Peach, Prunnus persica L. Batsch, is the eighth most
produced fruit in the world, with about 15.4 millions of
tons/year (FAO 2005). Peach represents one of the main
temperate fruit tree cultivated in Brazil, where 213,545
tons were produced in the 2003-2004 season (Almeida
& Duringan 2006). In São Paulo State this culture has a
signifi cant economic importance, mainly in the region of
Avaré, Estância Turística de Paranapanema, with 43,636
tons (IBGE 2005).