From the first half of November to halfway through March, peach grafting is carried out. How to choose not only the variety but also the type of farming and management? They are crucial decisions because the plant must be productive for ten years, at least. There is one thing to say, though: quality peaches and nectarines are still profitable – if sold through the right channels.
Daniele Neri showing nectarines harvested after the 20th of September
Daniele Neri, nursery farmer, “I think there was too much distrust towards peaches, in recent years. The disappointments were a consequence of decisions that were profitable in the beginning, but not any longer. To be clear, producing small fruits only for Germany’s MMR baskets is not profitable for companies with fixed costs like the Italian ones. Given these facts, we can start doing an agronomic analysis”.
Late variety
To begin with, Neri suggests carefully choosing the farming method. It is well known that low and manageable-from-the-ground volumes are suitable for medium-small companies that aim at making quality through different harvesting stages. The ‘wall’ volumes are mainly suitable for companies that want to produce big volumes since they need to be managed with carts and platforms and therefore require a special care for the safety.
White and yellow pulp
Neri, “I always suggest putting the plants into the convex shaping of lands, just like kiwis. In this way, the water can drain more easily in case of heavy rains. Peaches are mostly suited for well-drained and airy soil. In addition, I suggesting using a double hose for the irrigation in order to prevent the neck from getting wet
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The important thing is to manage the plant properly and to start the harvesting without hurry. With regard to the period, I think that May and June are the most suited months for Southern Italy. In North-Central Italy, I suggest going for July and onwards varieties”.
The harvesting of a late variety, after the 20th of September
For the last few years, Neri has been observing late varieties that in the North are harvested after the 20th of September. It is a period in which the produce is negligible, and our tests showed excellent results in terms of revenue”.
Info:
Daniele Neri Vivai Piante
Via Sacramora 15
48018 Faenza (Ravenna) - Italy
Tel./Fax: (+39) 0546 639169
Email: info@danielenerivivai.com
Web: www.danielenerivivai.com