Observations on nine peach rootstocks grown in a replant soil

‘Flavorcrest’ peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] trees grafted onto nine rootstocks (four hybrids of peach, almond and P. davidiana: Barrier 1, Cadaman, GF 677, and Sirio; five plum clones: Ishtara, Julior, Mr.S.2/5, Penta and Puebla) were grown in a replant soil in the Pisa Province (Italy). Trees were planted on January 1998 at 4.5 x 2.0 m spacing and trained to a free spindle (‘fusetto’). Measurements of the vegetative growth, yield, phenology and fruit quality of each tree were recorded annually. Results of trunk cross-sectional area, size and volume of the canopy, summer and winter pruning weights showed that Barrier 1, GF 677 and Cadaman were the most vigorous rootstocks followed by plum clones and then Sirio. Sirio and plum clones had earlier harvest times compared to the other rootstocks; whereas fruit ripening on GF 677 and Barrier 1 was delayed. Cumulative yield was highest on Cadaman and GF 677 and lowest on Penta, Sirio and Mr.S. 2/5, while yield efficiency was highest on Sirio, Julior, Puebla, Cadaman and Ishtara. Fruit size was highest on Barrier 1, GF 677 and Ishtara and lowest on Julior and Sirio. Flesh firmness was highest on vigorous rootstocks (Barrier 1, Cadaman and GF 677) while a lower soluble solids content was found only on Barrier 1 rootstock. Finally, there was a higher mortality rate, for Ishtara, Julior and Sirio, due to replant disease.