Undercover production in China: Greenhouses or high tunnels can advance the ripening of peaches and nectarines

摘要

China has been producing peaches and nectarines for 3,000 years and today grows more than half the world's supply. Since the 1980s, Chinese growers have been growing some of their peaches and nectarines in solar-heated greenhouses so they can have fruit on the market starting in March, before outside-grown fruit is available, and obtain extremely high prices. China has almost 40,000 acres of greenhouse-grown peaches and nectarines. Many of the nectarines are low-chill varieties that can yield 6 to 9tons per acre and return the equivalent of US $11,000 to $22,000 per acre to the grower. One farm family typically has one or two greenhouses.