GENETIC INFLUENCE ON FLOWER BUD DENSITY IN PEACH AND NECTARINE EXCEEDS THAT OF ENVIRONMENT

Spring frosts often kill all or a portion of the flowers on peach [Pru nus persica (L.) Batsch] trees in the southeastern United States. Incr eased Bower bud density increases the likelihood of sufficient flowers surviving to produce a crop. The effect of environment on flower bud density (buds/node) was studied using two locations over 3 years. Bud density of 25 peach and nectarine varieties grown in completely random ized designs was measured in Georgia and North Carolina. Genotypic var iability was greater than location or year effects. Varieties selected for high bud density at one location can be expected to have high den sities at other locations with similar chilling.