Propagation and rootstock for peach

Propagation and rootstock

          Peach is commercially propagated through grafting or budding. Peach seedlings are generally used as rootstock, though plum, apricot and almond seedlings can also be used. Some nurseries also use Behmi (P. mira) as rootstock for peach. Since wild species produce more vigorous and hardy seedlings than the cultivated varieties, wild peach seedlings are preferred in the hills. Before sowing, seeds are stratified at 4°–10°C for 10–12 weeks in the moist sand. The stratification of peach seeds can also be done under natural conditions and cold storage at 10°C or below. Pre-sowing treatment of seeds with thiourea (0.5%), GA (200ppm) or BA (100ppm) reduces the stratification period, enhances seed germination and improves the seedling growth. The stratified seeds are then sown in well-prepared beds about 5cm deep and 15cm apart at a row-to-row spacing of 20cm. Seed-beds are mulched with 6–10cm thick dry grass and light irrigation is given after sowing to avoid desiccation of seeds. Seeds start germinating in March. The seedlings become buddable in June, if they are grown in fertile soil with full care, they become graftable in the following winter.

         Peaches are propagated commercially by tongue or cleft grafting and T-budding or ring budding. In hills, tongue grafting during January–February and T-budding during May–June are performed. However, in plains grafting is performed during November–January and budding during April–June and September.