ABSTRACT
Stone fruits are members of the Rosaceae, subfamily Prunoidea. The genus Prunus includes peach, nectarine, plum, cherry, apricot, and many species used as rootstocks. This chapter reviews the effect of light, water, and temperature and other environmental inputs in relation to carbon assimilation and the longevity and productivity of Prunus. Emphasis is on cherry and peach, the principles, however, can be applied to most stone fruit crops in different locations. Several physiological, developmental, and growth processes are initiated at different times during the annual cycle for stone fruit. Periods of initiation and maximum activity are highly dependent upon the species and the cultivar, the location, crop load, and the environment. F. R. Haun and D. C. Coston predicted daily growth and development of peach leaves and fruit to different environmental factors. They found that maximum and minimum temperature, soil moisture, and age were among the most important variables affecting leaf and fruit growth.
