USPP1634P - Nectarine-tree - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 20, 1957 WITNESS mumm F. w. ANDERSON Plant Pat. 1,634

NECTARINE TREE Filed Feb. 20, 1956 INVENTORJ fl'eden'c 6W: Anderson @MQQM ATTYS.

Ufliwd Sates Patent This invention relates to anew and distanct variety of nectarine tree which bears large red clingstone fruit.

The major characteristic of the present variety of nectarine tree resides in the fact that-while there is general resemblance to the Red Gra'nd nectarine (United States Plant Patent No. 1,060), the fruit of the instant variety ripens approximately two weeks in advance thereof.

As the Red Grand nectarine fruit has been favorably received in the commercial market, the present variety will provide such market with a comparable fruit, but in earlier season.

The harvest period of the present variety of nectarine is approximately with the Early Le Grand nectarine (United States Plant Patent No. 980), but otherwise, in comparison, substantial diiferences are recognized, as follows:

The fruit of the present variety is slightly smaller in size, but is more nearly round in shape, has a smoother surface, more attractive yellow under color, much more red exterior color, and more red color next to the stone.

Further, grown in the same orchard on adjacent trees, fruit of this variety has evidenced no growth cracks, while many appear on the Early Le Grand nectarine, depending of course on the season and the size of the crop.

Also, this variety has experienced considerably less bud drop after warm winters, followed by heavier sets of fruit which have been much more uniform in size and shape, and substantially less subject to split pits.

Additionally, the shoot growth of this variety is markedly shorter, heavier, and more upright; the leaves, with the same fertilizer program, being decidedly lighter in color.

Because of heavier bearing of more attractive fruit, including the smoother surface, more red exterior color, and greater uniformity in size and shape, together with a lower chilling requirement, the persent variety is much more desirable, commercially, than the Early Le Grand nectarine.

The herein claimed variety of nectarine was originated by me, in connection with a long and continuing fruit development program, as an open-pollinated seedling of the Red-Grand nectarine; the variety having been originated in my experimental orchard located near Le Grand, Merced County, California.

Subsequent to its origination, and recognition-by me details of this new and distanct variety of nectarine tree, the following is an outline description thereof; all major color plate identifications being by reference to Maerz and Paul Dictionary of Color:

Tree:

Size.-Medium.

Vigor.Medium.

Growth.4preading.

Production.Very productive.

Bearing.Regular bearer.

Trunk:

Size.-Medium. Texture.-Medium.

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium Lenticels.Medium number.

Size.Large. Average length, 6 to 6 /2". Average width, 1%".

Thickness.Medium.

Margin.Crenate.

Peti0le.Medium length.

Glands.Average numberfour. Alternate; reniform. Position--usually two on petiole and two or more on blades.

Stipules.None.

C0lor.-Top sidemedium green (22-L-6).

der side-lighter green (21-1-6).

Flower buds:

Size-Medium.

Length.-Medium.

Form-Plump.

Flowers:

First and full bl00m.About with the Elberta peach (unpatented). Medium blooming period as compared with other varieties. Size.-Large.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.Eating ripe. Date of first picking.]u1y 12, 1955.

Date 0 last picking-July 22, 1955. Size.Uniform; large. Average diameter axially,

3". Average transversely in suture plane, 3".

Form-Uniform; globose.

Suture.Shallow, with slight depression beyond the pistil point.

Ventral surface.--Rounded.

Cavity.-Rounded. Average depth,

breadth, A". Markings-r-red.

Base.Flat.

Apex.Sh0rt; depressed.

Pistil point.Lacking.

Average red (5-.L-6) at stone, becoming lighter (3-L-10) outwardly into flesh. Stone:

Type.Cling; adheres to flesh over entire surface. Size.Large to medium, Average length, 1 /4 Average breadth, 1%". Average thickness A". F0rm'.-,Globose to oval. Base.0blique. Hilum.Broad; oval. Apex.Rounded. Sides.--Equa. 1 Surface.-Irregularly furrowed throughout; pitted throughout. I Ridges-Jagged; continuous. Ventral edge.Thick.' ii Dorsal edge.Full, with deep groove. Tendency to split.--Very slight. Color.Dark brown (8-L-7), with reddish (5.6L-

l2) shading. Use: Market; long distance shipping. Keeping quality: Good. Shipping quality: Good.

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

The following is claimed:

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, as illustrated and described, characterized by large size, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit whose exterior color is yellow almost entirely over-spread with red; said fruit being furthcr characterized-as compared with the Red Grand nectarine-by ripening approximately two weeks earlier;

and additionally characterized-as, compared with the Early Le Grand nectarine--by ripening at approximately the same time but bearing fruit slightly smaller in size, more nearly round in shape, smoother in surface, having a more attractive yellow under color, much more red exterior color, more red color next to the stone, less subject to growth cracks and split pits, having a lower chilling requirement, and experiences less bud drop after warm Winters, followed by much heavier setsof fruit of more uniform size and shape; and further characterized as compared with said Early Le Grand nectarine-eby shoot growth which is markedlyshorter, heavier, and more upright, and leaves which are lighter in color.

No references, cited.

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