the present discoveryrelates to a new and distinct variety of peach tree; the variety being characterized by seeds which produce seedlings having high resistance to nematode infestation and crown gall, and therefore especially useful as a root stock for drupe fruits budded or grafted thereon.
Such budded seedlingswere planted in rows alongside other budded seedlings of these supposedly resistant varieties in general horticultural use, i. e. Shalil, Yunnan, and Bokhara.
the rows of such seedlings, including the seedlings of the present varietywere all budded with the same top varieties of drupe fruits and were planted in soil known to be badly infested throughout the nematode. All of these rows of seedlings received identical care, the same irrigation; the same fertilization; the same spraying; and the same pruning.
the seedlings of the herein claimed varietyproduced a tree which effectively resisted the Nematoda and crown gall; being much more uniform and vigorous in growth than the other above mentioned root stock varieties.
the other varieties of root stock seedlings in the testall showed nematode infestation and greater susceptibility to crown gall.
peach treehas been asexually reproduced and it has been ascertained that the reproductions maintain in full the unique characteristic of the original tree; to-wit, its ability to yield seeds which produce seedlings having high resistance to nematode infestation and crown gall, which makes them desirable as a root stock for drupe fruits.
Fig. 1is a view, taken from the suture side, showing generally the configuration of the fruit borne by the present variety.
Fig. 2is a sectional view of the fruit with the stone exposed.
Fig. 3is an elevation of one of the leaves.
TreeThe tree is large, vigorous, spreading, dense, and round topped; being hardy and a productive and regular bearer. However, the fruit is of no appreciable value as a commercial fruit for eating, canning, or drying. The value of the tree resides primarily in its use as a nematode resistant root stock for drupe fruits.
the trunk of the treeis of medium size and medium bark texture; the branches being of medium size and texture, and relatively dull dark brown.
the lenticelsare medium in number and size.
LeavesThe leaves of the variety average 6 in length and 1%" in width, being of me. dium size, ovate, acuminate, and acutely pointed. Also, the leaves are of medium thickness and in color are medium green, being smooth and having a crenate, finely serrate margin.
the petioleis of medium length and thickness.
the glandsaverage four to siX in number, are alternate, or regular size, globose, green in color, and appear mostly on the petiole, although occasionally on the blade.
the flower budsare half hardy, of medium small size and medium short length, being pointed, free, and slightly pubescent.
the flowersbloom in mid season at approximately the same time as the Elberta peach, which normally is in full bloom in the Merced, California, area about March 10th.
the flowersare large, and vary in color from pink to red.
the fruitis of medium size, having an average diameter axially of 2%" and 2 transversely in the suture plane.
the fruitis uniform in shape, symmetrical and globose; the suture being an inconspicuous line, which is relatively shallow.
ventral surfaceis rounded slightly with equal lips.
the cavityis flaring and is elongated in the suture plane, and shows mostly on the suture side of the fruit; such cavity averaging A in depth and /2" in breadth.
the baseis rounded, the apex is short, and the stem averages A," in length and is of medium size, with weak adherence to the stone.
the skin of the fruitis thin, of medium thickness, and bitter, with slight tendency to crack. In color the skin has considerable red blush.
the flesh of the fruitis of white color, reddish next to the stone.
the surface of the pit cavityis red with pink fibers.
the textureis soft and melting, the fibers few, and the flesh ripens evenly.
the flavor of the fleshis mild with distinct aroma, and the eating quality is fair, even though theiruitis not intended for commercial use.
the stoneis free and when parted from the flesh retains short fiber-like threads along the ridges.
the stoneis of medium size
the surfaceis regularly furseedlings for drupe fruit; the nematode and crown gall "resistant characteristics of these' direct seedlings of the variety, when used as root stock, having heretofore been described.
peach treewhich is .a sport of vPrunus persica, characterized by the seeds which produce seedlings having greater resistance to nematodes and crown gall as compared toother known peach root stocks including Yunnan, Shalil, and Bokhara.
