Produção e qualidade dos frutos de cultivares e seleções de pessegueiro na Serra da Mantiqueira

Abstract

This paper aimed to evaluate the production and quality attributes of peach tree cultivars and selections in Serra da Mantiqueira. An assay of competition among cultivars has been implemented in Maria da Fé county, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with seventeen cultivars and selections of peach trees: 'BRS Libra', 'Bolinha', 'Fla 88-13', 'Ouromel-2', 'Aurora-1', 'Jade', 'Aztec Gold', 'Tropical Beauty', 'Sensação', 'Chimarrita', 'Diamante', 'Maciel', Conserva 1122, Cascata 1015, Conserva 1050, Conserva 693 and Cascata 1056. The field was planted in 2006, the spacing was 6.0×4.0 m, and the plants were grafted in 'Okinawa' rootstock. The evaluations were taken in three crop cycles (2009, 2010 and 2011), with the phenological phases, productive aspects and fruit quality attributes being assessed. 'Bolinha', Cascata 1015, 'Ouromel-2', Conserva 1050 and 'Tropical Beauty' did not show alternate bearing. 'Ouromel-2', Conserva 1050 and 'Tropical Beauty' had the highest production, with harvest period between Oct. 13 and Nov. 16. The Ouromel-2 peach cultivar presented fruit quality attributes most suitable for the fresh market, i.e., lower acidity, good firmness and the highest soluble solid content. Conserva 1050 is a good option for industry and 'Tropical Beauty' has a double finality.