Physicochemical characterization of eighteen peach cultivars grown in the Mid-Adriatic area

Peach is the species with the highest number of new cultivars licensed on the market. The genetic improvement of peach is focusing on multiple productive and quality aspects, even if the very high availability of cultivars with very different characteristics tends to confuse the producer when choosing a cultivar for a new orchard. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the varietal collection present in a farm located in the Mid-Adriatic area, in the Marche region (Italy), in order to explore at least in part, the variability of the peach market in this area and to investigate which cultivar presents fruits with the most interesting characteristics. The trial was carried out in 2020 year, and a total of 18 cultivars were involved (comprising both peaches and nectarines). To evaluate the fruit quality, the main physicochemical parameters (overcolor, caliber, firmness, soluble solids and titratable acidity content) were considered. The obtained results indicated that there is a great variability within the collection for the tested parameters, but some traits seems to be in some way related, as early ripening cultivars are usually associated with higher overcolor percentage, while some other cultivars stand out for the high fruit weight and sugar/acid ratio ('Lady Erica' and 'Gea') or for low sugar/acid ratio ('Extreme Late' and 'Orion'). In conclusion, it is clear that both the consumers and the growers have a great possibility of choice among the available cultivars.