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<p>Nitrogen is essential for peach tree productivity and fruit quality, but reliance on synthetic fertilizers poses economic and environmental challenges. This study evaluated the impact of intercropping <i>Lotus tenuis</i>, a&#xa0;nitrogen-fixing legume, on reproductive development and postharvest performance of peach trees (<i>Prunus persica</i> ‘Spring Lady’). Over two years, trees grown with <i>Lotus tenuis</i> inoculated with <i>Rhizobium loti</i> LL12 and LL33 were compared to control trees without intercropping. Intercropping increased soil nitrogen by 27%, and significantly enhanced reproductive performance, including a&#xa0;44% rise in flower production, 65% more fruits per tree, and a&#xa0;66% reduction in fruit drop by over 60% compared to controls. Fruits from intercropped trees were larger, firmer at harvest, and showed higher dry-to-fresh weight ratios and soluble solids content throughout postharvest storage. Additionally, reduced weight loss and delayed ripening were observed, evidenced by peel colour retention, suggesting improved shelf life and marketability. Beyond enhancing fruit yield and quality, <i>L.&#xa0;tenuis</i> contributes ecological value through biological nitrogen fixation and potential forage use. These findings demonstrate that legume-based intercropping is a&#xa0;low-input, multifunctional strategy that improves nitrogen use efficiency and supports sustainable orchard management. Despite its clear benefits, this practice remains underutilized in perennial fruit systems and warrants broader implementation.</p>

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Intercropping with Lotus tenuis (L.) Improves the Reproductive Performance of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch and the Postharvest Performance of Fruits

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月8日

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  • Victor H. Ziegler,
  • Nadia Palacios,
  • Paula Vecchio,
  • Pedro Insausti

摘要

Nitrogen is essential for peach tree productivity and fruit quality, but reliance on synthetic fertilizers poses economic and environmental challenges. This study evaluated the impact of intercropping Lotus tenuis, a nitrogen-fixing legume, on reproductive development and postharvest performance of peach trees (Prunus persica ‘Spring Lady’). Over two years, trees grown with Lotus tenuis inoculated with Rhizobium loti LL12 and LL33 were compared to control trees without intercropping. Intercropping increased soil nitrogen by 27%, and significantly enhanced reproductive performance, including a 44% rise in flower production, 65% more fruits per tree, and a 66% reduction in fruit drop by over 60% compared to controls. Fruits from intercropped trees were larger, firmer at harvest, and showed higher dry-to-fresh weight ratios and soluble solids content throughout postharvest storage. Additionally, reduced weight loss and delayed ripening were observed, evidenced by peel colour retention, suggesting improved shelf life and marketability. Beyond enhancing fruit yield and quality, L. tenuis contributes ecological value through biological nitrogen fixation and potential forage use. These findings demonstrate that legume-based intercropping is a low-input, multifunctional strategy that improves nitrogen use efficiency and supports sustainable orchard management. Despite its clear benefits, this practice remains underutilized in perennial fruit systems and warrants broader implementation.