Lapseki Peach is a geographically indicated fruit grown in the Lapseki district of Çanakkale, distinguished by its aroma, firmness, and sweetness. Harvested from June to October with its different varieties, this peach is produced under special climate and soil conditions. Lapseki Peach includes the varieties Isabella, Merril Gem Free, Royal Glory, Royal Gem, Extreme Glow, Summer Red, Glohaven, Crest Haven, Extreme July, Red Elegant, J. H. Hale, Extreme 486, Extreme 568, Royal Jim, Black Abdos, and Sırrı, all grown in Lapseki. The cultivation of these varieties begins in the mid-early season and continues until very late in the season.
Lapseki Peach (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)
Definition and Distinguishing Characteristics
Lapseki district has a mild Mediterranean climate, exhibiting a transitional character between the Mediterranean and Black Sea climates. During the summer months, temperature and relative humidity do not reach values as high as in the Mediterranean and Aegean Regions. Snowfall is very rare in areas close to the coast and can be considered scarce in high-altitude areas. Precipitation mostly occurs as rain during the winter and spring seasons. The geographical boundary's openness to the north of the Marmara Sea, its proximity to the Aegean Sea, and year-round winds of varying intensities and directions positively influence its quality characteristics. The annual average temperature of Lapseki district is 15.1 °C. The average of no month falls below 5 °C. The average winter temperature is 5.8 °C, and the average summer temperature is 23 °C. The coldest month is January (6.2 °C), and the hottest month is August (24.9 °C). The annual average precipitation in the region is 616 mm. While the average monthly precipitation during the dry period is 10.97 mm, the amount in winter months is 89 mm. 43% of the total annual precipitation falls in winter, 28% in autumn, 22% in spring, and 7% in summer.
The soil structure of the geographical boundary is generally sloped by about 6%. It is clayey-silty (20%-30% clay, 30%-40% silt) up to 1 meter deep, and clayey-sandy (40%-60% sand, 20%-40% clay) after 1 meter. The pH level of the soil varies between 7.11-7.79. The climate and soil structure mentioned above give Lapseki Peach its intense aroma, sweetness, and firmness. The pomological characteristics of Lapseki Peach (such as fruit width, length, weight, peel color/brightness/vividness, soluble dry matter, acidity, pH, firmness, flesh-to-stone ratio) have been documented according to the varieties used in production.
Production Method
The specified varieties are used in Lapseki Peach production. The peach tree density in the orchard should not exceed 45 trees per decare. Orchards should be far from polluting sources. Most peach varieties are self-fertile. However, the J.H. Hale variety, commonly grown within the geographical boundary, is physiologically male sterile and can be pollinated by any other variety. Fertilization is carried out using organic and mineral fertilizers. A full soil analysis is performed at least every two years to check nutrient balance and determine necessary minerals. Additionally, leaf analysis is recommended every year. The amount of fertilizer applied and the timing of application are recorded. Fertilization is done either through the soil or foliar.
Plant protection practices are carried out in a way that preserves biodiversity, encourages natural predators of pests, and minimizes the use of chemical pesticides. Firstly, measures such as the use of traps are recommended. In cases of serious pest and disease outbreaks, licensed chemical pesticides at doses recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry should be used. The amount of pesticides applied, the timing of application, and the pre-harvest waiting period are recorded, taking into account these factors.
The soil is regularly tilled for weed control. Instead of using tillage machinery, it is recommended to protect the soil by covering it with vegetation or mulch throughout the production process. Irrigation is carried out using techniques such as drip irrigation or subsurface sprinkler irrigation, depending on the age of the orchard, yield amount, and the needs of the trees. Flood irrigation, which causes excessive water consumption and nutrient loss, is not performed. The best irrigation time is between June and September, but it should be considered that excessive irrigation can harm product quality. Pruning is performed annually for tree aeration and the development of healthy branches. The most suitable months are between November and April. Pruning is done by cutting dried, broken, competing, and diseased branches to open up the tree and ensure the fruits receive good sunlight. Pruned branches are removed from the orchard.
When the fruits reach approximately 1 cm in size, the balanced removal of excess fruits from the tree is called thinning (single fruit thinning). This process is done either chemically or manually. Thinning starts at the beginning of May and continues until mid-June in Lapseki under normal climate conditions, during the green almond stage before the fruit pits harden.
Harvesting takes place at different times depending on the varieties under normal climatic conditions (various dates are specified from mid-June to early October). The harvest maturity of peaches is understood by their starting to develop color and their firmness level. Harvesting should be done in the early morning (before 11:00 AM) without damaging the fruits; clean picking containers and crates should be used; workers should wear gloves or clean their hands; and products that have come into contact with soil should be separated. Sorting and grading should be performed. If sorted peaches are not to be sent directly to the market, they are stored in cold storage rooms at +0.5 to +1 °C. Packaging involves presenting Lapseki Peaches to consumers in cardboard, wooden, or plastic packaging. Peaches are arranged in a single layer without touching each other.
Inspection
Inspections are carried out by an inspection authority formed under the coordination of Lapseki Chamber of Agriculture, with the participation of experts from Lapseki District Governorship, Lapseki District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Lapseki Municipality, and Çanakkale On Sekiz Mart University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture. Inspections are regularly conducted twice a year during the production and harvest periods. Inspections can also be carried out when needed or in case of a complaint. The main criteria for inspection include the suitability of cultural practices during the cultivation process (seedling supply, planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, plant protection, thinning, harvesting), the suitability of post-harvest operations (ripeness, sorting, storage, packaging), the suitability of the pomological characteristics of the fruits, and the appropriate use of geographical indication statements and the logo.
