Ongoing research

Water is a precious commodity in California agriculture. We have conducted a number of research projects to figure out how irrigation water can be conserved in peach orchards. Our first objective has been to determine the precise water use of peach orchards using a large weighing lysimeter.

Trunk or scaffold girdling is performed on early season peaches and nectarines to increase fruit size, advance maturity and reduce the number of harvests. It is most effective when the seed length in the fruit is about 10 mm (3/8"), which generally occurs around one month after bloom.

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Pruning is an essential, although expensive, procedure in stone fruit orchards. In order to optimize this practice, we have conducted many research projects over the past 30 years and have come to two main conclusions. First, trees should be minimally pruned in the first couple of years.

Regular leaf sampling for nutrients can be a valuable tool for diagnosing nutritional problems in the orchard and also evaluating the effectiveness of one's fertilization program.

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You can select one of the characteristics to the left to filter the rootstock database. You can also use the search box below to find more specific information.

Magnesium deficiency is rare in California stone fruit orchards. Symptoms include a "V" shaped chlorotic area at the apical end of leaves. Irregular necrotic areas along the margin of leaves can also develop.

Boron deficiency of stone fruit is rare in the San Joaquin Valley (survey), even though B deficiency has been found in many vineyards in the area. Symptoms that have been observed include shoot dieback and the subsequent development of many side shoots.

We have tested dozens of chemicals that have potential for thinning peaches, plums and nectarines. Most are caustic materials that "burn" off flowers when applied at the time of bloom.