Nectarine tree dropping its fruit

[nwpodcast]

hi,

we've planted a new nectarine tree to see how well it does on the west side of the state (Oregon). in its 3rd year now it is doing well. last year it put out 2 small fruit, and this year it originally produced 4, but when they reach the size of a dime, they are dropping off.

the tree seems healthy - a small amount of peach leaf curl, but that is the only issue. my only other thought is that its not getting enough water (it has been hot and drier here in the Pacific NW lately).

any ideas or suggestions are appreciated.

thanks!

[luis_pr]

If shrubs do not get enough moisture, blooms and fruits will be the first ones to "go". Is the tree at least getting the equivalent of 1" of rain a week or has it been getting no water some weeks?

[nwpodcast]

most days it gets the equivalent of an inch of rain, some days not any, though.

this seems kind of high to me, though. maybe thats the problem, though, I should expect that it gets more.

thanks for the input.