“Rootstocks and Innovation: Research Shaping the Future of Peach Production”
Interview with Michele Giannini on trials in Veneto and the work of the Cereniano Center (Veneto Agricoltura)
At the Cereniano Center of Veneto Agricoltura, experimental work has become a key reference point for fruit growing in Northern Italy. Michele Giannini describes an activity built around a clear purpose: observing, comparing, and transferring knowledge to growers.
At the core of the center’s work are varietal trials. Over the years, research has focused primarily on peaches and nectarines, with some experience in apples as well. More recently, however, attention has shifted decisively toward rootstocks—a change that reflects a broader structural transformation in the sector.
According to Giannini, one of the most evident changes concerns orchard longevity. While in the past orchards had much longer productive cycles, today their lifespan has significantly shortened. This leads to more frequent replanting, often on the same plots. Although increasingly common, this practice brings new challenges, particularly soil-related issues, with the emergence of syndromes and diseases that are not yet fully understood.
In this context, rootstock selection becomes crucial. Historically, peach production has relied on a very stable reference, GF 677, which still represents a standard today. However, especially in replant situations, its limitations are beginning to emerge, making it necessary to evaluate alternative options.
The trials launched in 2023 at the center are moving precisely in this direction. Giannini highlights how some next-generation rootstocks are showing promising characteristics, particularly in terms of adaptability to new training systems. Among these, the so-called “40” stands out for its ability to perform well even under challenging conditions.
One of the most significant findings concerns ripening time. In certain varieties, this rootstock can lead to harvests that are advanced by several days compared to GF 677. This is far from a minor detail in a market context where timing can directly affect profitability.
From a qualitative standpoint, results are also encouraging, with fruit sizes that are both consistent and suitable for commercial requirements. However, it is in replant conditions that these new solutions appear to offer their greatest potential, showing improved adaptability compared to traditional materials.
Beyond agronomic aspects, Giannini also emphasizes another key issue: the growing difficulty in finding skilled labor. Managing fruit orchards increasingly requires specialized expertise, but such skills are becoming harder to access. This is pushing research toward simpler training systems that are easier to mechanize.
Field trials therefore also include the evaluation of intermediate training systems, designed to balance productivity with ease of management. The goal is to make orchard operations more sustainable, not only economically but also from an organizational perspective.
At the same time, the role of the center goes beyond data collection. A fundamental component is its demonstrative function: trials are designed to be seen. Farmers and technicians are given the opportunity to directly observe how varieties and rootstocks perform in real conditions. This approach combines scientific analysis with practical, field-based knowledge transfer.
For this reason, Giannini stresses the importance of caution when interpreting results. Since these are relatively new materials, longer observation periods are needed before drawing definitive conclusions. In the coming years, research will focus more deeply on aspects such as pruning time, harvesting efficiency, and overall management costs.
What emerges is a sector in transition, where decisions can no longer rely solely on established practices. Innovation is essential, but it must be guided by data, experimentation, and direct field comparison.
