Peach (lat. Prunus persica) is a deciduous fruit species belonging to the Prunoideae order, the rose family (Rosaceae). Stone fruits related to peaches, such as plums, cherries, sour cherries, apricots, belong to this order and family. It is also called peach, briska, briskva and praskva. The main reason for growing peaches is the delicious and aromatic fruit, whose taste is sweet and refreshing, which is why the peach is considered a high-quality and profitable fruit. Peach has a shorter life span than other fruit trees – on average it is 15 – 20 years, and it reaches full fruit in the 5th or 6th year after planting.
A peach tree can grow up to 10 m in height. The crown is branched, round and sparse. The leaves are simple, alternate, lanceolate or elliptical in shape, short pointed and 7 – 15 cm long. The upper side of the leaf is green and bare, while the lower side initially has tiny hairs.
The bark of the tree is brown, smooth and shiny at first, and later gray-brown and longitudinally fissured. The buds are small, ovoid, reddish in color, and the flowers are bisexual and sessile. The inflorescence is double and consists of a calyx with 5 lobes and a corolla and numerous red stamens. The plant blooms in early spring and flowering lasts 10 – 14 days. The fruit is a round drupe with juicy flesh and a velvety skin.
Approximately 18,000,853 t/year is produced in the world. of peaches, which makes this plant eighth in the total world fruit production. It is mostly produced in China, where it originates and where it grows wild. After China, the highest production intensity is in Europe, especially in the Mediterranean countries, followed by the USA. The peach is an ideal fruit species for every garden, where it acts decoratively during flowering and attracts pollinators.
Peach varieties
There are a total of 59 peach varieties, of which 31 are active and 28 are inactive. There are autochthonous peach varieties in Croatia, such as the vineyard peach, and the main division of the varieties is according to the time of ripening. Therefore, there are early summer and late varieties.
Vineyard peach
Vinogradarska peach is one of the autochthonous varieties from Croatia and the region. It is recognizable by the fact that it is very resistant to diseases and pests. The tree is low and small and can be planted every 3 m. The fruit is medium-sized and has a refined taste. The fruit can be slightly elongated, and the flesh of the peach can be white or different shades of red. Fertility is good or average, depending on growing conditions and available water. There are many varieties – from small to large, yellow, red and orange fruits with white, yellow or red colored flesh.
Springcrest
A variety of high yield and lush growth. It ripens very early – in mid-June. The fruit is medium-sized, round-shaped, with an average weight of about 120 g, elongated with a sometimes pronounced tip, uniform in size, completely covered in an intense red color. The flesh of the fruit is yellow, medium firm, of good quality. The bone is partially or completely separated from the meat. The advantage of this variety is that it tolerates transportation well.
Spring Lady
The Spring Lady variety is a large-fruited and early peach variety. It ripens at the beginning of July and gives birth regularly and abundantly. The fruit is of good quality, medium-sized, oval to round. The skin is yellow-green, and the flesh is yellow-orange, juicy and firm. It is a self-pollinating variety that does not need a pollinator variety.
Baby Gold
This variety is characterized by firm, juicy and sweet flesh that allows harvesting and processing of fruits at full maturity. The fruits do not have redness around the stone, and the skin is easily removed by immersing them in boiling water for a period of 60 seconds and cooling them suddenly in cold water. The advantage of this variety compared to others is that the fruits are resistant to darkening after picking. The fruits of this variety are often used to make compote and porridge, and they are also great for fresh consumption. It ripens at the end of July.
Peach cultivation
Before cultivation, it is necessary to carefully study the ecological conditions of growth: climate, average temperatures, humidity and precipitation, type and characteristics of the soil, neighboring plantations and the potential transmission of pests and diseases, relief and exposure of the terrain. It is very important to correctly choose the peach variety to be grown – choosing a variety adapted to all agro-ecological conditions and growing climate is the main preventive measure against diseases and pests.
Matching culture
Before planting peaches, it is desirable to enrich the soil with nitrogen as much as possible through green fertilization, i.e. by sowing nitrogen-fixing pre-cultures or legumes, which include: red and white clover, incarnate, alfalfa, asparagus, marigold, fenugreek, lupine, vetch and legumes, such as what are peas, beans, broad beans.
From cereals, good pre-cultures for green fertilization are: rye, oats, Italian ryegrass and barley, and from brassicas they are mustard, oil radish, oil rape and sunflower.
It is not recommended to plant peaches on land where a forest, vineyard (vine) or plantation of other woody crops previously grew, due to the potential retention of pathogenic fungi in the soil to which the peach is sensitive.
Although peaches will not interfere with their development, nectarines, figs, apricots, apples, pomegranates and citrus fruits are not good to plant nearby because of common pests.
Watering
Some varieties of peach are more resistant to drought, and some less so. Depending on the variety, it is necessary to adjust the irrigation. Most large-fruited peach varieties are sensitive to drought, because the fruits require large amounts of water. Peaches have the highest water requirements during late spring and summer, when air temperatures begin to rise significantly. Then the saplings grow intensively and fruits are formed, which requires irrigation. Irrigation should not be overdone, i.e. irrigate in rainy periods, when there is enough water in the soil.
Peach is a fruit species very sensitive to excess water in the soil, which can lead to suffocation and rotting of the roots, especially if it is grown in soils that are not permeable and that do not have favorable other physical properties. On such soils, plum is used as a substrate, due to its greater tolerance to water retention.
Fertilization
Before fertilizing, it is necessary to carry out a chemical analysis of the soil in order to determine the composition and quantity of the necessary micro and macro elements. Peach has the highest requirements for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The first fertilization must be carried out before planting. Fertilizer is placed at the bottom of previously dug pits measuring 50 x 50 x 50 cm.
If fertilization is done with mineral fertilizer, it is necessary to use NPK fertilizer with fruit-growing formulations (5-20-30, 7-14-21, etc.).
After planting the seedling, it is fertilized with mature manure. When fertilizing, it is necessary to pay attention to the period – nitrogen should not be added late, so as not to prolong the growing season and not fully ripen the saplings, which can be killed by frost. Phosphorus is introduced in the fall, into the deeper layers of the soil.
If necessary, feeding can be done every year or every other year, it depends on the nutrient supply of the soil. It can be fed with mineral and organic fertilizers, and it is recommended to feed with nitrogen fertilizers 2 – 3 weeks before the fruits drop in June.
Propagation
For growing purposes, peach is most often propagated by means of green or lignified cuttings. It can also be propagated by seeds, but this method of cultivation generally requires later vaccination.
Transplantation
Peach seedlings can be transplanted into the ground in spring or autumn. They should be sufficiently developed, at least 80 cm high, 2 – 2.5 cm in diameter. The twigs of the seedling should also be well developed, without damage from the cold and traces of disease or pest attacks. Seedlings that are too small in diameter often do not survive after transplanting, due to lack of strength and energy. After transplanting, it is necessary to water the seedling well, and in order for the plant to be more resistant later, the root of the seedling can be mycorrhized.
Ground
Peach cultivation gives the best results on well-permeable, deep soils, on sandy loam or on light, sandy to sandy-loamy soils. The ideal pH for cultivation is 6.0 – 7.0. The soil should be of low salinity and should not contain more than 5% of physiologically active lime. The arable and surface layer of the soil should be deep, loose, rich in humus and with a good water, air and heat regime. A good structure and supply of soil with humus are crucial for the successful growth and development of peaches. The percentage of humus should be at least 2 – 2.5%.
Before planting, it is necessary to carry out deep plowing, i.e. deep plowing to a depth of 60 – 90 cm. Cultivation is carried out in the summer months, after which plate-making is carried out to prepare the soil for planting.
Climate
Peaches are grown mainly in a temperate zone with two types of climate: a continental climate with rainfall from May to October and a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and hot and dry summers. Warm habitats with plenty of sun suit it, and it is best suited to a moderate climate with low winter temperatures and warm summer temperatures, and it tolerates mild and rainy Mediterranean winters well.
Air temperature and precipitation have the greatest influence on the peach, and light is also important. It is sensitive to late spring frosts, which cause the greatest damage to this species. Peach is a heliophyte plant and requires a lot of light, which is important for the proper development of the buds and the color and quality of the fruits. The ideal temperature range for peach cultivation is considered to be 35 – 20°C, with an average growing temperature of 18 – 20°C and a frost-free period of 200 days.
Critical minimum temperatures are between -20 and -25°C, and for buds in opening -0.7 and -5.5°C. The most favorable positions are with average daily temperature (during the development and ripening of fruits) of 18 – 23°C. It does not tolerate strong wind blows and excess water in the root area.
Peach planting
Planting a peach takes place in the same way as planting other woody fruit species and it is not a complicated process. Peach can be planted in several ways (seeds or seedlings) and in different conditions (outdoors or indoors). The key is to choose an ideal sunny and protected planting site for outdoor cultivation and the appropriate variety for the climate and other ecological conditions.
Planting time
Peaches are planted in spring or autumn. In warm and Mediterranean regions, it is recommended to plant in autumn so that the young plant can take advantage of the autumn rains and get stronger for the dry summer period next year. Spring planting is done in continental regions. The optimal soil temperature for planting is 12 – 15°C.
Selection of the substrate
Various types of fruit can be used as peach bases – almond, peach and almond crossbreeds, plum or apricot. Also, the seeds of the vineyard peach are used a lot, which matches well with all varieties of peach, and it is precisely this one that is used the most as a generative substrate in our region, especially in areas where the soil is not moist. Vineyard peach as a rootstock gives an early and abundant harvest and makes the plant very resistant to drought. It is not suitable for clay and carbonate soils.
GF 667, a cross between peach and almond, is also often used. This substrate is suitable for dry soils of lower fertility. Damas 1896 rootstock is a cross between Prunus domestica and Prunus spinose, i.e. plum and thorn. It is a less lush substrate suitable for growing in a dense group on heavier and moist soils. It is less resistant to drought and its fruits ripen earlier.
Foundation ST. Juliana GF 655/2 is a French rootstock for plum and peach and is suitable for growing in a dense setting on carbonate soils. It is considered to be highly resistant to root cancer and lead disease.
Planting from seeds
Peach seeds can be sown directly into the soil during autumn or spring, and can be stored until January or December, after which cold treatment or stratification is carried out, in order to encourage germination. Stratification is done by first soaking the seeds in water for about 1-2 hours, after which they are placed in a plastic bag with slightly moist soil. It is stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of -6°C. Germination in this way can take from several weeks to several months, depending on the germination of the seed and the variety.
Another way is to sow peach seeds directly into the soil, which is done in the fall. The soil should be well drained and rich in organic matter. If the soil is poor, compost or other organic material should be added.
The pit or seed is planted to a depth of about 8 – 10 cm, and then covered with 2.5 cm of compost or other organic substrate that will protect the seed from the cold. For additional protection against low temperatures, the soil can be mulched with straw. It is necessary to water it during planting and continue watering, but not too often, but only when the soil is dry. By spring, the peach sprouts and new young seedlings grow.
Planting seedlings
Planting peaches through seedlings is a more common method than planting through seeds. The main advantage is that the seedling takes root better and faster and is quickly adaptable to external conditions. Seedlings are usually easily available in nurseries, and it is also possible to grow your own cuttings from an adult peach tree. In both cases, the seedling before planting should be up to 150 cm in height, and the ideal height is 70 – 80 cm.
It is also important that there is no mechanical or other damage to the roots and that all plant organs are healthy – without diseases and pests. It is desirable that the bark of the seedling is smooth and tender, also without damage. Before planting, it is good to dip the root in growth hormone or in a solution of water and mycorrhizal fungi. It is planted in a fertilized hole 75 cm deep and 60 cm wide. A seedling bought from a nursery is usually already grafted, while your own cuttings need to be grafted by hand.
Cultivation in the garden
Peach is an ideal fruit tree for the garden. In addition to decorating the garden in spring with its highly decorative pink flowers, it smells and attracts bees and other pollinators. The ideal place in a peach garden is a sunny place protected from the wind. A peach tree needs at least eight hours of direct sunlight every day in order to produce quality fruit. If the soil is clayey and poorly drained, the peach can be planted on a raised pile of soil, or so-called. raised bed.
It is planted in a hole several centimeters deeper and twice as wide as the root of the seedling. Then a stake can be driven next to the hole, to a depth of at least 2 m. The stake serves as a support for the young plant while it takes root. An earthen “pool” can be made around the seedling, so that the soil retains water. The planted tree is mulched and attached to the stake with ties.
Before growing in the garden, it is necessary to think about the place of planting, because in that place the tree will remain for years. The best exposure for a peach is north-south.
Growing in a greenhouse
Peaches, as well as other woody fruits, can be grown in a greenhouse. This cultivation method is typical for intensive and industrialized plantations that aim to achieve an early harvest, already at the end of March and during April. For such high-tech cultivation, it is necessary to monitor and control the microclimate of the greenhouse. Lighting, temperature, water, ratio of CO2 and O2, etc. are controlled. Reflective films are used on the floor and outside of the greenhouse structure, in order to increase the illumination.
Growing in a greenhouse can accelerate fruit ripening by 10 – 50 days. Cultivation in a greenhouse in the northern regions is more common, because it prevents soil freezing, bud bursting and extending the season by 10 – 30 days. In our climate, growing in a greenhouse is not a common practice, except for growing seedlings.
Cultivation in a container
Peaches can also be kept in a container or jar. It is important that the container is large enough so that the spindle root has as much space as possible to grow. It is necessary to know that when the root reaches its maximum size, even the aerial part will not develop anymore. Which means that the peach in the container stops growing after some time and is mainly used for decorative purposes.
It is also possible to grow a bonsai peach tree in a container. The soil in the pot should be rich in humus and well permeable. The plant should not be watered often, considering that the water does not have a surrounding space to drain away, but it is possible to stay in the root area, which can cause rotting of the roots. For growing peaches in a container, it is recommended to choose less lush varieties.
Maintenance and care
Peaches require a lot of regular care and maintenance. Among the agrotechnical measures, the most important are irrigation, maintenance of the growing form by pruning and fruit thinning. In order to achieve the appropriate size and quality of fruits, it is necessary to carry out auxiliary measures, the most important of which are fruit thinning and branch pruning.
Resting phase
The dormant phase of the peach lasts from autumn to early spring. Peach is a deciduous tree, and in autumn the leaves turn yellow and fall off. During winter deep dormancy, it is necessary to pay attention to the danger of the tree freezing – critical temperatures for peaches in that phase range from – 20 to – 24°C. In the dormant phase, peach seedlings are planted and technical interventions are carried out, especially pruning and protection against diseases and pests, especially leaf curl.
Plantation maintenance
Maintenance of peach plantations includes irrigation, fertilization, pruning, fruit thinning, protection from pests and diseases, maintenance of the growing form of the crown, weeding, loosening of the soil, autumn tillage at a depth of 25 – 30 cm, plowing, spring pruning and cultivation with a disc or cultivator. The plantation is also maintained by shaping – in the first year, in the second year during the winter months and in the third year, when all watering holes and competitive branches are removed.
Thinning
Peach requires an agrotechnical thinning measure, in order to achieve the appropriate proportion and quality of the fruits. It can happen that in years with optimal weather conditions, a large set of fruits occurs, which is why the fruits do not achieve satisfactory quality (shape, color, diameter, taste, aroma). Poor quality occurs because the plant does not have enough energy to feed all the fruits, which is why thinning is necessary.
In trees up to three years old, they are thinned, that is, all the fruits are removed in order to enable better development and growth of the vegetative organs, especially the roots. After the third year, the fruits in the row are thinned to a distance of 12, 15 and 20 cm for varieties with large, medium and small fruits and for self-fertilizing varieties that produce a large number of flowers.
Pruning
Peach pruning is done in the resting phase. Winter pruning can also be carried out in order to reduce the load on the genus. Then the short reproductive shoots are removed, the flowers in bloom are thinned and the top of the seedling is shortened if the branches have not grown to the required height. Buds will grow below the cut site, from which primary and secondary branches can be formed. Low branches are pruned to the end, and other twigs and branches first to 2 buds, then to the end in the summer.
Green pruning is done in order to form the desired growing form of the tree, that is, to achieve the correct ratio of vegetative and generative plant organs. Cultivation forms used in the cultivation of peaches are cupped crown (vase), regular and irregular palmette with slanting branches, and free and semi-free palmette. In dense plantations on a weakly lush substrate, the cultivation form spindly bush and slender spindle are used.
Summer pruning is also possible, when the shoots can be pinched, bent to the desired angle and direction of growth and broken. Summer pruning includes the removal of leaves around the fruits, so that the fruits are more illuminated and take on color.
Harvest
The time of harvesting peaches can be from May to August, which depends primarily on whether it is an early or late variety. For example, Springcrest is harvested around June 15, Spring Lady around June 20, Maygold around July 10, Royal glory around July 20, Redhaven at the end of July.
In our regions, especially in the Mediterranean regions, it is not recommended to grow late varieties without irrigation due to the high heat, which causes lower fertility and harvest. The fruits ripen quickly and can fully ripen even after harvesting. Optimum harvest time is important to achieve the maximum yield, size and properties of the fruit. It is considered that fruits harvested earlier are of lower quality, but have the possibility of better storage.
Harvesting begins when the fruits change color, i.e. when the fruit is sufficiently soft and sweet. A good time to start harvesting is when the skin of the fruit changes color from green to yellow or cream. It is harvested several times, mostly 2 – 4 times.
Storage
Peaches have a short shelf life of 3-4 weeks after harvest. The length of storage depends on various factors, for example the hardness of the fruit, the time of harvesting, the elapsed time from harvesting to storage, the amount of sugar in the fruit, the temperature of storage, etc. During the period from harvesting to storage, it is important to handle the fruits carefully and gently, so as not to cause to bruising and faster decay of fruits. Sometimes exposing the fruits of certain varieties to temperatures of around 5°C can shorten the storage period. It is recommended to store the fruits at a temperature of around 0°C, in a dark place.
Preparation for the next season
After harvesting and entering the rest phase of the trees, it is desirable to carry out certain agrotechnical measures in preparation for the next growing season. The measures include mulching, feeding, protection from potential frost, mulching and timely monitoring of the appearance of pests and diseases in order to start the protection treatment on time.
Diseases
The resistance of trees to diseases depends on the variety and the agro-ecological conditions of the growing area. Peaches are generally susceptible to attacks of fungal and viral diseases, which is why some preventive measures can be applied, such as choosing a resistant variety, regularly monitoring the appearance of symptoms, especially during humid and warm spring days, pruning the crown and planting trees at a larger distance in rows. The most common peach diseases are leaf curl and blight of flowers, buds and fruit.
Leaf curl
The causative agent of this disease is the pathogenic fungus Taphrina deformans. Symptoms are visible in the spring, in May. The leaves first change shape, becoming curly, blistered, thickened and hypertrophied. The curled parts of the leaf change color to green-white or reddish. The reverse side of the leaf is also infected and a white coating can be seen. In case of severe infection, the leaves dry up and fall off. In favorable climatic conditions, it can happen that the plant seems to recover from the infection and that the leaves grow again. Then the plant is even more exhausted, which causes poor bud formation, reduced fertility and increased sensitivity to freezing.
The critical period for infection with this disease in our region lasts from 10 days to 9 weeks. The ideal climatic conditions for the occurrence of the disease are rainy and humid days (more than 10 mm of precipitation, at least 10 hours of wetting of plant organs), with an air temperature of 10 – 20°C. It is considered that the best protection of peach against leaf curl is preventive protection, i.e. winter spraying with copper preparations before symptoms appear. When treating with copper preparations, it is important not to treat during the vegetation phase, due to potential phytotoxicity to the plant.
Arson
The cause of the fire is the pathogenic fungus Monilinia laxa. The fungus attacks flowers, shoots and fruits, and the main symptoms are the change of color of the petals and leaves (they turn light brown), the leaves become watery and limp, the appearance of small watery spots on the fruit, which soon turns brown. The spot gets larger over time, until it spreads over the entire fruit.
The fungus, the causative agent of ringworm, is spread by wind, rain or insects, and the ideal climatic conditions for the occurrence of this disease are a relative humidity of more than 85% and an air temperature between 22 and 28°C. Over time, the parasitic fungus attacks the tissue, spreads through the conducting vessels and can cause the entire plant to wither. Often, the infection occurs in places that are damaged by aphids, thrips, powdery mildew or hail.
After the early symptoms of blight are noticed, it is necessary to remove the infected plant organ as soon as possible and remove it from the orchard or garden, and it is best to burn it. If all preventive measures do not help control, difenconazole 250 g/l, copper oxychloride 350 g/kg and pyraclostrobin 6.7% + boscalid 26.7% can be applied.
Pests
In intensive peach plantations, pests are not uncommon, which is why it is necessary to implement preventive measures as in the case of diseases. The most common pests of peaches are green peach aphid, peach borer and peach moth.
Green peach aphid
This pest (lat. Myzus persicae) causes significant damage in peach orchards and belongs to the Aphididae family. It has an elongated body and wings with a dark spot. It is yellow-green in color. Louse hatches from eggs already in February in continental areas, and in Mediterranean areas at the end of January. Wingless colonies are created on the peach, where they develop for up to several generations, after which they move. Before moving, aphids cause great damage to peach trees, which can be seen by leaf curling and a layer of honeydew on the leaves. Honeydew is dangerous because it causes the fungal disease sooty (black spots and coatings on the leaves), which reduce the photosynthetic activity of the leaves.
The generation with developed wings appears in the Mediterranean at the end of April, and on the continent in May. The ideal condition for the development of peach aphids is a temperature of 20°C. During the spring, aphids are capable of spreading viral diseases on the peach, and during July the maximum infection occurs. In August, the number decreases, and in September it increases again. Eggs are laid mainly in October, and can also be laid in November and December, if the weather conditions are favorable in autumn. The safest method of treatment is the use of deltamethrin 25 g/l, and there are also organic preparations.
Peach moth
Peach moth (lat. Anarsia lineatella) is, like the peach curler, a pest that damages the fruit. The peach moth butterfly is gray and the caterpillars are brown. It causes worminess of the fruit and can cause damage to saplings as well. It feeds on the flesh of the fruit by biting the fruit and creating “corridors” that it fills with excrement. The result of the attack is a fruit that looks completely damaged in cross-section. The attack of the peach moth can often be seen by the appearance of resin accumulations on the fruit. The moth becomes active in the spring and has 2 – 3 generations per year. Fruits damaged by the peach moth have a lower market value and are considered undesirable. It is treated mainly with insecticides, but natural insecticides, repellants or nets for mechanical control can also be used.
Use of peach
The most famous application of peach is in cooking. However, the peach also has medicinal properties and has a beneficial effect on the human body, which is why it is also used in medicine and cosmetics.
Preparations
Cookery
Peaches are a prized fruit that is used in many recipes around the world due to its sweet taste and aroma. It is best to use the fruit while it is fresh, due to the fast spoilage period, especially if the fruit is kept outside the refrigerator. Varieties with white fruit are generally sweeter, while varieties with yellow fruit have a richer aroma and are more watery. Peaches can be used in sweet and savory recipes and can be stewed, dried, baked, canned or cooked.
The most famous recipes from peach fruit are: peach jams or marmalades, compote, ice cream, fruit salad, sauce, liqueurs, brandies, and you can also make salsa, which is used as an addition to salty dishes, such as roast meat.
Cosmetics
Peach pit oil, which is light in color, is used in cosmetics. It has a refreshing effect and is used as an ingredient in light lotions and moisturizing creams. It has a protective and hydrating effect, and can also be used as a massage oil, an ingredient for balms and baths, and in making fragrant and relaxing candles. It is also used as a mask for dry skin, but also as a mask against wrinkles and aging, which is attributed to the richness of Vitamin C, which is very good at delaying the appearance of various signs of aging on the skin, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin E from peaches protects and hydrates the skin and contributes to its recovery from damage caused by free radicals.
Medicine
Peaches have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, especially in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, and are also mentioned in the records of Ayurvedic medicine. The fruit is rich in sugar, carotene, fruit acids, proteins, minerals (potassium, copper, manganese) and vitamins A, B and C, E and K. Fresh peaches are recommended for everyone – children, sick people, obese people, convalescents, elderly people, athletes, pregnant and lactating women. A tea is prepared from the leaves and flowers for calming, digestive spasms and detoxification.
Fresh juice and fruit have a calming and refreshing effect on the body and are recommended for the recovery of the liver and stomach and for better digestion and urination. The richness of the fruit in vitamin A makes the peach a food that is good for eye health. Peach fruit also strengthens immunity, reduces the risk of cancer, contributes to heart health, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, strengthens bones, calms the nervous system and allergies.
Interesting things
The peach comes from China and was domesticated 4 – 5,000 years ago. The main route of movement, i.e. the spread of this culture from China, was via the Western Sea, from India and the Middle East, and via the Silk Road through Persia, i.e. today’s Iran. It was introduced to the Mediterranean from Persia, 400 – 300 BC. The peach came to the New World with explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the Portuguese introduced it to South America, while the Spanish did it in northern Florida.
China has approximately 30,000 ha of peaches that are commercially produced in greenhouses.
The Latin name of the genus Prunus comes from the Greek word “proumnon” which means plum tree.
The species name “persica” is the reason why the peach was thought to originate from Persia, i.e. today’s Iran.
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