Gradients in Maturity and Sugar Levels of Fruit Within Peach Trees

Ian R. Dann, Peter H. Jerie

Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science · 1988 · 40 citations · 0 references

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Abstract

Abstract Peach [ Prunus perscia (L.) Batsch] flowers opened first at the base of young trees and last at the top. In contrast, fruit ripened first at the top of trees and at the tips of laterals. Dry weight and percentage dry weight (% dwt) of the mesocarp of fruit from the upper canopy were consistently greater throughout the season than for fruit from the lower canopy. These differences were large enough to have marketing significance and important implications for the future of mechanical harvesting.