Abstract <p>Lime-induced iron chlorosis is a major constraint to <i>Prunus persica</i> (L.) cultivation in calcareous soils, where elevated pH and bicarbonate severely restrict micronutrient availability. This study assessed the physiological and nutritional responses of hybrid peach progenies, developed from a cross between the lime-tolerant ‘Sharbati’ and nematode-resistant but lime-sensitive ‘Flordaguard’ peach to increasing lime concentrations. Putative RKN-resistant progenies from the F₂ and BC₁F₁ generations, along with both parents, were evaluated under four lime levels (0, 5, 10, and 20%). After six months of exposure, rising lime concentrations markedly reduced plant height, root length, leaf area, photosynthetic rate and micronutrient uptake across all genotypes. ‘Flordaguard’ showed the strongest decline, reflecting its known sensitivity to alkaline conditions, whereas ‘Sharbati’ and especially the BC₁F₁ seedlings sustained higher growth, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency and Fe–Mn–Zn acquisition up to moderate lime levels (10%). Lime-driven increases in soil pH and electrical conductivity impaired micronutrient solubility and promoted leaf chlorosis, yet BC₁F₁ seedlings demonstrated comparatively superior nutrient retention and water-use efficiency. The results identify BC₁F₁ as a promising candidate rootstock with enhanced physiological tolerance to lime-induced iron chlorosis, offering a step toward integrating stress resilience in future peach rootstock improvement.</p>