'VICTORIA' A NATIVE CLINGSTONE PEACH (Prunus persica L.) CLONE FOR ZACATECAS

Abstract

The native peach clone 'Victoria' was selected as the S135 genotype at a commercial orchard cultivated under rainfed conditions over the hilly side of Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico, in 1984. This clone is a vigorous and productive tree. It has late blooming and harvest time so that this genotype may reduce late spring frost damage. Its fruit development period is 189 days. 'Victoria's' fruit shape is almost round with intermediate pubescence, with a fruit flesh weight average of 84 grams. It has high solid soluble and intermediate firmness compared with other clingstone peach accessions. External and internal fruit color is yellow. Polymorphism profiles of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are also presented for its molecular identification. 'Victoria' is less preferred by the Lewis spider mite (Eotetranychus lewisi McGregor), but susceptible to powdery mildew (Sphaeroteca pannosa) and leaf curl (Taphrina deformans). 'Victoria' has an optimum estimated chilling requirement of 550 chill units (CU). This clone grows well under rainfed conditions areas with a precipitation-evaporation index greater than 50 % during July and August, with at least 500 CU accumulated from November to February. The area of Chalchihuites and Sombrerete, State of Zacatecas, México, as well as other similar agro-ecological zones, are suitable areas for Victoria's cultivation.