Performance of Peach and Nectarine in a High Density System in Italy

Performance trials were conducted oyer 7 years (1974–1980) on ‘Springcrest’ and ‘Redhaven’ peach and on ‘Early Sungrand’, ‘Flavortop’, and ‘Stark Redgold’ nectarine [ Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] in a commercial orchard established in northern Italy. The trees, budded on INRA Saint Julien GF 655-2, were spaced at 4 × 2 m (1250 trees/ha) and trained as free spindles. Trees began cropping in the second growing season (1976). Cumulative yield (1976 to 1980) ranged from 155 MT/ha in ‘Stark Redgold’ nectarine to 892 MT/ha in ‘Springcrest’ peach. Fruits sized well and were of satisfactory color.