Effect of tree architecture on fruit quality and yield attributes of nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina) cv. Fantasia under temperate condition

Abstract

The present study was carried out at research farm of ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar during the year 2009 to 2013. The nectarine cv. Fantasia grafted on wild peach rootstock and subsequently these trees were trained in six different training systems, viz. central leader system, open center system, Y shape- tatura trellis, four scaffolds, modified central leader system and modified open leader system. These six training systems were further evaluated for plant growth, fruit quality, and yield and average data of four years have been statistically analyzed. Significant chromatic variation was recorded for fruit skin color and maximum a∗ value was recorded in tatura trellis (44.13), similarly maximum trunk cross section area (TCSA) (54 cm2 ), fruit yield (32.72 tonnes/ha), fruit quality in terms of fruit weight (105.28 g), fruit length (65.53 mm), fruit diameter (66.85 mm), No. of fruits/plant (310) and yield efficiency (0.379 kg/cm2) were recorded in Y-shape tatura trellis system as compared to other traditional and contemporary tree architecture. Among biochemical parameters, highest TSS (14.66 0B) and ascorbic acid (15 mg/100g fresh fruit weight), titrable acidity (0.311%), TSS/acidity (60.89) was recorded in Y shape tatura trellis system, central leader system and modified open leader system respectively. Likewise total anthocyanin (6.23 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents 100/g fw), total carotenoids (8.71 mg/100 g), total phenols (575 mg GA equivalents/100 g), total flavonols (371 mg catechin equivalents/100 g), diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) (66 mg of AAE/100 g of fresh weight) and Ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) (69.16 mg of AAE/100 g of fresh weight) was recorded in Y shape tatura trellis followed by four scaffold training system. The present study emphasizes the superiority of Y shape tatura trellis system over other training system and could be exploited for higher quality and quantity nectarine production in temperate regions.