Nectarine

Prunus persica var. nucipersica

1. Identification and origin

The nectarine [Prunus persica var. nucipersica (Suckow) C.K. Schneid.] is a botanical variety of the peach tree characterised by the absence of pubescence on the fruit epidermis. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and originates in China, like the common peach tree. Its spread to Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe occurred several centuries ago, and it is currently cultivated in temperate and Mediterranean regions throughout the world.

2. Economic importance

The nectarine is a crop of high commercial importance, valued by the market due to its smooth epidermis, firm flesh and aromatic flavour. In Portugal, it is cultivated mainly in the regions of Ribatejo, Oeste and the Algarve, integrating modern irrigated orchards. Internationally, it stands out for the strong demand on the fresh market, high profitability per hectare and the diversity of cultivars adapted to different harvest seasons.

3. Botanical characterisation

A deciduous tree, of medium size, with a rounded crown and variable vigour depending on the cultivar and the rootstock. The leaves are lanceolate, with a serrate margin. The flowers, generally pink, appear before the leaf budburst. The fruit is a smooth drupe, yellow or red in colour, with white or yellow flesh, which may be clingstone or freestone. The absence of pubescence results from a stable genetic mutation within the species Prunus persica.

4. Soil and climate requirements

The nectarine adapts to temperate and Mediterranean climates, requiring an adequate number of winter chilling hours (variable between cultivars). It is sensitive to late frosts during flowering. It prefers deep, well-drained soils, of loamy to sandy-loam texture, with pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It is demanding in light and heat to ensure good colouring and organoleptic quality of the fruits. Regular irrigation is essential, especially during fruit growth.

5. Main pests

• Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae): leaf curling and transmission of viral diseases
• Fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata): oviposition and rots in the fruits
• Peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella): galleries in shoots and fruits
• Oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta): perforations and internal damage
• Scale insects (Coccoidea): sap sucking and honeydew production

6. Main diseases

• Peach leaf curl (Taphrina deformans): leaf deformations and premature drop
• Brown rot (Monilinia spp.): fruit rots and cankers
• Powdery mildew (Podosphaera pannosa): white coating on leaves and fruits
• Bacterial cankers (Pseudomonas syringae): necroses and death of branches
• Root rots associated with waterlogged soils

7. General crop management

The management of the nectarine includes the choice of cultivars adapted to the local climate and to the number of chilling hours available. Pruning is essential to maintain the structure of the crown, favour the entry of light and ensure the renewal of fruiting branches. Irrigation should be regular and adjusted to the phenological phases, avoiding water deficits that compromise the size and firmness of the fruits. Fertilisation should be balanced, with particular attention to potassium, important for fruit quality. The control of pests and diseases requires frequent monitoring, especially in humid and hot periods. Harvesting is manual, carried out when the fruits reach colouring and firmness adequate for the destination market.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Prunus persica
• CABI – Crop Protection Compendium – Prunus persica
• Byrne, D. H., et al. (2012). Peach and nectarine breeding. In: Fruit Breeding. Springer
• Layne, D. R., & Bassi, D. (2008). The Peach: Botany, Production and Uses. CABI Publishing
• Reig, G., et al. (2020). Advances in peach and nectarine orchard management. In: Horticultural Reviews. Wiley