Progress 08/01/08 to 07/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Peach producers, packers, and nursery industry of Michigan and other humid temperate peach growing regions Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project has facilitated collaborations with Clemson University (K. Gasic, G. Reighard, & S. Scott), Cornell University (D. Rosenberger and Steve Hoying), Penn State University (J. Schupp), USDA West Virginia (R. Scorza) and with the RosBREED project. I visited Clemson University with the RosBREED group to explore opportunities to incorporate DNA directed plant breeding techniques for peach. S. Scott, G. Reighard, J. Schupp, D. Rosenberger, S. Hoying, R. Scorza and others have shared their expertise in collaborative visits and projects. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We have presented results of this work at the following meetings: the annual Michigan state horticulture meetings, the annual Michigan Spring Peach Conferences, the annual SW Michigan Horticultural days, at the annual Great Lakes Fruit Worker Conferences, and at board meetings of the Michigan Peach Sponsors. We have reported on this work in the Michigan State University Extension web newsletter “Extension News for Ag” and in newsletter of the Michigan Peach Sponsors, in the fruit commodity publications: The Good Fruit Grower and the Fruit Grower News. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The emphasis in the MSU peach breeding program is on crosses to obtain new peach and nectarine yellow melting flesh varieties harvesting in the late July through mid-August season. Directed crosses at MSU have resulted in 1st level 99 elite lines under evaluation as of 2013. 2nd level elite lines showing promise have been sent to the National Clean Plant Network for Tree Fruit Fruit at Prosser for virus testing and from there distributed to cooperating nurseries for propagation and further testing. We have 12 advanced elite selection undergoing field evaluation with cooperators under testing agreements. These elite lines are expected to have value for the Michigan commercial fruit industry as improved replacements for currently grown cultivars. Approximately 30 acres of BeaumontTM, the first recent release of the MSU peach breeding program, has been planted by commercial growers. The project overcame a major hurdle in July 2006 due to detection of plum pox virus strain D in one commercially-produced plum tree at the SW Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC). No additional infected trees were found in extensive tests at SWMREC and the surrounding area by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The single PPV-infected tree was destroyed in 2006, followed by the removal of all exposed PPV-D susceptible trees within 500 meters in 2007. Work commenced in 2007 to rescue elite peach breeding lines within the proposed 500 meter eradication zone. The most promising elite peach breeding lines were saved by sending them to the National Clean Plant Network – Tree Fruit facility in Prosser Washington for testing in 2007. Peach breeding work continued in 2007 at the Trevor Nichols Research facility, north of SWMREC, and resumed back at SWMREC in 2009 when the quarantine in SW Michigan was lifted. Information that we have generated about bacterial spot susceptibility and occurrence of prune dwarf, Prunus necrotic ring spot, and TomRS viruses and X-disease phytoplasma in SW Michigan orchards is helping to guide the MSU peach breeding program and advise growers on strategies for managing peach orchards. These studies have helped to show the need for additional studies on phytoplasma and virus occurrence and management in Michigan orchards and more information on peach cultivar resistance / tolerance to these pathogens.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Shane, William and George Sundin. (2011). Management of bacterial spot on peaches and nectarines. Michigan State University Extension News for Agriculture, April 12, 2011, Michigan State University Extension
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Shane, William, Overview of new peach and plum varieties Peach and Plum Summer Update. August 27, 2013. SW Michigan Research and Extension Center, Benton Harbor, MI.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Shane, William, Peach and Plum Variety Options for Your Farm . Southwest Horticultural Days, February 6, 2013. Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, MI.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Shane, William. (2012). Michigan peach harvest date prediction. Michigan State University Extension News for Agriculture, June 19, 2012, Michigan State University Extension.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Shane, William MSU peach breeding and systems training systems . Michigan Spring Peach Conference March 5, 2013. Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, Benton Harbor, MI.
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Seedings from directed crosses made in 2011 were planted at the SW Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC) in spring 2012. Unseasonably warm March and freezes throughout most of Michigan killed most peach fruit buds and made it impossible to make new crosses in 2012. Additional propagation of promising MSU peach breeding lines were done at SWMREC on Bailey (peach) rootstock, with additional propagation on Krymsk 1, and Krymsk 86 (Kuban) rootstock to check compatibility. Budwood of one elite midseason peach selection was sent to cooperating nurseries for establishment and increase for expanded evaluation. Source of this budwood was via the National Clean Plant Network - Tree Fruit. Protocol for PCR for the X-disease phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni) was tested in cooperation with G. Anderson (Indiana University South Bend) in order to utilize this test for evaluating peach lines and rootstocks, especially those with ambiguous symptoms. The National Diagnostic Protocol (International Plant Protection Convention) was used (www.padil.gov.au/Sphds). The test was successful for detecting X-disease in symptomatic stipules of X-disease infected sweet cherry but not in leaf midveins of putative X-disease affected peach trees. This may be due to the lower titer of this phytoplasma typical for peach and late season sampling past the time of prime symptoms. PARTICIPANTS: Principal investigator: William Shane, Part-time technician: Diedrie Hulshof, Partner organizations: Michigan Peach Sponsors (non-profit commodity organization), Michigan Department of Agriculture, National Clean Plant Network for Tree Fruit. TARGET AUDIENCES: Peach growers and relevant nursery industry in Michigan and other humid temperate peach growing regions PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Approximately 30 acres of Beaumont, the first recent release of the MSU peach breeding program, has been planted by commercial growers. Ten advanced peach lines are currently under cooperative evaluation by growers and nurseries in anticipation of final selection for release as varieties. Information about bacterial spot susceptibility and widespread occurrence of prune dwarf, Prunus necrotic spot, and TomRS viruses and X-disease phytoplasma is alerting growers about significant problems limiting profitability of peach production in Michigan. Use of PCR for the detection of the X-disease phytoplasm has the potential to guide elite line selection and pathogen management strategies. These studies have helped to show the need for additional studies on phytoplasm and virus occurrence and management in Michigan orchards and information on peach cultivar resistance/tolerance to these pathogens.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 2011: Planting of peach and nectarine was resumed at the SW Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC) in 2010 following lifting of plum pox quarantine for SW Michigan in fall 2009. Additional lines from this group were placed with cooperating grower testers under test agreement for expanded evaluations in 2011. Crosses were made at Trevor Nichols and with two cooperating growers, resulting in approximately 6,500 seed for planting at SWMREC in 2012. 15 promising seedlings at Trevor Nichols from 2006 and 2007 crosses were marked for elite level 1 status in 2011 and propagated in fall 2011 at SWMREC for further evaluation. One elite midseason yellow flesh peach elite line was selected in 2011 for full virus testing by the National Clean Plant Network for Tree Fruit so that commercial nurseries will be able to propagate them for budwood increase and expanded evaluation. Additional ELISA tests were made in 2011 for tomato ring spot viruses in SW Michigan collaborative grower test sites and other commercial peach orchards. Tomato ring spot was detected in 71% of commercial peach orchards. Reported poor performances of peach varieties in the field are likely due in part to widespread occurrence of this virus. Reports on the MSU peach breeding project were made at the 2011 Michigan Spring Peach Conference and to the Michigan Peach Sponsor commodity board. PARTICIPANTS: 2011: Principal investigator: William Shane, Part-time technician: Diedrie Hulshof, Partner organizations: Michigan Peach Sponsors (non-profit commodity organization), Michigan Department of Agriculture, National Clean Plant Network for Tree Fruit. TARGET AUDIENCES: 2011: Peach growers and relevant nursery industry in Michigan and other humid temperate peach growing regions PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
2011: The impact of the Michigan State University peach germplasm improvement program is beginning to be felt by the Michigan peach industry. Growers will have more disease and cold tolerant peach variety alternatives. Advanced peach lines are under cooperative evaluation by growers and nurseries in anticipation of final selection for release as varieties. Information about bacterial spot susceptibility and widespread occurrence of prune dwarf, Prunus necrotic spot, and TomRS viruses is alerting growers about significant problems limiting profitability of peach production in Michigan and is providing fundamental information to guide variety selection and virus disease management strategies. These studies have helped to show the need for additional studies on virus occurrence and management in Michigan orchards and information on peach cultivar resistance/tolerance to virus infection.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Planting of peach and nectarine was resumed at the SW Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC) in 2010 following lifting of plum pox quarantine for SW Michigan in fall 2009. Peach & nectarine variety trial, peach crossing block, elite lines block, and peach nurseries were re-established at SWMREC. Elite trees (Group 1) were received from Willow Drive and Hilltop Nurseries and established in elite nurseries at SWMREC in 2010. Several lines from this group were placed with cooperating grower testers under test agreement for expanded evaluations. A second set of peach lines (Group 2) will be planted at SWMREC and cooperators in spring 2011. Crosses were made at Trevor Nichols and with three cooperating growers, resulting in approximately 5,500 seed for planting at SWMREC in 2011. 20 promising seedlings at Trevor Nichols from 2006 crosses were marked for elite level 1 status and propagated in fall 2010 at SWMREC for further evaluation. Two early season yellow flesh peach elite lines were selected for full virus testing by the Prosser Washington NRSP-5 Program so that commercial nurseries will be able to propagate them for budwood increase and expanded evaluation. Established and experimental peach and nectarine selections were evaluated for bacterial spot susceptibility at two sites. Investigations of peach variety performance in southwest Michigan orchards led to surveys for the occurrences of prune dwarf, necrotic ringspot, and tomato ringspot viruses. We conclude that reported poor performances of peach varieties in the field are in part due to widespread occurrence of these viruses. Reports on project progress were made at the 2010 Michigan Spring Peach Conference and to the Michigan Peach Sponsor commodity board. PARTICIPANTS: Principal investigator: William Shane, Part-time technician: Diedrie Hulshof, Partner organizations: Michigan Peach Sponsors (non-profit commodity organization), Michigan Department of Agriculture, Washington State University NRSP5 virus testing facility, Willow Drive Nursery, Hilltop Trees, Summit Sales Co., TARGET AUDIENCES: Peach growers and relevant nursery industry in Michigan and other humid temperate peach growing regions PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The impact of the Michigan State University peach germplasm improvement program is beginning to be felt by the Michigan peach industry. Growers will have more disease and cold tolerant peach variety alternatives. Advanced peach lines are under cooperative evaluation by growers and nurseries in anticipation of final selection for release as varieties. Information about bacterial spot susceptibility and widespread occurrence of PD, NRS, and TomRS viruses is alerting growers about significant problems limiting profitability of peach production in Michigan and is providing fundamental information to guide variety selection and virus disease management strategies. These studies have helped to show the need for additional studies on virus occurrence and management in Michigan orchards and information on peach cultivar resistance/tolerance to virus infection.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Plum pox quarantine for SW Michigan was lifted in fall 2009, allowing resumption of plot work at the SW Michigan Research & Extension Center (SWMREC). Finished trees from rescued peach lines (Group 1) will be received, from Willow Drive and Hilltop Nurseries, and established in elite nurseries. A subset of lines from this group will be placed with cooperating testers under test agreement in spring 2010. A second set of peach lines (Group 2) were propagated at Willow Drive in fall 2009 for planting at SWMREC and cooperators in spring 2011. Another set of seedlings from 2008 crosses were established at Trevor Nichols in 2009, completing the field. Crosses were made at Trevor Nichols and with two cooperating growers, resulting in approximately 4,000 seed for planting at SWMREC in 2010. 24 promising seedlings at Trevor Nichols from 2006 crosses were marked for elite status and propagated in fall 2009 for further evaluation. Peach/Nectarine variety trial, peach crossing block, elite lines block, and peach nurseries will be re-established at SWMREC, starting in 2010. Reports on project progress were made at the 2009 Michigan Spring Peach Conference and to the Michigan Peach Sponsor commodity board. PARTICIPANTS: Principal investigator: William Shane, Part-time technician: Diedrie Hulshof, Partner organizations: Michigan Peach Sponsors (non-profit commodity organization), Michigan Department of Agriculture, Washington State University NRSP5 virus testing facility, Willow Drive Nursery, Hilltop Trees, Summit Sales Co., TARGET AUDIENCES: Peach growers and relevant nursery industry in Michigan and other humid temperate peach growing regions PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Southwest Michigan and the SW Center has been declared plum pox virus-free in 2009 following a thorough tree removal program and 3 years of surveys. All elite material saved from the SWMREC peach breeding program have been thoroughly checked by the NRSP5 Prosser, WA virus testing program and used to establish plantings of virus-tested plants for further propagation. The availability of virus-tested budwood will greatly expedite cooperative testing and commercialization of the Michigan State University peach lines.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Budsticks from MSU elite peach breeding lines were sent January 2007 (Group #1 = 57 lines) and January 2008 (Group #2 = 27 lines) to NRSP5, the National Virus-Tested Fruit Tree Program at Prosser, WA for pathogen testing. All lines were established on potted trees and tested with woody indicator test (Prunus tomentosa), ELISA, and PCR for plum pox virux over an 18 month period including a dormant period. All rescued elite selections have tested negative for PPV and other viral, viroid, and phytoplasma pathogens. Budwood produced at Prosser from the first group of 57 lines were sent to Willow Drive (Washington) and Hilltop Trees (Michigan) nurseries for propagation and maintenance storage in isolation blocks under signed agreement. Budwood from Group #2 will become available from Prosser for propagation in August 2009. Sufficient numbers of trees are being produced to re-establish plantings at SWMREC and several other test sites, including with cooperating growers under signed agreement. Peach seed from crosses made in 2008 were harvested, and stratified winter 2008/2009 at 34 F in a growth chamber, and transplanted to conetainer pots. The seedlings from the crosses will be planted spring 2009 in a nursery at the Michigan State University Trevor Nichols Research Station, joining seedlings planted in 2007 and 2008. Since soils in the nursery site have appreciable clay content, east and west halves of the nursery site were tiled and ridged in 2007 and 2008, respectively, before planting to provide good soil water drainage needed by peaches. Reports on project progress were made at the March 11, 2008 Michigan Spring Peach Conference and to the Michigan Peach Sponsor commodity board. Additional reports of progress were highlighted in the fall 2008 newsletter of the National Peach Council, and in the newsletter of Project Greeen, vol 2, no. 2, Spring/Summer 2008. PARTICIPANTS: Principal investigator: William Shane, Part-time technician: Diedrie Hulshoff Partner organizations: Michigan Peach Sponsors (non-profit commodity organization), Michigan Department of Agriculture, Washington State University NRSP5 virus testing facility, Willow Drive Nursery, Hilltop Trees TARGET AUDIENCES: Peach growers and relevant nursery industry in Michigan PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The rapid return of SWMREC and Michigan to a PPV-free status is extremely important to the peach industry, including the nursery industry. The strict adherence held by MSU to eradication and quarantine protocol set by the MDA and USDA had been a model for SW growers also affected by the quarantine. Two new white peach selections from the breeding program are under grower test and have the potential to expand this underrepresented market for Michigan growers. With the work accomplished to date 85 elite peach lines for the MSU breeding program have been rescued. Competitiveness of Michigan peaches on local and regional markets depends on having varieties that match or exceed those from competing states. Also, the establishment of cooperating nurseries as repositories for elite lines insures safety and stability for MSU peach breeding program.
Publications
- Shane, W. W. and Iezzoni, A. (2008). Michigan State University Peach Breeding Program. In: Annual Report of the SW Michigan Research and Extension Center, Benton Harbor, MI
- Shane, B. (2007) Plum Pox Virus Update for Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania. Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO, December 4-6, 2007
- Shane, W. (2008) Stone Fruit Viruses and the Nursery Industry. Great Lakes Fruit Workers Annual Meeting, Holland, MI, November 5, 2008.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
Work in 2007 has continued to focus on rescue of elite peach lines from the MSU breeding program following detection of one plum pox virus infected plum tree (PPV strain D) in July 06 at the SW Michigan Research and Extension Center facility (SWMREC). No additional infected trees were found in Michigan Department of Agriculture tests of every susceptible tree within a 6 mile radius of the positive tree, and elsewhere in Michigan in 2006 and 2007. The single PPV infected tree was destroyed in 2006, followed by the removal of all exposed PPV-D susceptible trees within 500 meters in 2007. Work commenced in 2007 to rescue elite peach breeding lines within the proposed 500 meter eradication zone. 58 of the most promising elite peach breeding lines were sent to the NRSP5 facility in Prosser Washington for testing in January 2007 with an additional set of 28 lines sent in January 2008. Tested budwood from the first 58 lines will be available from the NRSP5 facility in August
2008. Propagation of test trees for cooperator grower tests will be done at Hilltop Tree Nurseries. Propagation of plant material for replanting at SWMREC will begin in August 2008 in anticipation of the lifting of the PPV quarantine in the SW Michigan region in 2010. Seedlings from directed crosses made in 2006 were established at the Trevor Nichols Research Complex in Fennville, Michigan. New crosses in 2007 were made at Trevor Nichols and with cooperating growers. Three elite peach lines have been propagated with the assistance of a commercial nursery and will be distributed in spring of 2008 to cooperating nurseries and growers for advanced evaluation under signed test agreements. A US Patent PP18139 was issued 10/23/2007 for the new peach variety, Prunus persica, MSUP8706 peach variety Beaumont, developed by Amy Iezzoni and Bill Shane at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Impacts
Peach variety Beaumont from MSU breeding program is being planted by Midwest growers as a firm, red, mid season selection appropriate for chainstore markets.
Publications
- Shane, W.W. and Iezzoni, A. 2007. MSU Peach Breeding Program. In: Annual Report of the SW Michigan Research and Extension Center, Benton Harbor, MI.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
For the Michigan State University peach and nectarine breeding program: plum pox virus (PPV strain D) was detected by routine survey in one plum tree of commercial origin on SW station in July 06. Work since the detection has focused on extensive surveys for additional infected trees. No additional infected trees were found in Michigan Department of Agriculture tests of every susceptible tree within a 6 mile radius of the positive tree. The single PPV infected tree was destroyed and work has commenced to rescue elite peach breeding lines within the proposed 500 meter eradication zone. Approximately 60 of the most promising elite peach breeding lines will be rescued with the use of the NRSP5 facility in Prosser Washington. Two new elite peach selections (1 white 1 yellow fleshed) from the breeding program have shown commercial were propagated with cooperating nurseries for expanded testing under signed test agreement. Continued work to improve peach seedling
establishment have focused on environmental factors affecting seed stratification and germination. Bailey, a common variety used for rootstock for peach has an apparent high sensitivity to ethylene from stored apples. This sensitivity is seen in Bailey as abnormal endosperm swelling, poor radicle development, and poor seedling establishment, but was not apparent in numerous other seed lines from the breeding program in tests over two years.
Impacts
The new peach variety Beaumont from MSU breeding program is now being offered by commercial nurseries and is being planted by Michigan growers. Two new elite selections from the MSU breeding program have potential for Michigan growers. One selection, an attractive, sweet, firm white peach will provide a much needed better alternative for other white peach varieties now being grown in Michigan that have insufficient firmness and disease resistance.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
For the Michigan State University peach and nectarine breeding program, applications for patent and trademark protection was submitted in fall 2005 for Beaumont a new yellow melting flesh freestone peach. Patenting and marketing of Beaumont is being handled by International Plant Management of Lawrence, Michigan. Propagation of Beaumont is underway by commercial nurseries with the availability of clean budwood from the Prosser Washington NRSP5 facility. Seed yield from 2005 directed pollinations was excellent and resulted from an intensive 3 days of cross pollinations when weather conditions were conducive. A new approach was adopted in 2005 to remove peach flesh adhering to pits. Semi-cleaned pits were tumbled with coarse gravel and water in a standard motor driven cement mixer for 20 to 45 minutes. This was followed by power-washing with water as needed to remove last remnants of flesh. Use of the cement mixer cleaning technique greatly reduces the amount of hand
labor needed to clean pits. Tests conducted in fall 2004 revealed that cool storage (36 to 38 F) of some peach cross seed lots from September to December before stratification promotes better germination than storage at 38 F or at 50 to 60 F. All pits from 2005 crosses were stored in zip lock bags at 34 to 38 F from August to late December. This storage method appears to keep seed shriveling and discoloration to a minimum. These storage conditions appear to be providing some chilling hours, because we are noticing more rapid than normal seed germination for a few seed lots during stratification procedures. We plan to test combinations of storage temperature and seed drying in 2006 to allow good seed viability but also delay germination until February when rented greenhouse space becomes available for seedling maintenance. In 2005, 24 promising yellow and white melting flesh peach and nectarine selections were identified in the seedling nurseries and propagated for 2nd level testing in
the SWMREC elite block. Also in 2005, 3 elite selections (two yellow flesh and one white flesh types) were chosen for 3rd level testing at offstation locations based on their performance.
Impacts
New peach variety 'Beaumont' from the Michigan State breeding program is expected to provide a good alternative to the late Loring peach harvest window. Tree vigor and productivity of Beaumont is very good and will help to provide consistent year-to-year crops. Three new selections from the MSU breeding program will be available for off-station testing under test agreement in 2007.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Advanced selection II 7(26) (MSU 26) was cleared for release and patenting in 2004 following the release of clean budwood summer 2004 by the National Virus-Tested Fruit Tree Program, Prosser, Washington. This selection is currently being patented under the name Beaumont, and is named after the landmark bell tower on the main campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. The name Beaumont is appropriate because the new variety is an outstanding, attractive red peach with firm, excellent shipping wholesale characteristics. Patenting and marketing of Beaumont is being handled by International Plant Management of Lawrence, MI. A few crosses were made for development of improved white flesh peach varieties with better size and flesh firmness typical of California varieties and hardiness and bacterial spot resistance more typical of Michigan and Canadian varieties. A few crosses were aimed at improved canker resistance using commercial varieties crossed with
seedlings from the Leucostoma canker tolerant selections identified by MSU researcher, Amy Iezzoni. One white peach selection was propagated in 2004 in preparation with signed tests with cooperators. Most MSU program crosses are aimed at developing improved yellow, melting flesh peaches with emphasis on red skin color, size, firmness, and flavor. Greater emphasis is now being placed on using breeding parents with large fruit size and redder skin color as these seem to be the most common traits lacking in the seedling populations generated from earlier crosses. Potential parental material is being screened for brix levels as sweetness will likely become a more important trait in chainstore markets as it already is in direct sales markets. A current trend in California and elsewhere is the development of white and yellow varieties with low acidity. In years when environmental conditions are less conducive to sugar development, varieties with lower acidity are more acceptable to
consumers than high acidity varieties also with low sugar content. According, a few crosses are being made in the MSU program to put low acidity characteristics into varieties suited for the Michigan growing conditions. Studies were conducted in 2004 and are planned for the next several years to determine environmental conditions (moisture, temperature) most conducive to peach seed storage before stratification.
Impacts
Peach selection MSU26 is expected to be of particular value to growers selling to wholesale buyers and to chainstores where a highly colored, large, and firm flesh fruit helps to minimize losses due to rapid ripening on grocery shelves. Very few white peaches currently being grown in Michigan are suitable for wholesale market. The MSU peach germplasm evaluation program and peach breeding program is expected to expand this aspect of the Michigan peach industry.
Publications
- Shane, W. and Iezzoni, A. 2003. Peach breeding. In: Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center Annual Report. Michigan State University.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
The Michigan peach germplasm improvement program is located at the SW Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC), Benton Harbor, MI. A few crosses were aimed at improved canker resistance using commercial varieties crossed with seedlings from the Leucostoma canker tolerant selections identified by Dr. Amy Iezzoni of MSU. During 2003 a hydraulic limb shaker and a mechanical hedger were used to speed work and contain costs. All hybridizations in 2003 were made on mother trees in the SWMREC peach parent block, now that a suitable collection has been developed at this site. Seed yield from 2003 pollinations was excellent due to the extended bloom season. A few crosses were made in 2003 for the development of improved white flesh peach varieties with better size and flesh firmness typical of California varieties and hardiness and bacterial spot resistance more typical of Michigan and Canadian varieties. New seedlings (212) from crosses made in 2001 were planted at
SWMREC in spring of 2003. Approximately 8 acres of seedlings are at SWMREC. The goal is to remove original seedling trees after 3 years of fruiting, providing sufficient time for selection and budding. Three new elite selections were planted in the elite test blocks at SWMREC in 2003. Ten selections from MSU peach seedling nurseries were promoted to elite status in the summer of 2003 and were propagated at SWMREC for advanced evaluation. Beginning in 2001, evaluations of elite selections are now being done in an isolated block at SWMREC and some at the Trevor Nichols Experiment Station in Fennville. Advanced selection II 7(26) (MSU 26) continues to look promising for wholesale markets and was approved in 2003 by the MSU Agricultural Experiment Station for release as a named variety upon availability of clean budwood, expected in 2004. This selection is being evaluation, under test agreement, in approximately 10 offstation sites. As part of the MSU peach germplasm improvement program a
planting of standard and potential new varieties is maintained and evaluated for their value to the Michigan industry and for keeping abreast of advancements in peach germplasm. Thirteen new peach and nectarine selections were added to the peach/nectarine germplasm evaluation trials in 2003, minus removals, bringing the total to 290 entries/varieties. Several of these new entries have the potential for filling gaps in the Michigan commercial peach season. The SWMREC peach/nectarine trial is open for public viewing during normal station operating hours. Trees are marked by name and planting date, and a plot book is available for guiding the visitor. Samples from the SWMREC trial were displayed each Monday during the month of August and as part of an annual joint industry-MSU stone fruit and apple showcase September 11, 2003 in southwest Michigan. This SW Michigan workshop, organized by International Plant Management, featured samples and guest speakers from Michigan, Canada, New York,
and Pennsylvania. Bill Shane displayed and discussed new peach varieties at this meeting.
Impacts
Peach selection MSU26 is expected to be of particular value to growers selling to wholesale buyers and to chainstores where a highly colored, large, and firm flesh fruit helps to minimize losses due to rapid ripening on grocery shelves. Very few white peaches currently being grown in Michigan are suitable for wholesale market. The MSU peach germplasm evaluation program and peach breeding program is expected to expand this aspect of the Michigan peach industry.
Publications
- Shane, W., Iezzoni, A. and Danilovich, M. 2002. Peach and nectarine variety trials, pages 78-81 In: 2002 Annual Report of the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
- Shane, W. and Iezzoni, A. 2002. Peach breeding, page 83 In: 2002 Annual Report of the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
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