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Proposal for Peach Production Demonstration in Piedmont North Carolina David Goforth Dr. Mike Parker BACKGROUND Historically peach production was concentrated in the sandhills that had well drained sandy soil and a climate conducive for early blooming peaches. Recently peach production has expanded to mountainous areas such as Alexander and Burke counties where air drainage helps protect the peach blooms. Although these areas have clay soils, surface drainage helps reduce the impact of the heavier soils. In Cabarms and nearby piedmont counties there is limited peach production despite a heavy direct market demand. Although more peaches were grown in the past, Cabarrus is down to less than 3 acres at this time. The peach cultivars available in past years were very susceptible to frost. There are newer cultivars with increased chilling hours that are less susceptible to frost/freeze events during bloom. Farmers do not know how well and consistently~ the cultivars with high chilhng hours will produce. In addition, flat donut shaped peaches which sell at a premium in local grocery stores have not been tried in Cabarrus County. The commonly available Lovell rootstock used in the past showed stress and reduced growth due to heavy wet soils. In one observation during a recent rainy season, trees on the Halford rootstock outperformed trees on the Lovell rootstock. Farmers in this area haven't seen the results of rootstocks that may tolerate clay soils. Demonstrating the newer cultivars will show farmers the current potential for peach production in piedmont soils in areas with limited climatic advantages. DESCRIPTION OF DEMONSTRATION. 32 peach trees with be planted on a cooperator's farm. They will include China Pearl, Intrepid, Challenger, and experimental cultivars. Frost damage will be subjectively evaluated annually. Yield will be recorded on selected trees. The demonstration will also include a replicated comparison of Halford rootstock and other commonly available rootstock. This will be quantified by trunk cross sectional area as well as annual and cumulative yield measurements. BUDGET: 32 2V2 feet trees plus shipping Metal tags Total Notes: 1. $196.00 $25.50 $221.50 All preplant and post plant production cost will be paid by the cooperator. Extension Agent's time to be considered as matching grant with no charge to specialty crops program. TEACHING METHODS This demonstration will be included in local on farm tours. The demonstration will also be publicized and annually updated at Piedmont Farmers Market's Annual Meeting with powerpoint pictures. It will also be covered in local newspaper articles. Harvested peaches will be featured at Piedmont Farmers Market with opportunities for other farmers and customers to taste them. The selected