This inventionis directed to a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which would fall within group 87 of the classification by Caillavet and Souty, entitled Monographic des Principales Varit's de Pchers, 1950 edition.
the present varietyis principally characterized by its genetically small or dwarf-size tree having very short internodes, and the bearing-by such treeof substantially normal size, white fleshed,, freestone fruit of acceptable quality.
the varietywhich is well adapted for growing both as an ornamental tree and for the production of firuit for home and local market use, is believed to be the first dwarf nectarine tree which bears white fleshed fruit.
nectarineis a sib and is generally very similar to the Golden Prolific (United States Plant Patent No. 2,193), but-in comparisonis distinctively characterized by fruit which is white fleshed instead of yellow; is in harvest approximately ten days earlier; has more aroma; and is of better eating quality.
the varietywas originated by me, in my experimental orchard located near Merced, California, during a longterm plant breeding projectspanning approximately ten years-which object was the origination of fruit trees, including neotarine trees, of such small or dwarf size that-in addition to ornamental va-luepruning, thinning, and harvesting operations could be conducted without the use of ladders and by a person standing on the ground adjacent the tree.
the Flory dwarf peach(unpatented) was crossed with the Late Le Grand nectarine (United States Plant Patent No. 1,035), and the resultant seed all produced normal size peach trees which bore white fleshed peach fruit. In turn, seed from such trees produced about seventyfive percent normal size trees and twenty-five percent dwarf trees; some being peach trees and other nectarine trees. Of these last mentioned peach and nectarine trees, both those of normal and dwarf size, approximately three-fourths bore white fleshed fruit while the remaining one-fourth bore yellow fleshed fruit.
the present varietyis a selection of one of such dwarf nectarine trees whose fruit was white fleshed; the variety having been selected by me-for subsequent reproduction-upon the recognition of its commercial potential as a combination ornamental and fruit tree.
FIG. 1is an elevation showing one of the fruits, together with twigs and leaves.
FIG. 2is a sectional elevation of one of the fruits, with the stone remaining in place.
Suture-Distinctextends from base to apex.
Shipping qualityMedium to poor; i.e., not firm enough for commercial long distance shipment.
the tree and its fruit herein describedmay vary in slight detail due to climatic and soil conditions under which this variety may be grown; the present description being of the variety as grown in the Central Valley of California.
a new and distinct variety of dwarf nectarine treeas illustrated and described, which bears normal size freestone fruit having pale yellow skin mottled with red shading to pink; the tree and its fruit having general resemblance to the Golden Prolific (United States Plant Patent 4 No. 2,193) but-in comparison-being distinctively characterized by fruit which is white fleshed instead of yellow; is in harvest approximately ten days earlier; has more aroma. and is of better eating quality.
