USPP2014P - Peach tree - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 2 1-, 1961 s, MQLFlNQ Plant Pat. 2,014

PEACH TREE Filed Nov. 27, 1959 WITNESS INVEN-r-QK 6f g4 famuel F. .M'olfino ""7 25M yaw ATT Y5.

United States Patent 2,014 PEACH TREE Samuel F. Molfino, Strathmore, Calif., assignor to Kenneth R. Clifford, Strathmore, Calif.

Filed Nov. 27, 1959, Ser. No. 855,952

1 Claim. 01. 47-62) This discovery relates to a new and distinct variety of peach tree which originated as a seedling of the Heath clingstone peach (unpatented). The present variety, while retaining the general characteristics of the Heath- 'including the flavor and aroma of the fruit-is distinct in that such fruit is wholly freestone; thus providing an excellent marketable peach primarily for dessert use, but also having medium shipping quality.

The variety was discovered by me under the following circumstances:

A number of seeds from the Heath clingstone peach were discarded in the yard of the residence on my ranch located near Strathmore, California, and several of such seeds sprouted and produced seedlings. One of such seedlings appeared to be especially healthy and vigorous, and I therefore permitted it to develop to maturity under conditions which were subject to my control, continued observation, irrigation, and cultivation. When such seedling grew to maturity and came into bearing I recognized the distinctive freestone nature of the fruit as compared to the Heath clingstone peach.

It is believed that the instant variety originated by crosspollination of the Heath clingstone peach with an unknown nectarine; this for the reason that the fruit produced by the present variety occasionally has a smooth skin characteristic of a nectarine, and most seeds produce nectarine seedlings.

After I recognized the variety as being new and distinct I asexually reproduced it, on my ranch located as aforesaid, by budding; such reproductionsunder carein] observation, and when they reached maturity and came into bearinghaving run true to the parent tree in all respects.

In the drawings:

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

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

Referring now to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of peach tree and its fruit, the following is an outline description thereof; all major color plate identifications-except where terms of common definition are employed-being by reference to Maerz and Paul Dictionary of Color:

Tree:

Size.Large. Vi or.Vigorous. Grwth.-Upright. Density.-Dense. F 0rm.-Vase shaped. H ardiness.Hardy. Production-Very productive. Bearing-Regular bearer. Trunk:

Sim-Medium. Texture.Medium.

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Texture.-M edium.

C0l0r.Dull grey.

LenticeIs.-Medium number; medium size. Leaves:

Size.Large. Average length-6". Average width1 /z.

F orm.Ovate; acuminate; acutely pointed.

Thickness.-Medium.

Texture.--Smo-oth.

C0l0r.-Top side-medium green (22-L-8). Under Alternate; me- Positionbase of 3". Form.Uniforrn; symmetrical; globose; compressed laterally.

Suture.Distinct; shallow. Extends from base to beyondbut discontinuous at-apex, with slight depression beyond pistil point.

Ventral surface.-Rounded slightly; lipped toward base, both sides; lips equal.

Cavity.Circular; elongated in suture plane, with suture showing on one side. Average depth- A" to Average breadth- /s".

Base.Rounded.

Apex.-Short.

Pistil p0int.-Apical.

Skin:

Thickness.Medium.

T0ughness.-Medium.

Tenacity to flesh-Free.

Tendency l0 crack.Slight.

Down.-Scant; short; does not roll up when rubbed. Occasional fruit has a nectarine-like smooth skin.

Col0r.Light yellow with greenish cast (9-F-1 to 10-6-5), partially blushed with red (4-1-9 to 4-L-10).

Flesh:

AmygdaIin.--Wanting.

Juice-Moderate Texture.Medium; melting.

Fibers.Few.

Ripens.-Even.

F Iavor.-Subacid, delicate.

Aroma.Pronounced.

Eating qaality.Best.

Colon-Cream (9-C2 to 9-H-3), streaked and mottled with red (1-H-7 to l-K-9) next to stone. Surface of pit cavityred with white fibers.

Stone:

Type. Free.

Size.-Medium. Average length-4%. Average breadth Average thickness%.

Form-Oval; cuneate. 5

Base-Straight.

Hilum.0val.

Dorsal edge.--Full, with shallow narrow groove to 15 above center. Tendency to split-Slight. Colon-Brown (7-1-1-11 to 8 14-12).

4 Use: Market; dessert. Keeping quality: Medium. Shipping Quality: Medium.

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; the present description being of the variety as grown in the Central Valley of California.

The following is claimed:

A new and distinct variety of peach tree, as illustrated and described, having general resemblance in tree and fruit to the Heath clingstone peach but distinctively characterized in comparison by freestone fruit; and further characterized by fruit which normally has scant short down but occasionally is nectarine-smooth.

No references cited.

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