Branching and Blind Node Incidence in Interspecific Backcross Families of Peach

Abstract

<jats:p>Tree size and branching control has gained importance as labor and pruning costs have increased. In addition, the occurrence of blind nodes is a critical factor that affects peach tree architecture and productivity in subtropical climates. Seven backcross families segregating for branching and blind nodes were developed using ‘Flordaguard’ peach × <jats:italic>P. kansuensis</jats:italic> or ‘Tardy Nonpareil’ almond F<jats:sub>1</jats:sub>s backcrossed to ‘AP00-30WBS’, ‘UFSharp’, or ‘UF97-47’ peach selections and evaluated for branching index and blind node frequency during the winters of 2010 and 2011. <jats:italic>P. kansuensis</jats:italic> backcrosses presented increased branching and lower blind node incidence, whereas almond backcrosses presented less branching and higher blind node incidence, resembling the <jats:italic>P. kansuensis</jats:italic> and almond F<jats:sub>1</jats:sub> parents, respectively. There was also broad variability for branching and blind nodes within the <jats:italic>P. kansuensis</jats:italic> and ‘Tardy Nonpareil’ almond backcross families influenced by the peach parents that were used to generate the backcross populations. The moderate heritability and year-to-year correlation for these traits indicate that they are affected by the environment, but selection for reduced branching and lower blind node incidence is feasible.</jats:p>