Stone Fruit

How to increase stone fruit yield

The right combination of an optimum fruit load on the tree and a high fruit weight or size is essential to achieve high stone fruit yields.

How to increase stone fruit size and weight

Potassium is a key driver of fruit size or weight and alongside nitrogen required in large quantities throughout fruit development and ripening.

How to increase stone fruit number

Whereas the effect of nitrogen on the number of fruits per tree is not clear, particularly phosphorus and magnesium have been found to increase fruit number. Boron, iron and zinc also support higher yields by helping the tree to produce more fruits.

How to improve stone fruit quality

There are a number of variables that define stone fruit quality requirements. Quality standards differ depending on the stone fruit type, growth region and the market.

How to manage stone fruit firmness

Firmness of fruit flesh is affected by a wide range of parameters. High temperature result in a loose cell structure, reducing the firmness of the fruits.

How to prevent stone fruit cracking and splitting

Splitting or cracking, usually as a result of rainfall prior to harvest, is a serious problem in all stone fruit, especially in cherries and plums, as it renders fruit unmarketable.

How to improve stone fruit coloration

Produce buyers constantly prefer redder fruit. Some varieties develop redder colour than others. Although the red colour differs for each variety, it can be maximized in any of them by managing light intensities (shading, pruning) and nutrition.

How to manage internal breakdown of stone fruit

The main cause for internal breakdown is an inadequate physiological growth leading to a breakdown of internal tissues. Fruit flesh browns from fluid oxidation, becomes leathery or mealy and there is a loss of juiciness and flavour. In severe cases, tissues become spongy.

How to reduce storage rot in stone fruit

Storage rots are caused by a range of pathogens including Botrytis cinerea, Geotrichum, Alternaria, Phomopsis, Penicillium sp, Rhizopus, Saccharomyces sp, and Cladosporium sp.

How to improve stone fruit health

Healthy stone fruit trees are the key to productive, high-yielding and top quality crops. A balanced crop nutrition is essential to promote health and minimize nutrient related disorders in stone fruit.

Balancing Total Soluble Solids and Acidity Ratio in Stone Fruit

The TSS content of the fruit is usually obtained from assessing the oBrix of the fruit. The TSS or ‘sugar content’ measures and includes the carbohydrates, organic acids, proteins, fats and minerals of the fruit.

Agronomic Principles for Stone Fruit

Peach and nectarine trees can produce fruit from the second year onwards and around 80-95% of flowers need to be thinned in order to produce marketable fruit.

Stone Fruit – Nutritional Summary

Most nutrients, namely N, P, K, Mg, B and Mn are stored and retained as reserves in the tree buds, trunk and roots.

Stone Fruit – Application Strategies

It is important to incorporate good levels of phosphorus within the root zone before planting the orchard. In established orchards, dry-applied fertilizers can be broadcast across the soil surface or banded underneath the leaf canopy drip-line.

Stone Fruit Types and Market Requirements

Peach, nectarine, apricot and sweet and sour cherry production are within the genus Prunus.

Role of Nutrients by Growth Phase in Stone Fruit