The effects of two levels of nitrogen fertilization and pruning and four weed control treatments on the growth and yield of twelve cultivars of peaches

A study was carried out from 1967 to 1970 to determine how twelve peach (Prunus persica) cultivars respond to two levels of nitrogen fertilization, two levels of pruning, and four weed control treatments with respect to yields and growth of the tree. Yield of fruit was recorded in 1969. Trunk diameters were recorded in 1967, 1968, and 1969 and pruning weights were recorded in 1968, 1969, and 1970. Leaf samples were taken for analysis in 1968 and 1969. The high rate of nitrogen increased yields and delayed maturity but there were no differences in the yield of the twelve cultivars. There were differences in the trunk diameter and pruning weights of the twelve cultivars. Nitrogen influenced the trunk diameter and pruning weights and weed control treatments influenced the trunk diameter. Pruning and nitrogen interacted with respect to the trunk diameter and pruning weights. Foliar analysis showed that the level of nitrogen in the leaves was low.