The best quality fruit is produced when diseases and insects are controlled. Unless an efficient spray program is maintained, it is not advisable to plant stone fruit trees. The first line of defense is good sanitation. Remove old diseased fruit and wood as it appears on the tree. Your local county Extension office has information on timing, methods and materials to control diseases and insects.
Many garden centers sell home orchard fruit tree sprays containing an insecticide and fungicide.
Applying one of the products according to label directions usually controls most insect and disease pests. The nectarine is a fuzzless mutation of a peach. In addition, an active breeding program is being conducted to develop varieties adapted to Arkansas. A couple of varieties may be grown in Arkansas and are listed in the table. Because all peaches are self- fruitful, it is not necessary to plant more than one variety.