ABSTRACT
The stone fruits considered in this chapter are species of Prunus, which is believed to have originated in central Asia. The peach, P. persica (L.) Batsch var. persica, has been grown in China for at least four thousand years and was introduced into the Graeco-Roman world from Persia. The closely related nectarine, P. persica var. nucipersica (Suckow) C. Schneider, is smooth-skinned with a rich flavour. It has been known in the east since ancient times and in Europe since the 16th century. Present world production (of peaches and nectarines combined) is of the order of 8 million tonnes, the leading producers being Italy and the USA, followed by Spain, Greece, China, France, the USSR, Turkey, Mexico and Japan.
