three crop loads (high, medium and low) across 5 different rootstocks examining effects on yield, distribution of sugars (brix content), maturity and fruit quality.

Topics:

Introduction

Introduction to Stonefruit Laboratory & Peach and Nectarine Root Stock Experiment

Dr Mark O'Connell introduces the peach and nectarine root stock experiment at the Field Laboratory in Tatura, Victoria

Experiment 1

  • Peach cv. September Sun
  • Planted winter 2013
  • Treatments: Rootstock (Nemaguard, Elberta, Krymsk86, Cadaman, Cornerstone) x Crop Load (high, medium, low)
  • Vase tree training
  • 1111 trees/ha

Peach September Sun - Vase on Elberta Rootstock  (Experiment 1)

Peach September Sun - Vase on Cadaman Rootstock (Experiment 1)

Peach September Sun - Vase on Cornerstone Rootstock (Experiment 1)

Experiment 2

  • Nectarine cv. Rose Bright
  • Planted winter 2013
  • Treatments: Rootstock (Nemaguard, Elberta, Krymsk86, Krymsk1, Cornerstone) x Crop Load (high, medium, low)
  • Vase tree training
  • 1111 trees/ha

Nectarine Rose Bright -  Vase on Nemaguard Rootstock (Experiment 2)

Nectarine Rose Bright - Vase on Cornerstone Rootstock  (Experiment 2)

Nectarine Rose Bright - Vase on Elberta Rootstock (Experiment 2)

Nectarine Rose Bright Vase on Krymsk1 Rootstock (Experiment 2)

Nectarine Rose Bright - Vase on Krymsk86 Rootstock (Experiment 2)

Time series videos

Every few weeks photos were taken of each experiment, and produced into a video to show the resulting growth of tree canopies and fruit development.

Time series videos experiments 1 and 2

Virtual Orchard Tour - A look at tree structures in the rootstock experiments

360 degree photos of tree structures in the stonefruit research orchard.

November 2018 - Fruit development

September 2018 - Flowering

July 2018 -  Dormancy (Tree structure outline)

Warning: this software uses a lot of data and may take time to load each panoramic (360 degree) view of the orchard.

*Tour software works best in Chrome or Internet Explorer 11

How to navigate: DESKTOP Computer

To move the picture for a 360 degree view: Use mouse + hold left button

To zoom in and out: use scroll wheel on mouse

To move to the next picture: Select panos (round circle on screen)

Select menu in top right corner for more options.

  • Full screen
  • Auto rotation on/off
  • Auto follow on/off

This research (SF13001 Rootstock and training system to optimize stone fruit bearing and growth) was funded by Agriculture Victoria with co-investment from Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the Summerfruit levy and funds from the Australian Government.

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