Volume 63 Number 1 Article 4
Year 2009 Month 1
Title: Book Review: The Peach: Botany, Production and Uses
Authors: D. R. Layne, D. Bassi
Abstract:
The Peach is a new book that provides a
comprehensive account of diverse aspects of
peach biology and cultivation.
It spans a wide
range of information, from ancient Chinese
cultural lore to advanced genomics.
Consisting
of 22 chapters authored by eminent researchers,
the book can be conceptually divided into
six sections, dealing with peach origins, genetics
and breeding, propagation, physiology
and orchard management, diseases and pests,
and finally, fruit quality and post-harvest management.
Each chapter is a thorough review
written by recognized experts on the subject,
most ending with a conclusion highlighting
future challenges or even philosophical considerations.
The volume is strengthened by
the inclusion of many useful tables, figures
and color images.
The first chapter covers the botany, taxonomy
and phenology of peach, including the
genetic basis for some Mendelian morphological
traits, and a description of several wild
peach relatives in China.
Chapter 2 delves into
the long history of peach cultivation in China,
with a few quotes in Chinese characters for
those who can read them.
The current status
of peach cultivation in China, the world’s
foremost peach-producing country, is also
reviewed in detail.
Six chapters are devoted to genetics and
breeding.
Chapters on classical genetics and
molecular genetics are followed by separate
reviews on the breeding of low-chill, fresh
market and processing peaches, detailing the
special considerations and challenges unique
to each.
Past and present breeding programs in
all corners of the globe are briefly described.
A chapter on the breeding and selection criteria
for peach rootstocks follows.
The rootstock
chapter also contains a concise description
of important existing rootstocks, with their
strengths and limitations specified.
The chapter on propagation is thorough,
covering nursery seedlings, hardwood and
semi-hardwood cuttings, micropropagation
and stoolbed techniques.
Physiology and orchard management
considerations are reviewed in the next
five chapters, including a wealth of useful
information on carbon partitioning, pruning
and training, orchard systems, techniques
for managing crop load (pre-bloom, bloom,
post-bloom), nutrient and water needs of
peach trees, weed management and cover
crops.
There are interesting sections on topics
such as the interaction between crop load
and biotic or abiotic stresses, and the effects
of orchard floor management on biota and
orchard microclimate.
Diseases and pests of peach are thoroughly
documented.
Chapters on diseases caused
by fungi, prokaryotes and viruses, including
symptoms and control measures, are well-supported
by a series of excellent images in black
and white and color, as is the chapter on insect
and mite pests.
A fifth chapter covers nematodes,
including root-knot, ring, root-lesion
and dagger types, and contains a useful table
detailing the reactions of numerous rootstock
genotypes to these different nematodes.
The last three chapters review considerations
particular to the fruit.
Pre-harvest
cultural practices affecting fruit quality are
identified and described, followed by discussions on ripening and post-harvest physiology,
techniques of harvesting and post-harvest
handling, and post-harvest disorders.
The Peach contains the treasury of valuable
information that one would expect to find in
such a resource, as well as a few unexpected
miscellany, for example, a description and
photos of ornamental peach genotypes with
striking chrysanthemum-like flowers, an indepth
discussion of peach allergens, and even
a brief consideration of the uses and disposal
considerations for peach culls.
A delightful
tidbit in the preface reveals how the monkey
king attained immortality by eating peaches.
As is usual for CAB books, the volume itself
shows good quality binding and paper, is superbly
edited, and has a good index.
The Peach
would be a useful purchase for researchers,
extension personnel, students, fruit growers,
horticultural libraries, and anyone with an
interest in this seductive and succulent fruit.
reviewed by Cheryl Hampson
APS membership administration
ISHS membership administration
