USPP1247P - Peach tree - Google Patents

Description

Patented Jan. 26, 1954 Plant Pat. 1,247

HUNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim. 1

This inventionrelates to anew and distinct variety of peachtreecharacterized by self-fertile flowers, and by large, highly colored, freestone fruit of excellentreatingtquality, which recommends it highly for market and dessert use.

This variety is a: cross of the Le `Grrand nectarine (United States Plant Patent 549) and the Elberta peachiunpatented) the variety having been originated'and asexually reproduced by me in `my experimental nursery and orchard near Le Grand,'county or Merced, California, in the following manner:

All of the flowers-oi a. number of Le Grand nectarine trees were emasculated and pollen from Elberta. peach owerswas applied to the pistils. 'Ehe resulting seeds mveregathered and planted, and from whichseeds grew a number of seedlings.

When such seedlings were of a sufficient size, bud wood was taken and top-Worked onto mature root stock; all of such top-workings being yellow fleshed peaches, and one was conspicuous because of its unusual size, and high color, somewhat resembling the J. H. Hale peach (unpatented) in these particulars.

Further observation and examination disclosed that such one variety, in addition to the characteristics enumerated, had the other desirable qualities required of a commercial peach, whereupon a substantial number of the variety were further top-worked on mature root stock for additional observation and testing. Such later asexual reproductions bore all of the desirable characteristics of the original tree and the initial top-workings.

At the same time that the later top-workings were undertaken I also top-worked on the same root stock bud wood of the J. H. Hale peach in order that an accurate comparison could be made. When the top-workings of the present variety and the J. H. Hale peach bore fruit, observations and comparisons of the same were made, as follows:

As compared to the J. H. Hale peach the present variety exhibited more red outside color and was ready for harvest about three or four days earlier. The fruit of the two varieties under comparison averaged the same weight; i. e. about one-half pound each, although a few left on each tree reached approximately a pound in weight. Both varieties are almost globose in shape, although occasional specimens of the instant variety are slightly elongated axially. The average diameter of the two varieties is approximately three inches 2 in both planes, although specimens of both reached four inches.

The present variety showed and retained much more color during all stages of the ripening period, which was approximately two weeks for both varieties, and both cling to the tree remarkably well during such ripening period.

The present variety has flowers with red anthers, and is self-fertile, while the J. H. Hale peach has yellow anthers in common with other self-sterile peach varieties.

As further distinguished from the J. H. Hale peach, the fruit of the present variety has less acidity, and is of a much better eating quality.

Still further distinctive characteristics of the present variety is that the tree is larger, more vigorous and more productive than the J. H. Hale In the original drawings:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of one of the fruit, together with twigs and leaves.

Fig. 2 is a. sectional elevation of one of the fruit, with the stone exposed.

Referring now more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of peach tree, the following is an outline description thereof; al1 major color plate identifications being by reference to Maerz and Paul Dictionary of Color:

3 Fruit: Maturity when described-Hard ripe.

August 5, 1952. Dates of rst and last pickings-July 25August 10, 1952.

Size-Uniform; large. Average diameter axially-three to four inches. Transverse in suture planethree to four inches. Largest specimens weigh up to a. pound; same size class as J. H. Hale peach.

Femm-Uniform; symmetrical; globose to slightly oblong.

Suture.-An inconspicuous line; shallow; has slight depression beyond pistil point.

Ventral surface-Rounded strongly; lips equal.

Cavity. Rounded. Depth 1/2 inch. Breadth-ll/z inch. Markings smooth.

Base-Rounded.

Apen-Short.

Skin: Medium thick; medium texture.

Tendency to cruda-None.

Doma-Short.

Colon-Yellow (l-JJ?, shading to ll-K-S), with substantial overspreading oi' red (4-K-10), mottled with darker red (7-L-1).

Flesh:

Comit-Yellow 9L-6 shading to 9-L-7) with substantial red (4-L-6) at stone, streaking out lighter red (4-L-7).

mica-Abundant.

Textura-Firm; meaty; melting.

Fibers-Abundant.

Flatron-Delicate.

Aroma.-Distinct.

Eating quality.- Best; lacks acidity of J. H. Hale (unpatented) and Rio Oso. Gem (United States Plant Patent 84).

Stone: Free. Fibreslong; retains short brelike threads along ridges toward base.

4 Size-Medium. Average length-1% inches. Average breadth-11A inch. Average thickness- 3A inch. Form-Oval. Base- Straight to oblique. Hilum.-Narrow. Apen-Acute. Surface.-Irregu1arly furrowed near base;

ridged throughout; pitted throughout. Ridges.-Jagged toward apex. Ventral miga-Thick with wing toward base. Dorsal caiga-Full. with broad groove toward base. Ridges.-Interrupted. Sides.-Equal. Tendency to split-Slight. Colon-Brown (7-H-12). Keeping quality: Good. Use: Market; dessert. Shipping quality: Good.

The tree and its fruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climatic and soil conditions under which the variety may be grown.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

A new and distinct variety of peach tree, as described and illustrated, bearing large size, rm, meaty and melting, yellow iieshed freestone fruit having yellow skin with substantial overspreading of red; characterized-in comparison with the J. H. Hale peach-by a ripening period three to four days earlier; of substantially the same Size but more red exterior color; self-fertile instead of self-sterile owers; having red instead of yellow anthers; and less acidity with better eating quality; and further characterized by a. tree which is larger, more vigorous, and more productive than the J. H. Hale peach tree.

FREDERIC W. ANDERSON.

No references cited.

Images