Climatic Characterization and Phenology of Local Peach Genotypes in the Udzungwa Uplands of Tanzania

The phenology of two local peach genotypes was studied to verify whether peaches can be produced in the Tanzanian uplands. Observations were conducted on trees of one early- and one late-ripening peach genotype in 2010 and 2011. Temperature trends were reconstructed and three chilling estimation models were tested. The two peach genotypes differed for timing of flower and leaf bud-break. Common symptoms of insufficient chilling (presence of numerous stages at a specific date and about 20% of undeveloped flower buds) were observed in the late genotype. Both Utah and Dynamic models indicated low chilling accumulation, lower than the Mean Temperature model in most cases. This is inconsistent with the actual phenology, suggesting that (1) both models show some limitations under our conditions, (2) the two genotypes partly adapted to the local climate, and (3) mechanisms other than chilling (seasonal rainfall fluctuations) play a role in rest control.