The suitability of nectarine and peach cultivars for organic production was examined
in a field experiment in the experimental orchard of the institute in Vienna. Therefore,
fifteen cultivars including Redhaven as standard cultivar were planted in 2003 and
cultivated organically.
Characteristics of the cultivars, such as blossom, growth, yield and susceptibility to
frost damage and diseases (Taphrina deformans and Monilinia ssp.) were examined.
Furthermore, fruit quality characteristics were checked in the laboratory.
The results of growth, yield, susceptibility to damages and diseases and fruit quality
showed significant differences among the cultivars. ‘Redhaven’, ‘Sweethaven’,
‘Redcal’, ‘Benedikte’ and ‘Mireille’ can be recommended for organic production
regarding the results of susceptibility of peach diseases. ‘Red Robin’, ‘Royal Glory’
and “Nectared 6’ can partly be recommended. ‘Weingartenpfirsich Eibesthal’,
‘Sunglo’, ‘Diamond Princess’, Early Devil’ and ‘Royal Gem’ seem to be unsuitable for
commercial organic production
