CONTENTS N E W Y O R K Should New York Growers Plant Higher Density Peach Orchards? Stephen A. Hoying, Terence L. F R U I T Q U A R T E R L Y Robinson and Robert L. Andersen ... 3

The Changing Northern Editorial Fresh Market Peach Picture Stone Fruit Research in New York State Bill Shane ...... 9 Peach And Nectarine Cultivars: A New Jersey Perspective oth this, and the previous issue of the New York Fruit Quarterly feature Jerome L. Frecon ...... 13 Bcollections of papers that were presented at the stone fruit symposium held this past spring in Geneva in honor of Dr. Robert Andersen’s contributions to the stone Stone Fruit Rootstocks: Current Status fruit industry. As you can see from the content and quality of these articles, there is And Overview For The Future a lot going on in stone fruit research in the Eastern United States. It is also evident Gregory L. Reighard ...... 25 that there is a great deal of work that still needs to be done. Many growers that have the soils, micro-climates and markets to grow stone Peach Rootstock Trials at Geneva: fruit and are seriously looking into the possibility of diversifying their operations A Progress Report or expanding their current acreage of stone fruits. This is evident by the recent Robert Andersen, Jay Freer and Terence expansion of acreage of peaches and sweet cherries in New York State. All growers Robinson ...... 29 need reliable, proven, and practical information on how to successfully and profitably grow stone fruits on their farms. Theory and Practice of Genetically On behalf of the stone fruit growers of New York, I would like to thank Bob Manipulating Peach Tree Architecture Andersen for the research he has done and guidance he has provided us over the Ralph Scorza...... 31 years, and wish him well in retirement. To adequately express our appreciation for all he has done would probably take the rest of this page. Instead, let me outline Developing Multi-Virus Resistant Stone Bob’s legacy’– the continuing work being done at the Geneva Experiment Station. Fruit Cultivars Zongrang Liu ...... 37 •Dr. Susan Brown will continue to evaluate the sweet cherry selections that have been bred at Geneva with the hope some winners will be found in that group. It is unlikely that new crosses will be made in the future. FRONT COVER: New fresh market peach varieties are larger and redder •Dr. Terence Robinson will continue to work on stone fruit planting systems than Redhaven, highly productive and and evaluate new rootstocks. very high quality.

•Dr. Courtney Weber is evaluating the plum selections that are at Geneva and BACK COVER: New processing peach making some new crosses. varieties from the Vineland Reseach Station in Ontario. • Jay Freer, Bob’s longtime technician, is helping all three of with their stone fruit work. N E W Y O R K These individuals are dedicated to, and very interested in the stone fruit work F R U I T Q U A R T E R L Y they are doing. How much research gets done in the future though, will be dictated VOLUME 13 • NUMBER 4 • WINTER 2005 by the amount of funding that can be found for the work. We, as growers, are going to have to work together to ask for, and help secure the funding for the needed This publication is a joint effort of the New York State Horticultural Society, Cornell University’s New York research. The success or failure stone fruit industry’s future in New York depends State Agricultural Experiment Station at Geneva, on it. the New York State Apple Research and Development Program, and the NYSBGA. Jim Bittner Fruit Grower, Singer Farms Appleton, NY Editors: Terence Robinson and Steve Hoying Dept. of Horticultural Sciences New York State Agricultural Experiment Station Geneva, New York 14456-0462 Telephone: 315-787-2227 Fax: 315-787-2216 Subscriptions: $20/year. Contact Karen Wilson, NYSHS, PO Box 462, Geneva, NY 14456 or call: 315-787-2404 Advertising: Karen Wilson: 315-787-2404 Production: Communications Services, NYSAES, Geneva

NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 1 Should New York Growers Under the moderate growth conditions of Plant Higher Density New York State and the relatively short orchard Peach Orchards? lifespan of peach, 1 2 high density orchard Stephen A. Hoying , Terence L. Robinson and planting systems offer 2 Robert L. Andersen significant early yield, 2Cornell Cooperative Extension, Lake Ontario Fruit Program, Newark, NY and mature yield 2 Department of Horticultural Sciences, NYSAES, Cornell University, advantages over the Geneva, NY traditional Open Center system. In our study, the ew York State is on the northern Materials And Methods Perpendicular-V system limit of successful peach and the Tri-V system had Nproduction areas. Peach trees in In 1999, a replicated field trial NY suffer from perennial cankers comparing six peach orchard training yields and high economic (Cytospora spp.) and winter cold damage systems (Open Center, Quad-V, Tri-V, in some years. This limits the useful life Perpendicular-V, Central Leader and returns compared of a peach orchard to about 15 years. Slender Spindle) with three varieties to the traditional Traditionally, peach trees have been [Allstar (yellow peach), Blushingstar grown using the open center system at (white peach) and Flavortop (nectarine)] Open Center system. densities of 350-400 trees/ha. Mature tree all on Bailey rootstock was planted at height has been limited to 2.5m and tree Olcott, New York. Tree densities and spread has extended up to 5m in spacings are given in Table 1. was removed. Two of the four scaffolds diameter. This results in rather short trees The Open Center System was were oriented to each side of the row and that can be harvested largely from the developed based on heading the leader oriented to opposite quadrants of the tree. ground. However, the low tree density at 40cm at planting. In the second year, In the dormant seasons of the second results in poor yield during the early four well-placed scaffold branches were through fourth years, the four scaffolds years. In addition, the low tree stature of selected and headed by one third and the were pruned to an angle of 65° above the the NY open center system results in low leader was removed. Each of the four horizontal and allowed to extend to a mature yields that do not exceed 20 Mt/ scaffolds was bifurcated at two-foot height of 3.25m. In the late dormant ha. Warmer peach producing areas have intervals by heading successively in the season of each year, all secondary significantly higher yield than NY dormant seasons of the second through branches that were not fruiting twigs (DeJong, et al., 1994). The relatively cool fourth years. The scaffolds were pruned were removed back to a side shoot or bud summers of NY State result in moderate to an angle of 50° above horizontal. In the near the scaffold. This resulted in shoot growth and relatively slow tree fifth year, tree height was limited to 2.5m columnar scaffold branches with the development during the early years of a by lowering the top branches down to a fruiting twigs produced on or near the new orchard. Under these conditions of horizontal side branch. scaffolds. slow tree growth and short orchard life, The Quad-V system also was The Tri-V system was developed in high- density orchard systems have great developed by heading the leader at 40cm a manner similar to the Quad-V system potential to improve yield and at planting. In the second year, four well- except only three scaffolds branches were profitability of peach orchards (Loreti and placed scaffold branches were selected allowed to develop. They were oriented Massai, 2002). and headed by one third and the leader perpendicular to the row with two on one

TABLE 1 Six orchard planting systems evaluated in the New York peach systems trial. Tree Density/ Tree Spacing Initial Tree Heading System Name Description Ha (m) Height (cm)

Open Center 4 scaffold branches with 3 bifurcations. 384 4.3 X 6.1 60 Quad-V 4 scaffold branches without bifurcation and with renewal pruning. 538 3.0 X 6.1 45 Tri-V 3 scaffold branches without bifurcation and with renewal pruning. 905 2.1 X 5.2 45 Central Leader Central trunk with permanent lower tier of 4 branches. 1,098 2.1 X 4.3 100 Perpendicular-V 2 scaffold branches without bifurcation and with renewal pruning. 1,583 1.2 X 5.2 45 Slender Spindle Central trunk with no permanent lower tier branches. 1,922 1.2 X 4.3 100

2 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 40 Open Center 120 A Quad-Vee Open Center Tri -Vee

) Quad-Vee Perp-Vee 2 30 100 Central Leader Slender Spindle

Tri-Vee 80 20 Central Leader Yield (kg/tree)

Perp-Vee

Trunk X-Sectional Area (cm 60 10

Slender Spindle

40 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 0 Planting Density (trees/ha) 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Year Figure 1. Effect of increasing planting density on peach tree size after 6 years in the orchard. 40 Open Center B Quad-Vee side and one on the other, alternating down the row. In the Tri -Vee dormant seasons of the second through fourth years, the scaf- 30 Perp-Vee folds were headed each year by one third to a side branch that Central Leader continued in the 65° upward direction. The scaffolds were al- Slender Spindle lowed to extend to a height of 3.25m. In the late dormant sea- son each year, all secondary branches that were not fruiting 20 twigs were removed back to a side shoot or bud near the scaf- fold. This resulted in columnar scaffold branches with the fruit- ing twigs produced on or near the scaffolds. Annual Yield (Mt/ha) The Perpendicular-V system was developed in a manner 10 similar to the Quad-V system except only two scaffolds branches were allowed to develop. They were oriented per- pendicular to the row. In the dormant seasons of the second through fourth years, the scaffolds were headed each year by 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 one third to a side branch that continued in the 65° upward Year direction. The scaffolds were allowed to extend to a height of 3.25m. In the late dormant season each year, all secondary Figure 2. Annual yields per tree (A) and per hectare (B) of 6 peach orchard systems over the first 6 years of orchard development. branches that were not fruiting twigs were removed back to a side shoot or bud near the scaffold. This resulted in columnar scaffold branches with the fruiting twigs produced on or tral leader except that no permanent size. The highest density system had a near the scaffolds. lower tier scaffold branches were al- trunk cross-sectional area that was less The Central Leader system was de- lowed. Large branches were renewed than half the size of the lowest density veloped by heading the leader at 100cm back to the trunk on an annual basis by system. at planting and removing large diameter cutting to a side shoot or bud near the Yield. In the second year (2000) the feathers (larger than two thirds diameter trunk. trees had a very small crop followed by of leader). During the second through the An economic analysis of profitabil- significant commercial crops in the third fourth years, the leader was headed by ity was done using actual yields, simu- year and large commercial crops in the one third each year and a strong vertical lated packout, material costs and labor fourth-sixth years (Figure 2A). On a land shoot arising near the heading cut was inputs through year six. We added pro- area basis, the Central Leader and the trained as the leader. In the second year, jections of yield, packout and labor costs Slender Spindle systems, which had the a lower tier of four scaffolds was selected for years 7-15 based on average yield for least pruning at planting, had the highest and pruned to horizontal by shortening years five and six. (Robinson and 2nd year yield/ha while all of the other each branch back to a horizontal side Hoying, 2004). four systems which required severe head- branch. Large diameter branches along ing at planting, had very low 2nd year Results the leader were renewed back to the yield (Figure 2B). In the third year, the trunk on an annual basis by stubbing Growth. After six years the largest Slender Spindle and Perpendicular-V had back to a bud or side shoot near the trees (measured as trunk cross-sectional the highest yield/ha followed by the Cen- leader. This created a columnar leader area) were from the traditional Open tral Leader, Tri-V, Quad-V and Open Cen- with fruiting twigs arising near the Center system (Figure 1). The smallest ter, which had the lowest yield. In the leader. Tree height was limited to 3.25m. trees were from the highest density Slen- fourth through sixth years, the Perpen- The Slender Spindle system was de- der Spindle system. There was a strong dicular-V had the highest yield followed veloped in a manner similar to the cen- negative effect of tree density on tree by the Slender Spindle, Tri-V, Central

NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 3 90 200 Open Center A Quad-Vee 80 Quad-Vee Tri -Vee 190 Perp-Vee Central Leader 70 Open Center Slender Spindle 180 Tri-Vee 60

Perp-Vee Fruit Size (g) 170

Cum. Yield/tree (kg) 50 Central Leader

40 160

Slender Spindle 30 150 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2002 2003 2004 Planting Density (trees/ha) Year

125 Figure 4. Annual fruit size of 6 peach orchard systems over 3 years of orchard Allstar (yellow peach) B development. Blushing Star (white peach) 100 Flavortop (nectarine) per ha was positively related to tree density; however, there was an interaction with variety (Figure 3B). The yellow peach (Allstar) and the white peach (Blushing Star) gave similar re- 75 sponses at each density, but the nectarine (Flavortop) had sig- nificantly lower yield at each density. For the two high yield- ing varieties, the Perpendicular-V had the highest cumulative 50 yield (100 Mt/ha) followed by the Slender Spindle, Central

Cum. Yield/ha (Mt) Leader, Tri-V, Quad-V and the Open Center system (27 Mt/ ha). The best system had approximately 3X the yield of the poor- 25 est system. With the nectarine, the Slender Spindle and the Per- pendicular-V had the highest cumulative yield (37 Mt/ha) fol- lowed by the Central Leader, Tri-V, Quad-V and the Open Cen- 0 ter System (15 Mt/ha). The best system had approximately 2.5X 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 the yield of the poorest system. Planting Density (trees/ha) Fruit Quality. Average fruit size in years three through six Figure 3. Effect of increasing planting density on 6-year cumulative yield per was greatest with the Open center and Quad-V systems, inter- tree (A) and yield per hectare (B) of 3 peach varieties. Dotted black lines mediate with the Tri-V, the Central Leader and the Slender connecting the 3 V-shaped systems and the 2 pyramid-shaped systems Spindle, and smallest with the Perpendicular-V system (Table indicate that the V-shaped systems have higher yield than the pyramid 2, Figure 4). Fruit red color in 2004 was similar for all of the shaped systems. systems (approximately 60%) except the Open Center system, which had significantly poorer color TABLE 2 (46%). Economics. In year two, farm gate Effect of 6 Orchard Planting Systems on Fruit Size and Color and crop value was highest for the Slender Farm Gate Crop Value Over the First 6 Years. Spindle but by year three the Perpendicu- Cumulative Farm lar-V had similar crop value as the Slen- Tree Density/ Av. Fruit Size Fruit Red Color Gate Crop Value/ der Spindle (Figure 5A). By year six the System Ha (g) (%) (2004) Ha** ($) crop value of the Perpendicular-V system Open Center 384 182.4 a* 46.3 b 14,961 d exceeded the returns of the Slender Quad-V 538 179.7 a 61.5 a 24,668 c Spindle. The Open Center system had the Tri-V 905 172.0 b 56.7 a 28,583 b lowest crop value in each of the years. Central Leader 1,098 170.1 b 61.9 a 28,573 b Perpendicular-V 1,583 160.9 c 61.4 a 38,695 a Accumulated crop value over six years Slender Spindle 1,922 168.1 b 60.2 a 36,207 a was highest for the Perpendicular-V sys- LSD p≤0.05 6.7 5.9 3,539 tem ($38,695/ha) followed by the Slen- *Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different. (p≤0.05, n=9) der Spindle, Tri-V, Central Leader, Quad- ** Excludes picking, storage and packing costs. V and was lowest for the Open Center system ($14,961/ha) (Table 2). Estimated Leader, Quad-V and Open Center sys- one half the cumulative yield per tree as profitability over a 15-year orchard life tems. the lowest density system. The three V showed that all systems were profitable Cumulative yield per tree was nega- systems had greater than expected yield except the Open Center with Flavortop tively related to planting density in a cur- from the regression relationship, and the (Figure 5B). The relationship between tree vilinear manner (Figure 3A). The high- two pyramid shaped systems had lower density and profitability was curvilinear; est density system had slightly less than than expected yield. Cumulative yield however, there was an interaction with 4 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY variety. The yellow peach (Allstar) and the white peach (Blush- 8,000 Open Center A ing Star) generated similar shaped quadratic response curves. Quad-Vee The optimum density was 1,329 trees/ha for Allstar (yellow Tri -Vee peach), and 1,406 trees/ha for Blushing Star (white peach). 6,000 Perp-Vee The nectarine had significantly lower profitability at each den- Central Leader sity, and the curve increased with increasing density up to Slender Spindle 1900 trees/ha (highest density of this experiment). For the two high yielding varieties, the Perpendicular-V system exceeded 4,000 the profitability predicted from its density while the open cen- ter, the central leader and the slender spindle had lower than expected profitability. 2,000 Farm Gate Crop Value ($/ha) Discussion

0 In this study, the wider plant spacings resulted in larger 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 trees after six years than at the closer plant spacings. The strong effect of increasing tree density on limiting tree growth was Year likely due to two effects. 1) At the higher densities, the canopy $100,000 of the tree was limited by pruning beginning in the third year, Allstar (yellow peach) B which likely reduced total carbohydrate supply and thus tree Blushing Star (white peach) size. With the Slender Spindle and the Central Leader sys- $80,000 Flavortop (nectarine) tems, the main pruning strategy was to remove large diam- eter limbs each year to limit trees to an allotted space. When this is repeated over several years, the size of the canopy re- $60,000 mains small and presumably root system size is also limited. 2) Inter-tree root competition for water and nutrients may have $40,000 also contributed to reduced tree size at the high planting den-

sities. From a practical viewpoint this result indicates that even Net Present Value ($/ha) with peach trees on seedling rootstocks there is a large range $20,000 of tree densities that are manageable. The strong positive relationship between tree density and $0 cumulative yield/ha at the end of year six indicates that for

New York conditions there is great benefit to high-density 0500 1,000 1,500 2,000 orchards. This is in contrast to results in warmer climates (e.g. Planting Density (trees/ha) California) which have shown that the yield benefits of high- density peach orchards are short lived and that the high Figure 5. Annual crop value (A) and estimated 20 year Net Present Value (B) of 3 peach varieties trained to 6 peach orchard systems at various planting density systems require more summer pruning to manage tree densities over the first 6 years of orchard development. vigor at close plant spacings (DeJong et al. 1994; Loreti and Massai, 2002). In the New York climate, trees grow less vigorously than in California, so that the yield advantage of common relationship of tree density and Massai (2002) and is very similar to the high plant densities in NY is much longer yield. In contrast, the pyramid shaped optimum planting density for dwarf and the management of tree vigor at close trees had lower yield than predicted. This apple trees (Robinson and Hoying, 2004). plant spacings is not so problematic. In is similar to results by Chalmers and Van There appears to be a significant fact, in our study, fruit color was the den Ende (1989) and DeJong et al. (1999). economic advantage to the V shape with poorest at the lowest plant spacings It is likely this difference was due to peach (DeJong et al., 1999). indicating that at the higher planting higher light interception and distribution densities shoot growth was manageable within the V canopy (Iannini, et al., 2002). Conclusions and did not cause excessive shading and The curvilinear relationship of yield reduced fruit color. and tree density indicates that the • Under the moderate growth Tree shape appeared to have an effect optimum planting density depends on conditions of New York State and the on yield performance independent of the influence of economic factors and the relatively short orchard lifespan, planting density with the V systems law of diminishing returns. Our high-density orchard planting performing better than the pyramid preliminary economic analysis showing systems offer a significant early yield shaped systems. Although the Slender projected yields from year 6 to year 15 and mature yield advantages over Spindle system had the highest tree indicate that the optimum density is the traditional open center system. density, it had less cumulative yield than somewhat less than the maximum the slightly lower density Perpendicular- density that can be managed. Similar • Even the highest density systems V system. This was likely due to excessive economic results were reported by (Slender Spindle and Perpendicular- pruning of the Slender Spindle at the DeJong et al., (1999), in the warmer V) were quite manageable in this highest tree densities. The V shaped trees climatic conditions of California. The climate and produced 2-3 times as (Quad-V, Tri-V and Perpendicular-V) had optimum density in the present study is much yield over the first six years as higher yield than predicted from the similar to that reported by Loreti and did the Open Center system. NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 5 • The more severe pruning required at economic efficiency of four peach maturity with the Slender Spindle production systems in California. made it inferior to the Perpendicular- HortScience 34:73-78. V system in annual yield in the last Iannini, C., Cirillo, C., Basile, B. and year of the study indicating that at Forlani, M. 2002. Estimation of maturity the V systems would be nectarine yield efficiency and light superior interception by the canopy in different training systems. Acta Hort • Farm gate crop value and long-term 592:357-365 profitability were much higher for Loreti, F. and Massai, R. 2002. The high- the high density systems than the Open Center system. The optimum density peach planting system: density appears to be about 1,000 Present status and perspectives. Acta trees/ha. Hort 592:377-390. Robinson, T.L. and Hoying, S.A. 2004. References Which high-density orchard planting Chalmers, D. J., and Van den Ende, B. system for replant sites in New York (1989) Tatura trellis peaches: is the most productive and productivity over fifteen years. Acta profitable. Acta Hort. 636:701-709. Ontario region of New York State. Terence Hort 254:303-306. Robinson is a research and extension pro- DeJong, T.M, Day, K.R., Doyle, J.F., and Acknowledgement fessor at Cornell’s Geneva Experiment Sta- Johnson, R.S. 1994. The Kearney tion who leads Cornell’s research and ex- We thank Dan Sievert of Niagara Agricultural Center perpendicular tension program in high-density orchard Orchards for hosting this experiment on “V” (KAC-V) orchard system for systems. Robert Andersen is a recently re- his farm. peaches and nectarines. tired emeritus professor of Horticulture at HortTechnology 4:362-367. Cornell’s Geneva Experiment Station who DeJong, T.M., Tsuji, W., Doyle, J.F. and Steve Hoying is an Area extension edu- specializes in the breeding and culture of Grossman, Y.L. 1999. Comparative cator in orchard management in the Lake stone fruits.

6 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The Changing Northern New peach varieties, which are larger and Fresh Market Peach Picture redder than Red Haven, are rapidly gaining favor Bill Shane in northern peach District Fruit and Marketing Agent production areas. White Michigan State University, Benton Harbor, MI peaches are also popular. The best of these new varieties are assessed for ew varieties are the lifeblood of a White Peach and Nectarine thriving peach industry, Varieties winter hardiness, Nespecially in those states with a production and tolerance sizeable, wholesale fresh or processing White peach and nectarine variety side. In Michigan, we have seen over the options for northern wet climates to diseases in this article. last 15 years the rapid replacement of depend heavily on whether or not varieties such as ‘Cresthaven’, bacterial spot can be kept under control. ‘Glohaven’, and ‘Redskin’ by newer va- Many of the newer white peach varieties varieties with better bacterial spot rieties with greater appeal in the local and such as ‘Snow King’, ‘Sugar Giant’, and resistance. national fresh markets.’‘Red Haven’, still ‘Yukon King’ and nectarines such as the the largest acreage variety in Michigan, Arctic series are popular in California Yellow Melting Flesh Peach is losing dominance in the Michigan and drier climates (Table 2) but have Varieties peach industry. With market demand significant bacterial spot susceptibilities switching from 2 1/4” to 2 1/2” diam- that make them a challenge to grow in Many new yellow melting flesh eter peaches with over 60% red skin, and Michigan. ‘Blushingstar’ has been the peach varieties have been introduced tighter profit margins, Michigan growers best new white peach for our area in over the past 10 years as possible substi- are always looking for better alternatives. recent years. ‘Southern Pearl’, from tutes to those currently being grown In looking for better varieties, fruit Byron, Georgia has been productive, (Table 3). The newest varieties have not bud hardiness is always a major concern relatively firm, and has medium eating been tested long enough to determine in Michigan and other northern states. quality. ‘China Pearl’ from North their suitability to the wide range of soil Over the last 30 years, there have been Carolina is very productive but medium types and growing seasons of the Great five years where January or February firm. ‘Klondike’ is probably the best of Lakes region. temperatures reached -16° F or lower in the newer California white peaches from For the early July window, ‘PF1’ has the peach growing region along the west the standpoint of bacterial spot resistance been seen as a less split-pit prone substi- side of Michigan. Such temperatures will in our early tests. ‘Saturn’ is a white tute for ‘Harbinger’. ‘Queencrest’ is a kill most peach fruit buds. Cold-resistant doughnut peach that is productive, very new selection that looks promising varieties may have significant fruit bud sweet, and is becoming popular for direct at this time. For mid-July, ‘PF5B’ has survival in the -10°F to -12°F temperature market sales. There is considerable room much more red skin than’‘Harrow Dia- range in mid-winter. We consider the for hardy, new, firm, white peach mond’ and appears to have a stronger Michigan climate to be somewhat harsher than Southern New Jersey where mod- erately cold-tender varieties such as ‘Sen- TABLE 1 try’, ‘Loring’, ‘Bellaire’, and ‘John Boy’ Bacterial spot rating on leaves of yellow melting flesh type peaches produce crops more reliably. (Four year average at the SW Michigan Research and Extension Center, Benton Harbor, MI). W. Good varietal resistance to bacterial Shane, Michigan State University. spot, caused by’Xanthomonas campestris Variety Bacterial spot rating Variety Bacterial spot rating pv. pruni is important for Michigan conditions, especially in those orchards ‘Allstar’ 8.5 ‘PF1’ 8.9 ‘Blazing Star’ 9.0 ‘PF12A’ 8.9 with sandy soils, frequent rainfall, and ‘Bounty’ 7.7 ‘PF15A’ 7.7 considerable exposure to wind. Fruit ‘Canadian Harmony’ 8.3 ‘PF17’ 8.8 marked by bacterial spot infections are ‘Coral Star’ 8.3 ‘PF20-007’ 8.4 more prone to fruit diseases such as ‘Cresthaven’ 8.1 ‘PF23’ 8.6 brown rot and Rhizopus rot. Varietal ‘Glowing Star’ 8.6 ‘PF24-007’ 9.0 resistance to bacterial spot (Table 1) is ‘Harbinger’ 8.1 ‘PF27A’ 9.0 ‘Harrow Beauty’ 8.9 ‘Red Star’ 8.2 particularly important on disease-prone ‘Harrow Dawn’ 8.0 ‘Redhaven’ 8.0 sites. Varieties with poorer resistance may ‘Harrow Diamond’ 9.0 ‘Rising Star’ 8.1 escape the disease for the early years of ‘Harrow Fair’ 8.6 ‘Starfire’ 9.0 an orchard if planted in well-protected, ‘John Boy’ 9.0 ‘Suncrest’ 7.1 isolated sites with no older trees ‘Laurol’ 6.5 harboring the pathogen. Bacterial spot rating scale range (3=severe to 9=none). NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 7 TABLE 2

White peach and nectarine varieties for the Great Lakes growing region. W. Shane, Michigan State University – 2004 Harvest days before/ after N =nectarine Variety name Alias ‘Red Haven’ P = peach Comments ‘Spring Snow’ -20 P Small to medium, good size for season with light load, round, firm, dark red skin, attractive, hangs well, sweet subacid, few split pits, light cropper, somewhat susceptible to bacterial spot ‘Sugar May’ -10 P White-fleshed peach, early evaluation, lot of red in flesh, medium-sized fruit, significant bacterial spot, light crop 2001, dark red blush color, attractive, very firm, and texture, freestone when ripe, usually nice flavor ‘Saturn’ -5 P White flesh ‘Peento’ (flat/doughnut-shaped fruit), freestone, sweet mild flavor, 40 to 70% pinkish skin, prone to brown rot, appears to be productive, 2 1/2" or more diameter, tears at petiole when ripe, softens quickly, small pit, some bacterial spot noted on fruit ‘Southern Pearl’ BY84P1807 2 P White peach, relatively firm, generally okay bacterial spot resistance, acidic with moderate sweetness, good flavor, attractive 60% to 70% red skin on white, slight green background, red in flesh, productive, decent size, split pits some years if light crop ‘Snow Bride’ 5 P 80% red/pink blush, round/oval, white flesh, freestone, significant bacterial spot on leaves and fruit, low fuzz, medium size, low acid, light crop 2000 & 2004, nice flavor ‘Klondike’ 6 P Large to very large, 90% to 100% pink purplish red, round, attractive, very firm flesh, semi-freestone, sweet and subacid, productivity has been so-so, ripen 1 week after ‘Red Haven’, some bacterial spot noted ‘Crystal Red’ 7 N Early evaluation, 100% dark red skin, white flesh, round/oval, good size potential, some bacterial spot on leaves and fruit, range of flavors ‘Carolina Belle’ 8 P White flesh, freestone, red skin on white slight green background with little fuzz, fairly resistant to bacterial spot, attractive, large size fruit, maybe not large cropper, flavorful generally most years, too soft for wholesale shipping ‘White Lady’ 8 P White-fleshed peach, medium-sized, rounded fruit, firm flesh, bacterial spot susceptible, 90%+ dark skin, many pickings as it ripens over long period, aromatic fruit on tree some years, split pits significant some years Roseprincess BY80N384 10 N White-fleshed nectarine, candy red skin on pink/white background, medium to large, essentially freestone, some white peach aroma, prone to surface marks, flavor variable from year to year, high acidity, juicy ‘Arctic Sweet’ 10 N Early evaluation, white nectarine, showy large bloom, round/oblong, bright cherry red on bright white background, attractive, sweet, freestone, 2.5”, significant bacterial spot on leaves and fruit ‘Arctic Jay’ 10 N Early evaluation, white flesh, severe bacterial spot on fruit, solid dark red skin, small fruit ‘Blushingstar’ 12 P White-fleshed, freestone, 80-90% red skin on white background, generally good resistance to bacterial spot, moderately sweet with significant acidity, somewhat tender skin, medium to large, productive, red around pit, hangs well for white peach. ‘Arctic Rose’ 12 N White flesh nectarine, bright red skin with pink highlights, significant bacterial spot problems ‘Crimson Snow’ Bradcrim 12 N White-fleshed nectarine, freestone, bright 90% ruby red skin, attractive, round, some white speckle/rough texture, significant bacterial spot seen on leaves, mild, sweet, relatively firm flesh, melting, juicy, good taste, medium size ‘Red Rose’ 15 P 40-60% red skin on green/yellow background, not really attractive, blush area soften earlier, white/slight-green flesh, uneven halves, okay flavor, medium-sized fruit, vigorous tree ‘Summer Pearl’ NJ 252 22 P White-fleshed peach, medium to large fruit, 40-70% dull red skin on white/ light-green background, leaves and fruit are moderately susceptible to bacterial spot ‘Sugar Giant’ 25 P White-fleshed peach, early evaluation, okay in Washington, very large, round, subacid sweet, medium sweetness, significant bacterial spot on leaves and fruit

8 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TABLE 2, continued.

White peach and nectarine varieties for the Great Lakes growing region. W. Shane, Michigan State University – 2004 Harvest days before/ after N =nectarine Variety name Alias ‘Red Haven’ P = peach Comments ‘China Pearl’ 28 P Round/oblate, medium to decent size, somewhat fuzzy, attractive, ripens early on blush, sweet, moderate acidity, 50% red/pink on white/slight-green back, good bacterial spot resistance, softens quickly, productive ‘Lady Nancy’ 31 P White peach, ripening with ‘Encore’, good firmness, very firm, large, round/ oval, with 80% red over yellow/white ground, bad bacterial spot, yellow suture line in flesh, poor winter fruit bud hardiness ‘Snow Giant’ 35 P Very large fruit, 60 to 70% pinkish purple-red skinned over cream green, very firm, significant, bacterial spot on leaves in 2002 and 2003 ‘Snow King’ 35 P Medium-large peach, very firm, partially dark pinkish-red over cream green, flesh is crunchy, subacid, significant susceptibility to bacterial spot, initial evaluation indicates fruit bud hardiness may be poor ‘Yukon King’ 35 P Early evaluation, bad bacterial spot on leaves and fruit in 2004

TABLE 3 tree and equal or greater productivity. Very little is known about ‘PF5D Big’. Yellow melting flesh peach variety harvest windows for Michigan – W. Shane – 2004. For the late July window, ‘Garnet * Note: These are not necessarily recommended varieties. The purpose is to indicate best-guess harvest season. Beauty’ and its slightly redder-coloring counterpart ‘Summer Serenade’ are Ripening order productive and have good quality flesh (Southern MI)* Traditional Newer Very New but still insufficient skin color. ‘Rising Early July ‘Harbinger’ -33 ‘PF1’ -30 ‘Queencrest’ -34 Star’ is medium-red colored with a pretty Mid July ‘Harrow Diamond’ -20’ ‘PF5B’ -25’ ‘PF5D Big’ -25’ background and good flavor, but it softens quicker than desired at times. Late July ‘Garnet Beauty’ -6 ‘Rising Star’ -8‘ ‘Early Star’ -12 ‘Glenglo’ has good reports from ‘Early Red Haven’ -6 Glenglo’ -7 ‘Bright Star’ -10‘ ‘PF7’ -6 PF-7A Freestone’ -9 Pennsylvania, has looked good on the ‘Summer Serenade’ -6 ‘PF-8A’ -8 few trial trees on the Michigan State ‘PF9A-007’ -7 University research farm, but we have no Late July to ‘Red Haven’ +0 ‘PF11’ +0 other experience with it in Michigan. Early August ‘Vivid’ +2 ‘PF7’ has been not been tested much in ‘PF12A’ +3 Michigan, and there are three brand new John Boy’ +3 Flamin’ Fury selections (‘PF7A’, ‘PF8A’, ‘Bellaire +3 and ‘PF9A-007’) aimed at approximately Early August ‘Starfire’ +5 ‘PF Lucky 13’ +8 the same window. So far, there are no ‘Blazingstar’ +5 clear winners in this time frame. PF12B’ +5 For the late July to early August win- PF15A’ +5 dow, there are several traditional types, ‘Redstar’ +3 such as ‘Red Haven’, ‘Vivid’, ‘PF12A’, Mid August ‘Glohaven’ +10 ‘Coralstar’ +12’ ‘John Boy’ and ‘Bellaire’ and one very ‘Loring’ +12 new selection ‘PF11’. ‘Red Haven’ is a ‘Suncrest’ +12 ‘PF17’ +12 reliable producer and has excellent fla- ‘Canadian Harmony’ +10’ vor but suffers from split pits, excessive bud numbers and small fruit size at times. Late August to ‘Contender’ +18 ‘Allstar’ +18 ‘PF Lucky 21’ +15 Early September ‘PF23’ +20 ‘PF20-007’ +20 ‘PF22-007’ +17 ‘Vivid’ also has nice flavor and better ‘Cresthaven’ +24 ‘PF24-007’ +20 ‘Beaumont’ +20 color and generally less split pits than ‘Redskin’ +25 ‘Glowingstar’ +24 ‘PF Lucky 24B’ +24 ‘Red Haven’, but it softens quickly, espe- ‘PF25’ +25 ‘PF-24C’ +24’ cially at the tip. ‘Bellaire’ and sometimes Early to mid ‘John Boy’ appear to be a bit more prone September ‘Harcrest’ +28 ‘PF27A’ +30’ ‘PF28-007’ +33 to light crops, but have more red skin ‘Fayette’ +28 ‘PF30-007’ +31 coloration, than ‘Red Haven’. ‘PF12A’ has ‘Encore’ +31’ ‘PF35-007’ +33 nice quality flesh and good red skin col- ‘Autumnstar’ +33’ oration, but it can be a little small with * Note: Estimated harvest dates for typical year. Cooler year will delay harvest dates. Sites in more moderate cropping some years. northern areas are generally later. For early August, both the Stellar and the Flamin’ Fury series have several NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 9 relatively new varieties. ‘Starfire’ seems ‘PF24-007’, and ‘PF20-007’ for various to be emerging as the favorite of the three reasons. ‘PF23’ is also very attractive with Stellar varieties and ‘PF-15A’ is the most great shelf life but not as large as some of widely planted ‘Flamer’ in that season, the other options. There are four very although ‘PF Lucky 13’ looks really nice new options in this window, ‘PF Lucky in early tests. 21’, ‘PF22-007’, ‘PF Lucky 24B’, and ‘PF- For mid August, ‘PF17’ is probably 24C’ plus a Michigan State University the leader, based on total fruit quality, release ‘Beaumont’ that are being tested productivity, and better skin color than by growers, nurseries, and universities. the older ‘Glohaven’, ‘Loring’, ‘Suncrest’, Finally, in the early to mid- and ‘Canadian Harmony’. ‘Coralstar’ has September window, ‘PF27A’ is an very nice size and flavor but medium attractive alternative to ‘Fayette’ and coloring. ‘Encore’, but seems to struggle a bit with Late August to early September has size at times. Three new varieties ‘PF30- many options in the old ‘Cresthaven’ and 007’, ‘PF35-007’, and ‘Autumnstar’ are Bill Shane is an Extension Specialist in ‘Redskin’ windows. ‘Glowingstar’ and being tested in the field as possible South West Michigan who leads Michigan ‘PF25’ are attractive, hardy, and nice replacements with better color and nice State Universitiy’s peach breeding and quality and are my choices over ‘Allstar’, fruit size. evaluation program.

10 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Peach And Nectarine New Jersey has a large peach and nectarine Cultivars: A New Jersey evaluation project that has had success in Perspective evaluating peach variet- ies for Mid Atlantic Jerome L. Frecon conditions. This article Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension presents comprehensive 1200 North Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ results from New Jersey evaluations on numer- he testing and evaluation of peach Frecon, J. L. 2004. Register of New Fruit ous varieties with sug- and nectarine cultivars has been an and Nut Cultivars List 42, Peach. Tongoing research project in New Hort Science 39(6): 1512-1513; gestions for varieties Jersey since 1983. The New Jersey Agri- Frecon, J. L, 2004. Register of New Fruit that may be adapted for cultural Experiment Station has had a and Nut Cultivars List 42, Nectarine. fruit breeding program since 1907 devel- Hort Science 39(6): 1511-1512; Frecon, production areas of New oping hundreds of cultivars, some hav- J. L. , 2004. York. However there is ing wide scale impact in peach produc- Numerous Varieties of Flat Peaches In- ing areas outside of the region. The troduced. The Fruit Growers News. Vol no substitute for doing Babygold series developed in New Jer- 43(2) 23; local evaluations of sey have been planted and used Frecon, J. L. 2004. What are Flat Peaches? throughout Michigan, Ontario, and Horticultural News 84(1) 22-24; adaptability. Western New York. Blake was a major The balance of this report is broken variety in the southeastern United into four sections. First is Table 1 which States. Encore, a very productive late lists recommended, or suggested vari- years in late June in southern New Jer- variety has been popular in Washington eties for planting in New Jersey. Note sey. While the fruit size is only medium State and the Midwestern United States. the varieties marked with an asterisk it has been productive with few split pits. Saturn for many years was the first and have a high bud density and with their It is also attractive with a scarlet red only peento or flat peach marketing in record of productivity may be better overcolor over 70-80% of the surface. the United Sates and is widely grown in adapted to production areas of New Spring Snow – A firm, medium California. Jerseyqueen, Sun high, and York and Ontario. However there is no sized, white-fleshed peach ripening in Autumnglo have been major varieties. substitute like local research. The sec- late July but will hang for a week. A pink- All of these peaches originated at the ond section describes in order of ripen- ish, purple red skin color covers 80-90% New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Sta- ing, varieties that may be recommended of the surface making it attractive. The tion. or show promise for trial plantings. The flavor is sub-acid and good for this early Similarly, this research program has third section describes varieties under in the season. It will produce split pits. had success in evaluating peach variet- test that appear to have no special char- The tree is vigorous, moderately produc- ies for Mid Atlantic conditions. Variet- acteristics that would warrant further tive, and slightly susceptible to bacterial ies like John Boy, Laurol, Sentry and testing or planting. Both of these sec- spot. Bounty are all major varieties in the mid tions include varieties that are currently Sunbrite - It ripens just after Atlantic area and are the result of infor- planted in test blocks. The last section Queencrest but may have better size. mation disseminated from this research lists a group of varieties that have been While the skin color is only slightly less project. White Lady was first tested as a tested since the inception of the project complete, the fruit seems more uniform numbered selection in this program and but are not recommended or suggested with firmer yellow-flesh. Sunbrite is a subsequently named and is now the first for commercial planting. Many selec- pretty peach with tolerance to bacterial low acid white peach and the major tions from the New Jersey Agricultural spot. white-fleshed peach in the Eastern Experiment Station program or from Flamin Fury PF 5B - An attractive, United States. A similar situation oc- other private and public breeding pro- firm, medium sized, yellow-fleshed curred with Easternglo nectarine. Many grams are not listed or described be- clingstone peach ripening on July 7. The of the varieties planted throughout the cause they have not been named or in- tree is vigorous, very productive, and tol- mid Atlantic area of the Untied States are troduced. erant to bacterial spot. Size is the main the result of information and recommen- problem with this attractive cultivar. dations from this research project. Some Interesting Varieties in Empress – This attractive bright red- Information on the project is posted 2003-2004 (In Order of Ripening) skinned, clingstone variety ripens with, on the peach science web site at www. or just after Sunbrite. Empress has very rce. rutgers. edu/peach. The following Queencrest - A very early yellow- firm yellow flesh. The tree has not been are a few articles published in 2004. fleshed clingstone peach ripening most consistently productive but it is sitting in

NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 11 a lower area of our variety block in ripening on July 12. The flavor is good NJK56-4 – A beautiful bright red, Richwood, which increases its exposure but acidic. The tree is vigorous, produc- firm, white-fleshed semi-clingstone nec- to lower temperature. tive and susceptible to bacterial spot. De- tarine ripening just before Easternglo and SpringFlame - This early season va- veloped by Zaiger Genetics in Modesto, about two weeks before Redhaven. It has riety previously identified as Burchell D2. California. an 80 to 100% bight pinkish red skin color, 102 ripens with Empress and Sunbrite. It Snow Prince – A very firm, dull com- good firmness, and very good eating has and attractive scarlet red overcolor plete red skinned, white-fleshed cling- quality. It is not as susceptible to bacte- completely covering the skin. Pubescence stone peach ripening on July 12. It has a rial spot as EasternGlo and has better fla- is light, fruit size is very good for this sea- low acid flavor with clearer flesh color vor. It however may be about the same son with mostly 2 1/2 inch fruit. The fla- and larger fruit size than Spring Snow, size or 2 3/4 inches. The finish was ex- vor is good, the flesh is very firm and which ripens about 4-5 days earlier. Both cellent in 2004. Fruit harvested on July semi clingstone. Developed by Burchell Spring Snow and Snow Prince hang on 10 at the RAREC yielded 35. 5 % 2 1/4 to Nurseries in Oakland California the tree the tree well and have few split pits. De- 2 1/2 inches and 64. 5% 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 is vigorous, moderately productive, and veloped by Zaiger Genetics in Modesto, inches. Fruit harvested on July 14, 2004 susceptible to bacterial spot. I notice in California. at RAREC yielded 30. 7% 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 their catalog Springflame is a trade- marked name that is used for a number of generic varieties. TABLE 1 Arctic Star – This is the standard for Suggested Varieties for Planting in New Jersey an early white-fleshed nectarine ripening on July 10. The size is medium large with Promising Ripening Date Best Peach Best Nectarine Promising Peach Nectarine Var. all of the fruit between 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 in Southern NJ Varieties Varieties Varieties for Trial for Trial inches in diameter. It has a beautiful pink red skin color over 70-90% of the surface June 30 to Sunbrite Queencrest Jul 5 Spring Snow (W) with a cream white undercolor. It has a semi clingstone, firm, white-flesh. The July 6 to 12 Flamin’Fury PF #5B ArcticStar (W) Empress flavor is low acid and very good. It is Harrow Diamond* Scarlet Pearl (W) moderately susceptible to bacterial spot Spring Flame Harrow Dawn* and will crack under conditions of exces- July 13 to 19 Sentry Arcticglo (W) Flamin’Fury PF #7 sive moisture rendering it very suscep- Glenglo Easternglo Sugar May (W) tible to bacterial spot. The tree is upright- Summer Serenade Arctic Sweet (W) spreading, vigorous, and moderately pro- July 20 to 26 Flavorcrest Harblaze Saturn (W – flat) Nustar ductive. Developed by Zaiger Genetics in GaLa Snow Bride (W) Jade (W) Modesto, California. July 27 to Early Loring Summer Beaut Redstar* Emeraude (W) Harrow Dawn – A yellow-fleshed August 3 Flamin’Fury PF15A* Harflame Blazing Star peach with large size ripens on July 10. It Redhaven* however lacks the color and firmness of White Lady (W) other varieties in this season. Harrow August 4 to Bellaire Flavortop Sugar Lady (W) Diamond, an older variety, ripens just be- August 10 John Boy Sunglo Klondike White (W) fore Harrow Dawn and seem to have bet- Salem Arctic Jay (W) Flamin’Fury PF 20-007 ter color and flavor. Both varieties have Coralstar vigorous, productive spreading trees tol- August 11 to Flamin’Fury PF 17* Redgold Allstar* Arctic Gold (W) erant to bacterial spot. August 18 Harrow Beauty* Carolina Belle* (W) NJ D88-147 – An early season, yel- Bounty Contender Loring Glowingstar low-fleshed clingstone peach with low Flamin’Fury PF 23* Suncrest acid flavor ripening on July 11. This peach Flamin’Fury PF 24-007 is unusual because it is large, has com- plete red overcolor and is very attractive. August 19 to Cresthaven Fantasia Blushingstar* (W) August 26 Flamin’ Fury PF Sugar Giant (W) It appears to be tolerant to bacterial spot. 27A* Virus indexed at NRSP-5 project and Flamin Fury PF Lucky ready for introduction. 24B* Manon – A firm, complete red- August 27 to Fayette Lady Nancy (W) skinned, white-fleshed, clingstone peach September 3 Jerseyglo ripening on July 12. Manon has an excel- Jerseyqueen lent low acid flavor while not as firm as September 3 to Autumnglo Snow Giant (W) Arctic Pride (W) Snow Prince is larger and has less bacte- September 10 Encore* Autumn Star rial spot. Because of its size this early in Laurol Yukon King (W) the season it should be considered for Flameprince planting. Developed by the Riviera After Sept 10 Parade Big Red (CVN #3) Breeding Program in the Provence Re- gion of southeastern France. *Indicates variety is the most productive or winter hardy in its season of ripening. (W) Indicates White-Fleshed. See FS687 Yellow-Fleshed Peach Varieties for New Jersey, FS686 White-Fleshed Peach Sugar May – A firm, dark pink, pur- Varieties for New Jersey, and FS642 Nectarine Varieties for New Jersey for complete descriptions of plish red, white-fleshed, clingstone peach all varieties listed in this chart.

12 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY inches and 69. 3% 21/2 to 2 3/4 inches. very good. The size is slightly smaller GaLa – An early midseason, firm, Both Arcticglo and Easternglo harvested than Arctic Star but matures later. Arctic yellow-fleshed semi freestone. GaLa rip- at the same time had comparable size. NJ Sweet is moderately susceptible to bacte- ens in a season between Sentry and 56-4 has better flavor, better productiv- rial spot. It will crack under conditions Redhaven where a good peach is needed. ity and fewer problems with brown rot of heavy moisture, which will render it It has medium large size averaging and bacterial spot. Arctic Sweet white more susceptible to bacterial spot. The mostly 2.59” in diameter. Flavor is good nectarine ripening at the same time is sub tree is spreading, vigorous and produc- with 9. 7% SSC at 10 lbs pressure in 2004. acid and slightly larger but is more sus- tive. Developed by Zaiger Genetics in Gala has a crimson red color over 70-80% ceptible to bacterial spot and brown rot, Modesto, California. of surface with low pubescence. The tree and less productive. Virus indexed at Jade - A medium large, flavorful, is spreading upright, tolerant to bacterial NRSP-5 project and propagated for in- bright complete purplish red-skinned, spot, productive, and vigorous. Size is a troduction. semi-freestone, white-fleshed nectarine borderline issue with this variety. Sentry – Sentry is the standard yel- ripening before Redhaven. The ripening Snow Bride – A large, very firm, at- low-fleshed variety in New Jersey ripen- season is July 20. Fifty percent of the fruit tractive, white-fleshed, semi-freestone ing on July 13. It is an attractive variety is 2 3/4 inches in diameter. Fruit at nine peach ripening on July 23. The skin is cov- with 60-70% scarlet red overcolor and pounds pressure was 9.5% SSC in 2004. ered with a purple to pinkish red over reddish yellow undercolor. It is medium Developed by the Riviera Breeding Pro- 80-90% of the surface. The flavor is low large, and the semi-clingstone flesh is gram in the Provence Region of South- acid and very good. The tree is vigorous, moderately firm and of good quality. The eastern France. moderately productive and susceptible to tree is moderately productive, spreading, Nustar – A firm, complete and bright bacterial spot. Developed by Zaiger Ge- vigorous, and tolerant to bacterial spot. scarlet red-skinned yellow-fleshed free- netics in Modesto, California. Glenglo – A medium large, yellow– stone nectarine ripening on July 20. The NJK54 -17 – A very early yellow- fleshed, semi-clingstone peach ripening size has been medium large but the tree fleshed semi clingstone nectarine ripen- on July 14. The skin is covered with a 60- has never set up heavily. It is moderately ing on July 24. The fruit is only medium 80% crimson red overcolor. The flesh is vigorous, spreading, and susceptible to size but this nectarine is in a season where firm with good flavor. The tree is vigor- bacterial spot. there are no other varieties with its com- ous, productive, spreading, and tolerant NJ D51-270 –An early, medium firm, or- bination of red color, attractiveness, pro- to bacterial spot. Glenglo is an alterna- ange yellow-fleshed, flat or peento peach ductivity, and tolerance to bacterial spot. tive where Sentry is not productive. ripening on July 20. The skin has about Virus indexed at NRSP-5 project and Arcticglo – A very attractive reddish- 30-50% orange red overcolor and orange ready for introduction. white-fleshed nectarine ripening on July yellow undercolor. Fruit scar on the apex USDA BY 87P994 – An attractive, 14. This nectarine was spectacular in 2004 is small. Fruit size was medium to me- semi- freestone yellow-fleshed peach rip- with complete blemish free skin. It is not dium large. The flavor is good, somewhat ening on July 24. The skin is covered with a sub acid variety and getting medium variable but spicy and sweet. The tree is 80-90% scarlet red over color. The flesh size is always a challenge. Developed by vigorous, moderately productive. spread- is firm and the flavor very good. The tree Zaiger Genetics in Modesto, California. ing, and tolerant of bacterial spot. It has is large, vigorous, spreading, productive, Vulcan – An early season, orange- been virus indexed at the NRSP-5 and and tolerant to bacterial spot. yellow-fleshed non-melting clingstone propagated for introduction. Flavorcrest – A firm, yellow-fleshed ripening on July 15. It has very good Arkansas 9 – A bright clear yellow- semi-freestone peach ripening on July 24 sweet and spicy flavor and medium fleshed, non-melting clingstone peach that holds its firmness well. The flavor is large size. The trees are very vigorous ripening on July 21. The flavor and tex- very good. Flavorcrest is a challenge to but young. These trees are young but ture are excellent. The trees are young but size and is susceptible to bacterial spot. this look like a promising variety for appear to be tolerant to bacterial spot. The freestone is spreading, vigorous but canning. NJ H44-4 – A very firm (stony hard), only moderately productive. Summer Serenade – A yellow- very attractive, 70-90% bright red skinned, Harblaze – An attractive, medium fleshed, semi-freestone peach ripening white-fleshed peach ripening on July 20. large 70-90% scarlet red skinned, yellow on July 16. It is firm fleshed and medium Size is sometimes a challenge, and it is dif- fleshed, semi-freestone nectarine ripen- to medium large in size. The tree is of ficult to determine maturity because it is ing on July 25. It has a moderately firm medium vigor, productive, spreading so red and firm. Over-maturity is deter- acidic flesh with very good flavor. The and tolerant to bacterial spot. mined by a shriveling of the skin and a tree is moderately vigorous, productive, Easternglo – A firm yellow–fleshed snaky skin appearance and brown rot al- spreading and slightly susceptible to bac- clingstone nectarine that ripens on July though the fruit stays firm. The flavor is terial spot. 16. This nectarine was beautiful in 2004. moderately sub acid and good. The tree is Virgil - An early season, orange-yel- The fruit averaged 16% 2 1/4” – 2 1/2” vigorous, productive and slightly suscep- low fleshed non-melting clingstone rip- and 84% 2 1/2”-2 3/4 in diameter. The tible to bacterial spot. Fruit sampled on ening on July 25. It has very good, sweet, tree is moderately productive, vigorous, July 14, 2004 yielded 22 %, 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 spicy flavor, and medium large size. The spreading, and susceptible to bacterial inches and 78%, 2 1/4 to 2 inches. trees are very vigorous but young. spot. Developed by Zaiger Genetics in Vinegold - An early season, orange- Sweet Scarlet – An early season, very Modesto, California. yellow fleshed non-melting clingstone firm, yellow-fleshed, semi-clingstone Arctic Sweet - An early season, firm, ripening on July 22. It has very good peach with beautiful complete deep crim- white-fleshed, semi-freestone, peach sweet and spicy flavor and medium large son red overcolor. Fruit size is medium with a pink red skin color over 70-80 % size. The trees are very vigorous but large. The flavor is low acid and good. It of the surface. The flavor is low acid and young. is difficult to determine the season of rip-

NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 13 ening because it hangs on the tree so well. TABLE 3 The variety is very susceptible to bacte- rial spot and not consistently productive. Largest Peaches sampled in 2004 Developed by Zaiger Genetics in Variety % 2 1/2 to % 3 to % 3 1/4 to % 3 1/2” Modesto, California. 3” 3 1/4” 3 1/2” and up Honeyblaze – A medium large ovate Flamin Fury 24-007 on 8/16 25 33 42 shaped yellow-fleshed nectarine with a Flamin Fury PF 23 on 8/10 60 40 sub acid flavor, ripening July 23. It has a NJ G48-133 on 8/26 90 10 complete scarlet red skin color, and is Snow Giant on 9/2 15 38 19 28 Lady Nancy on 8/25 11 15 46 28 very attractive and very firm. The tree is Fruit Acres 45 on 9/10 6 94 vigorous, spreading, moderately produc- NJ 318 on 8/09 27 53 20 tive and susceptible to bacterial spot. NJ G47-122 on 9/16 27 73 Developed by Zaiger Genetics in Laurol on 9/7 27 38 21 14 Modesto, California. Snow King on 8/26 28 72 Saturn – The standard in a flat peach Jerseyqueen on 8/24 32 68 NJ 293 on 8/16 29 71 had 10.9% SSC in 2003 and 13.5 % in 2004. Flamin Fury Lucky 24B on 8/20 78 22 This peach is usually a standard for fla- EW 170 on 8/9 70 23 6 vor often measured by soluble solids con- centration (SSC). Saturn is attractive but has a number of problems. It is not firm, disappointing in 2003 with only 11% SSC. grown at Circle M block in Mullica Hill and the skins tear at harvest. It is very It increased to 14.2% in 2004. This peento and rated excellent in 2004 with great susceptible to brown rot because of a scar or flat peach has a prominent suture and size and 13.9% SSC. This cultivar has on the dorsal end. Saturn developed at a small to medium scar. It ripens near been virus indexed and propagated for the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Saturn (NJ F-2). It does get some skin introduction. Station, is the most important flat or browning from abrasion when ripening White Lady – This white-fleshed va- peento peach cultivar and commonly and from being handled but otherwise riety is a standard in New Jersey ripen- marketed under the name donut peach. quite distinctive. The tree has been pro- ing on August 1. The flesh is very firm, USDA BY 96P2531 – A very firm, ductive, vigorous, and tolerant to bacte- low acid and semi freestone. The skin is large, yellow-fleshed semi-freestone rial spot. Fruit harvested at the RAREC attractive with a pinkish red skin color peach ripening on July 26. The skin is on July 19, 2004 yielded 80% 2 1/4 to 2 over 70-80% of the surface. The fruit covered with a 70-90% crimson red 1/2 inches and 20% 2 1/2 inches to 2 3/4 hangs on the tree very well. The tree is overcolor. The tree is vigorous, spread- inches. This variety has been virus in- upright, moderately productive, vigor- ing, productive and tolerant to bacterial dexed and propagated for introduction. ous, and slightly susceptible to bacterial spot. The flavor is excellent. This is a nice Harflame – An attractive, moder- spot. Developed by Zaiger Genetics in all around peach. ately firm, 80-90% scarlet red skinned, Modesto, California. Redhaven – Ripening on August 6 yellow fleshed, semi freestone nectarine Snow Beauty – A medium sized, in 2003 and July 20 in 2004. The normal ripening on July 31. The fruit size is larger dark purplish pink skinned, white ripening date is usually July 26. This is than Harblaze and similar in firmness. fleshed, semi freestone peach ripening on the standard for rating all varieties for The tree is vigorous, productive, spread- August 2 just after White Lady. This va- season of ripening. ing, and tolerant to bacterial spot. riety definitely has darker skin but is not Redstar – This attractive yellow- NJD91-120– A cream colored as large fruited as White Lady. The tree fleshed freestone peach ripens on July 28 fleshed clingstone flat or peento peach is very susceptible to bacterial spot. De- few days after Redhaven. It has 70-90% ripening about a week after Redhaven veloped by Zaiger Genetics in Modesto, of the surface with a bright scarlet red and 10 days after Saturn. The skin is clear California color. Being of medium large size, it can or a washed-out greenish white. If the Emeraude – A firm, medium-large, be a challenge, during some years, to get fruit hangs too long, the skin might get pink to purplish red, white-fleshed, semi- fruit size over 2 1/2 inches. The tree is brown flecks or streaks. The flavor is freestone nectarine ripening on August 3 very productive, vigorous, spreading and excellent. The major advantage of this in 2004, Emeraude had an aromatic, ex- tolerant to bacterial spot. Redstar, and variety is the unique skin color. The sur- cellent flavor and had few blemishes in Flamin Fury 15A are beautiful peaches face has a prominent suture and the scar 2004. The tree is very vigorous and had but a challenge to size. on the apex is medium sized and will no bacterial spot. Fruit harvested on Au- Flamin Fury PF 15A – An attractive, crack if the fruit is large. The fruit is a gust 1 was 100% 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches in yellow-fleshed semi-freestone peach rip- moderate in production. The tree is diameter. Fruit at nine pounds, with ening on July 28. The skin is covered with spreading and vigorous with slight sus- 10.5% SSC. Developed by the Riviera a 70-90 scarlet red skin color. The fruit size ceptibility to bacterial spot. The first har- Breeding Program in the Provence Re- is medium large. The tree is productive, vest on July 28, 2004 at the RAREC gion of Southeastern France. vigorous, spreading and tolerant to bac- yielded 33. 9% 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 and 66. 1% Sugar Lady – A firm white-fleshed terial spot. were 2 3/4 inches to three inches. The peach ripening on August 9. It looks very NJD91-134 – A medium large, firm, second harvest on August 3, 2004 at the much like White Lady. clear golden yellow skinned, clingstone RAREC yielded 40. 5% 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 John Boy – A medium large to large, peach with an orange yellow, aromatic inch fruit and 59. 5% 2 3/4 to 3-inch fruit. yellow-fleshed, semi-freestone peach rip- and spicy non-melting flesh. Normally The average SSC on these samples were ening on August 4. This attractive red this variety has exquisite flavor but was 14.4%. Fruit of this cultivar was also skinned variety is a major variety in New

14 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Jersey. The tree is very vigorous, produc- ripening on August 11, 2003. Flavor was vor is very good. The tree is vigorous, tive, and tolerant to bacterial spot. good and SSC averaged 10.5% in 2003 spreading, productive and tolerant to Starfire – A 60-70% light scarlet red and much better in 2004. bacterial spot. This peach was named skinned, yellow-fleshed, semi-freestone USDA BY93P3562 – Similar to Scarlet Prince in 2004. peach ripening on August 4 after BY93P4046, but with more red skin color Bounty – It is one of our standards Redhaven. Starfire is a firm, medium and brighter and more attractive. A flat in the season, ripening on August 10. sized peach. The tree is vigorous, spread- peach with white, firm freestone flesh, Bounty was very large with an average ing and tolerant to bacterial spot ripening at the same time. Average SSC of 9.2% SSC in 2003 and 11.5% SSC in Coral Star – A firm yellow-fleshed in 2003 was 10.5% and higher in 2004. 2004. There are definitely two different freestone peach ripening on August 6. USDA BY93P4065 – A partially red- varieties marketed as Bounty trees. This very attractive peach has 60–70% of skinned with yellow green undercolor, Bounty is a large firm, globose peach with the surface with a bright scarlet red yellow-fleshed, firm, freestone flat peach red color over 60-70% of the surface. overcolor and an orange-red undercolor. ripening on August 13 in 2003. Flavor Sweet Dream – One of the newer low The tree is vigorous, productive and tol- was not as good as white varieties and acid yellow-fleshed peaches. Sweet erant to bacterial spot. averaged 8.4% SSC. SSC was 11.2% in Dream is very firm with a beautiful dark Klondike A white-fleshed variety 2004 red overcolor on 90 % of the surface. Like with normal ripening on August 6. It is USDA BY93P4062 – A small to me- most California yellow-fleshed peaches large, very attractive, with a pinkish dium sized, white fleshed, freestone flat if it highly susceptible to bacterial spot, purple skin color over 80-90% of the sur- nectarine, with good red skin color very and on these young trees fruit size was face. The flesh is very firm and semi-free- good firmness. This sub acid peach has compromised from lack of BS infected stone. The flavor is very good and sub very good flavor ripening on August 15, leaves. It hangs on the tree very well but acid. The tree is upright, moderately pro- 2003. peaks in maturity about August 11. De- ductive, and susceptible to bacterial spot. USDA BY96P2531 – A large, very veloped by Zaiger Genetics in Modesto, Klondike is a replacement for Sugar Lady firm, attractive, full red skinned semi California because of its good size and firmness re- freestone, yellow-fleshed peach ripening Blazeprince – A medium large, at- tention. Developed by Zaiger Genetics in on August 3. The fruit has excellent fla- tractive, with a crimson red overcolor on Modesto, California vor like many of the USDA selections. 80-90 % of the surface ripening on Au- Flamin Fury PF 20-007 – A firm yel- This variety has better size that gust 11. I have only seen this peach two low–fleshed freestone peach ripening on SurePrince, ripening before it and Sum- years and it appears to be a promising August 9. This peach has 60-70% of the mer Prince. variety. The tree is vigorous, spreading, surface covered with a crimson red skin EW 170 – A large yellow-fleshed, and productive with no bacterial spot. color. The size was excellent with 100% moderately firm, freestone peach ripen- Flamin Fury PF 17 – This is one of of the fruit over 2 3/4 inches. The tree is ing on August 9. The flesh is very good the standard varieties in this season rip- vigorous, productive, and tolerant to bac- and sweet. The surface is covered with ening on August 11. It has many good terial spot 60-70% scarlet red color. The tree is pro- characteristics and can only be improved July Flame – A brilliant and complete ductive, vigorous and has not had bacte- by more firmness and better color. The bright red, very firm, yellow fleshed rial spot. tree is vigorous, productive, spreading peach from Burchell Nurseries in Califor- Heavenly White – A large to very and slightly susceptible to bacterial spot. nia. This attractive peach has a beautiful large, freestone, white-fleshed nectarine Intrepid – A firm, yellow-fleshed scarlet orange skin color over 90 % of the ripening on August 10. The skin is only peach, ripening about August 12. The surface. The tree is upright spreading, covered on 30-50 % with a pinkish red fruit is cover with a 60-70% crimson red moderately productive and very suscep- color and will show blemishes and cracks color and a greenish yellow undercolor. tible to bacterial spot. Ripens on August although it was smooth in 2004. It is sus- The fruit is medium to medium large. The 10 with Bounty. ceptible to brown rot and very suscep- tree is vigorous, spreading, productive Arctic Jay – This nectarine was spec- tible to bacterial spot. The flesh has a and tolerant to bacterial spot. tacular in 2004. The beautiful pinkish red sweet, aromatic sub-acid excellent flavor. Harrow Beauty – A very attractive, skin color covers 80-90% of the surface. The tree is only moderately vigorous and yellow–fleshed freestone peach ripening The skin had no blemishes in 2004 and moderately productive. on August 12. Harrow Beauty is the generally is low in blemishes with good Paul Friday 15B – A yellow-fleshed peach with the highest pack outs. It has nitrogen management. It has large size firm, freestone, peach ripening with light pubescence, a 60-80% scarlet red with 65 % 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches and 35% Bounty and Flamin Fury 17. This beauti- overcolor with an orange yellow 2 3/4 inches up in 2004. The flesh is white, ful crimson red skinned variety has more undercolor. The tree is spreading, vigor- very firm, crisp, and freestone ripening overcolor than these two varieties but is ous and very productive. Size is the ma- on August 10. The flavor is very good, not any larger. It has been consistently jor problem with Harrow Beauty as most low acid with 13.7% SSC at 11 pounds in productive in the many years we have of the fruit is medium large about 2 1/2 2004. The tree is vigorous, upright tested it, and never had bacterial spot. inches. spreading and moderately productive. Supposedly will be introduced in 2004- Allstar – A large, yellow-fleshed free- Arctic Jay is susceptible to bacterial spot 2005 stone ripening on August 13. It is moder- and brown rot. Developed by Zaiger Ge- USDA BY 87P994 – A large, attrac- ately firm. The color is brighter and the netics in Modesto, California. tive, firm yellow-fleshed freestone peach fruit more uniform than FF23. The fruit USDA BY93P4046 – A partially red ripening on August 10. It hung on the tree sized is similar but it is not as firm and skinned with a cream green undercolor, until August 25. The skin is covered with does not hang on the tree as well as FF23. white-fleshed, firm, freestone flat peach an 80-90% yellowish red overcolor. Fla- The tree is vigorous upright-spreading

NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 15 and productive. It is tolerant of bacterial well and retains its firmness like FF 23. It TABLE 2 spot. is always one of the largest varieties. USDA BY93P4055 – A medium- Blushing Star – A medium large, Peaches with the highest Soluble Solids Concentration (Sugar) in 2004 large, white-fleshed, freestone, flat peach white-fleshed peach ripening on August with more red color than 4062. Flavor was 19. The flavor is very good, aromatic, and Ruby Queen plum on 8/23 18.75% also excellent. In 2003 the SSC was 11. 9 acidic. The flesh is firm and skin covered Arctic Gold on 8/25 17.5 % to 12% for both sub-acid selections. Rip- with 60-80% pinkish red overcolor. The NJ G 47-122 on 9/16 16.7% NJ 31-1on 8/3 16.6 % ened on August 18. tree is vigorous, spreading, productive, Manon on 7/6 15.7% USDA BY 93P4053 – medium-sized, and tolerant to bacterial spot. Zephyr on 8/25 14.7% yellow-fleshed, freestone, flat, peach NJ D101-162 – A very attractive, yel- Topaze on 9/2 14.5 % similar 4055 but ripens a few days later. low-fleshed, firm, freestone peach with NJ G47-99 on 9/2 14.4% NJK40-34 – A medium-large, very a complete crimson red overcolor and a Arctic Pride on 9/12 14.0% NJ D91-120 on 8/3 13.9% firm, yellow- fleshed, low-acid, freestone beautiful golden yellow-orange Saturn on 7/20 13.5% peach. This peach is attractive, with a undercolor. It ripens in Cresthaven sea- Sweet Scarlet on 7/8 13.5% scarlet red skin color with 60 –70% of the son. It has excellent flavor. Fruit har- Snow King on 8/26 13.25% surface having a bright orange red vested on August 19, 2004 at the RAREC NJ D91-134 on 7/25 13.2% undercolor. The tree is productive, vig- was 30. 6% 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches; 57% 2 Fruit Acres 144 on 9/2 13.1% Fruit Acres 45 on 9/13 12.8% orous, spreading, and tolerant of bacte- 3/4 to 3 inches; 12. 4% 3 to 3 1/4 inches. rial spot. This variety has been virus in- This fruit averaged 12. 5 %SSC. This va- dexed and was propagated for introduc- riety is a possible replacement for ter size but a less vigorous tree more sus- tion. Cresthaven. This variety is virus indexed ceptible to bacterial spot. Arctic Gold – A medium large, and propagated for introduction. Jerseyqueen – A very large yellow- white-fleshed nectarine ripening on Au- Redgold – This is still one of the best fleshed peach that is a standard in sea- gust 15. It has a 40-60% pinkish red skin yellow-fleshed freestone nectarines rip- son with Elberta on August 27. It has a color over a cream undercolor. The flesh ening on August 20. The tree is of low vigorous, spreading and moderately pro- vigor and susceptible to bacterial spot, is firm, freestone and very good, one of ductive tree that is slightly susceptible to but the fruit is large and of excellent qual- the best testing varieties. The tree is of bacterial spot. medium vigor, moderately productive, ity. USDA BY 88 P4040 – A very firm yel- and spreading. While the size is accept- Flamin Fury P. F. Lucky 24 B – This low-fleshed variety ripening on August able and the flavor outstanding it is very variety has been tested for many years 28 with crimson red skin color over 70- susceptible to bacterial spot as Paul Friday 219. It ripens about Au- 80% of the surface with a yellowish red Johanna Sweet – A very firm, me- gust 20 with or just before Cresthaven. undercolor. The tree is very productive dium large, deep red skinned, freestone, The skin color is 60-80% scarlet red over and tolerant to bacterial spot. The size yellow-fleshed peach ripening on August a reddish yellow undercolor. Fruit size is was medium but the tree was not thinned 15. It has a low acid flavor and is very excellent with 86% 2 3/4” and 14% 3“ in properly in 2004. susceptible to bacterial spot. Fruit had 2004. The flesh is yellow, firm, melting, Opale – A large globose, dark red some spot in 2004. Trees are young with and freestone. Flavor is good, acidic with their first good crop in 2003 and had a 10. 5% SSC at 12 pounds in 2004. The tree skinned, very firm white-fleshed, free- moderate crop in 2004. Developed by is always very productive, vigorous, stone peach ripening in August 28, in Zaiger Genetics in Modesto, California spreading and never has had bacterial 2003 and August 31 in 2004. It has a sub Flamin Fury PF 23 – A large yellow- spot. The fruit hangs on the tree very well acid flavor. The variety does not get bac- fleshed freestone peach, Flamin Fury PF and may have a tendency to be picked terial spot like other late white sub acid 23 is often picked too early because it gets too early before it reaches it full color and peaches. Developed by the Riviera Breed- a deep red color and when it is mature size. ing Program in the Provence Region of on August 16 it will have large to very Fantasia – This is the number one Southeastern France. large size. It is still one of my favorite yellow-fleshed nectarine, and the stan- Zephyr – A white-fleshed freestone Flamin Fury varieties. dard for other varieties. It ripens on Au- nectarine ripening on August 30 or about Beaumont (MSU 11-7) – A firm yel- gust 25. The fruit is medium large to large seven days after Fantasia. The flesh is low-fleshed freestone peach ripening on and the tree is of medium vigor and has firm, and the flavor very good sweet and August 17. The fruit size is medium to low susceptibility to bacterial spot. sub acid. The SSC was 14. 7% at eight large on young trees. The tree is vigor- Lady Nancy – A large to very large, pounds in 2004. The skin was covered ous, spreading, early bearing with no bac- white-fleshed nectarine ripening on Au- with faint pinkish red color over 50% of terial spot on young trees. gust 25 a day or two ahead of its parent the surface speckles and spots in both Flamin Fury PF 24-007 – A very large Jerseyqueen. It has a 50-60% pinkish red 2003 and 2004. The tree is vigorous, yellow-fleshed freestone peach ripening overcolor with a cream undercolor. It can spreading, and susceptible to bacterial on August 18 just after Bounty. Many always be identified by the yellow suture spot. Developed by the Riviera Breeding growers have planted this variety. I have line. The flavor is excellent, aromatic Program in the Provence Region of south- always been concerned about its low bud sweet acidic. The tree is just like eastern France. density and lack of color. The lack of color Jerseyqueen. NJ G48-133 – A large, firm, ovate to may come from the light crop although Flamin Fury PF 27A – A firm, yellow- mostly globose, 50-80% scarlet to crim- with a full crop and good light exposure fleshed, large sized peach which ripens son red over a yellow orange-red, scarlet red color may cover 50-70% of the on August 27 with Jerseyqueen. This va- undercolor freestone, peach ripening skin surface. It has a nice bright riety ripens close to FF PF 25 but has bet- from August 28 to September 7 just a undercolor. It also hangs on the tree very little before Encore. The flavor is sweet, 16 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY acidic and good. The tree is vigorous, Encore as it hangs on the tree better. Optimum ripening date in 2004 was Sep- spreading and productive. No bacterial When Flameprince trees were younger tember 9. Most fruit had 30-60 % red skin spot has been observed. On August 23 it was always a challenge to size the va- color, ripening on September 15 in 2003. picking 91% of Fruit in RAREC block riety. Size is much better on fully mature The red overcolor and brightness of was 3 to 3 1/4 inches and 9 % was 3 1/4 trees. In 2004 it was later than Encore and undercolor will vary depending on tem- to 3 1/2 inches. This fruit averaged 11 size was not as good. peratures this late in the season. The flesh % SSC. The August 26 harvest at August Flame – A very large, very is melting but firm to very firm and holds Richwood was 37. 5 % 2 3/4 to 3 inches firm, dark crimson red skinned, attrac- it firmness well. Flavor is acidic, and and 62. 5% 3 to 3 1/4. This fruit aver- tive, yellow-fleshed, freestone peach rip- sweet, but very good. The tree is vigor- aged 11% SSC. Fruit harvested on Sep- ening about September 6. This peach has ous, spreading and productive. One year tember 2, 2004 in Richwood was 100% 3 absolutely no undercolor but is quite it had bacterial spot but is generally tol- to 3 1/4 inches with 10. 9% SSC. Fruit susceptible to brown rot and bacterial erant. The first harvest of fruit samples harvested on September 2, 2004 at the spot. The tree is vigorous, moderately in Richwood on September 7, 2004 RAREC was 45 % 2 3/4 to 3 inches and productive and upright spreading. Sep- yielded 81% 2 3/4 to 3 inches and 19% 3 55% 3 to 3 1/4. tember Flame is similar but probably too to 3 1/4 inches. SSC on this fruit aver- Topaze – A white-fleshed, freestone late for New Jersey. Developed by aged 12. 75, the first harvest of fruit at nectarine similar to Zephyr except it rip- Burchell Nurseries in Oakdale, Califor- RAREC on September 7 yielded 35% 23/ ens one week later about September 3. It nia. 4 to 3 inches and 65% 3 to 31/4. SSC on has a bout 60 % pinkish red color with Arctic Pride – A medium large, 50- these samples was 11. 9%. slightly and less speckling than Zephyr 70% pinkish red- skinned nectarine Sep- Big Red – A very large 20 to 50% and a cream greenish ground color Both tember 7. Size in 2004 was 44% 2 1/2”, crimson red-skinned variety ripening Zephyr and Topaze have good size 2 1/2 27% 2 3/4”, and 29% 3”. It has very firm, about September 18. The color on this to 3” on diameter. Topaze has a mild almost crisp white-freestone flesh and an variety is quite variable from year to year sweet flavor with 14. 5% SSC in 2004. excellent low acid flavor. At 1l pounds because of the late season and crop load. The free is moderately vigorous, pro- pressure it had 14 % SSC in 2004. This There are many years when Big Red does ductive, with slight susceptibility to bac- year the finish was very good but some not have a full crop. Some growers have terial spot. Developed by the Riviera years it can have many blemishes and moderate success with it. It is susceptible Breeding Program in the Provence Re- speckling. The tree is vigorous, spread- to bacterial spot. gion of southeastern France ing, moderately productive, and suscep- Encore – Ripened about August 31 tible to bacterial spot. Brown rot can also Other Peaches with Limited in 2004 and normally September 2. This be a problem. Developed by Zaiger Ge- variety characterized many late season netics in Modesto, California. Interest in Order of Ripening peaches in 2003. Quality was disap- Autumn Star – A larger 50-60% pointing with the rainy and cloudy crimson red-skinned yellow-fleshed Raycrest – A yellow-fleshed cling- weather. Fruit drop was heavy and defi- freestone peach ripening about Septem- stone peach ripening on June 21. This is nitely related to two severe windstorms. ber 10. The color is variable from year to not much of a peach but then what do Encore is normally our standard for a year. The tree is tolerant to bacterial spot we expect this early in the season. variety in this season with large size and and regularly productive. This variety Harbinger – A yellow-fleshed peach good color. The tree is very productive, performs irregularly but keeps evaluat- ripening on June 25. Again, not much of upright, and vigorous. ing it because it looks so nice some years a peach. Valley Sweet – A medium sized, like 2004. Flamin Fury PF 1 – A yellow-fleshed very red, very firm, yellow fleshed free- Fruit Acres 45 – A large, firm, scar- peach ripening on June 30. There are two stone peach ripening on September 3 in let red skinned, yellow-fleshed, free- cultivars with this name, one is small and 2004. Valley Sweet has a low acid flavor stone peach ripening about September soft and one is larger and brighter. I’d but the tree is very susceptible to bacte- 14. Autumn Star has no bacterial spot in rather grow FF PF#5. rial spot. Fruit size was smaller because this planting and always crops well. Crimson Lady – An attractive yel- trees were young. Developed by Zaiger Yukon King – An attractive, firm, low-fleshed variety that never produces Genetics in Modesto, California. white-fleshed sub acid freestone peach. a crop of fruit. It ripens on June 30. In- Laurol – This large firm yellow- Yukon King ripens just after Snow Gi- teresting because of it excellent size for fleshed ripened about September 4, in ant on about September 13. It has an ex- this season. Seldom sets a full crop of 2004. Laurol is susceptible to bacterial cellent sub acid flavor and average 13. peaches. spot. It is one of the most important va- 4% SSC in 2003. While Snow Giant is Spring Lady - A firm yellow-fleshed rieties in New Jersey. freestone Yukon King and Snowfire two attractive peach ripening on July 2. Tree NJ 47-104 – This attractive yellow- other white fleshed low acid peaches is week, not productive and very suscep- fleshed freestone peach ripened on Sep- slightly earlier are clingstone. Developed tible to bacterial spot. tember 5 in 2004. It has been regularly by Zaiger Genetics in Modesto, Califor- May Sun – A very firm yellow- productive and tolerant to bacterial nia. fleshed peach ripening on July 3. Tree is spot. The flesh is firm and of very good NJ G47-122 – An ovate to globose, not productive and very susceptible to quality. It has been virus indexed. large, 40-80% crimson red color overcolor bacterial spot. Flameprince – A very attractive, and yellow orange undercolor, freestone David Sun – A very firm yellow- firm, yellow-fleshed, freestone peach ripening, September 13. The amount of fleshed peach ripening on July 3. Tree is ripening about September 6. This south- red color and the brightness of the not productive and is very susceptible to ern variety may be a replacement for undercolor will vary from year to year. bacterial spot.

NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 17 Valley Fire – A yellow-fleshed peach Honeykist – A very firm yellow- with as much skin color. Until I can get ripening on July 7. Fruit was small and fleshed nectarine with a crimson red color this sorted out it stays on this list. variable. Lots of split pits. covering 100% of the surface. The fruit Raritan Rose – A soft, white-fleshed USDA BY 87P285 – A small to me- ripens on July 20. The flesh clings to the semi-freestone peach ripening on July 29. dium size, attractive, firm yellow-fleshed stone and has excellent sub acid flavor. The skin is covered with 30-50 pinkish red clingstone peach ripening on July 7. Size The tree is upright and vigorous but very skin color and a cream green undercolor. is always a challenge with this variety. susceptible to bacterial spot. The fruit is This old variety is vigorous, spreading, Candor – At one time an important generally from 2 1/8” to 2 1/4” in diam- and productive tree is tolerant to bacte- commercial variety ripening on July 7. No eter too small for the wholesale market. rial spot. longer planted because of split pit prob- General – A large moderately firm Burchell B16. 091 – A very firm, lem. yellow-fleshed peach ripening on July 21. large, yellow-fleshed clingstone nectarine Royal May – An attractive yellow- General lacks red skin color and is not ripening on July 30. The skin is covered fleshed peach ripening on July 8. This is firm. It does have good flavor. with 80-100% scarlet red overcolor and a a very nice peach but trees are not avail- Fruit Acres 35 – A yellow-fleshed yellowish red undercolor. The flavor is able so few can plant it. semi-freestone peach that has only me- good but astringent. The tree is vigorous, Derby – A yellow-fleshed peach rip- dium size ripening on July 22. upright, moderately productive, and sus- ening on July 9. Selected as a replacement Paul Friday BAC – A yellow-fleshed, ceptible to bacterial spot, brown rot and for Candor with better size but too many medium large, medium firm peach rip- peach scab. This variety has been pat- split pits. ening near Redhaven on July 22, 2004. ented and will be introduced by Burchell D Zee III – A firm yellow-fleshed The tree is vigorous, upright-spreading, Nurseries. clingstone peach ripening on July 10. It productive, and tolerant to bacterial spot. Summer Beaut - A yellow-fleshed never sets a full crop. Summer Prince – A firm, yellow- nectarine ripening on July 30. This old va- Kern Sun – A very firm yellow- fleshed, semi-freestone peach ripening on riety is still one of the best, but it gets fleshed variety ripening on July 12. Tree July 23. It has an attractive crimson red many split pits and is only moderately was not productive and very susceptible skin color over 80-90 % of the surface. It productive. to bacterial spot. is attractive but does not have acceptable Firebrite – A yellow-fleshed free- Rising Star (FA 47) – A yellow- size. stone nectarine ripening on July 31. This fleshed semi-clingstone peach ripening Red Fremont – A large sized yellow- is an old variety and is still one of the on July 12. Nothing special. fleshed freestone peach ripening on July best. It has very good flavor and is at- Flamin Fury PF 7 – A yellow-fleshed 25. While it has good color, it is probably tractive, but is moderately productive semi-clingstone peach with 50-70% com- not firm enough for most peach markets. and does produce split pits. The tree is plete crimson red color but a challenge USDA BY 78N993 – A yellow- spreading, has medium vigor and is sus- to size. Ripens on July 13. Glen Glo and fleshed clingstone nectarine ripening on ceptible to bacterial spot. Sentry better varieties in this season. July 25. The fruit size is regular and small. Brittany Lane – An attractive yellow- USDA BY 97P1006 – A yellow Challenger – A yellow-fleshed semi-free- fleshed, clingstone peach with 70-80% fleshed semi-freestone peach. It has an 80- stone peach ripening on August 1. The scarlet red overcolor. Ripens on July 13. 90% crimson red overcolor and is very tree is vigorous, very productive, spread- The flesh is very firm and of good qual- firm. The tree is not regularly productive ing and tolerant to bacterial spot. Noth- ity. Size is good but trees are only mod- and fruit is a challenge to size. ing special. erately productive and susceptible to bac- USDA BY 89P2800 – A yellow– Rose Princess – A semi-freestone terial spot. This is one of my earliest fleshed semi-clingstone peach ripening white-fleshed moderately firm nectarine blooming varieties and because of this on July 27. This tree is vigorous, upright ripening on August 1. This nectarine has characteristic and its susceptibility to bac- but only moderately productive. a 40-60% pinkish red overcolor with a terial spot does not do well. June Princess – A small to medium cream green undercolor. The skin can Golden Monarch – A semi-freestone, yellow-fleshed semi-clingstone nectarine crack and has blemishes. It is susceptible yellow-fleshed peach ripening on July 17. ripening on July 27. The tree is vigorous, to bacterial spot. The peach is large but not firm or highly upright, moderately productive and Scarlet Sun – A firm, yellow-fleshed colored. slightly susceptible to bacterial spot. June clingstone nectarine ripening on August Sure Prince – A medium sized, rim, Princess produces too many split pits and 2. This nectarine was very attractive with dark-crimson red-skinned yellow-fleshed is variable in shape and size. large size. The tree is only moderately peach ripening on July 19. This is a nice Paul Friday CBA – A medium sized, productive and susceptible to bacterial peach but too small. firm, yellow-fleshed peach ripening near spot. Paul Friday 088 – A yellow-fleshed Redhaven on July 28. The skin has a 60- WH 124 – A firm attractive yellow- semi-freestone peach ripening on July 20. 70% scarlet red overcolor. The tree is vig- fleshed semi-freestone peach ripening on The fruit is medium large, firm and cov- orous, spreading, productive, and toler- August 3. Fruit size is only medium. ered with a 60-80% scarlet red skin. The ant to bacterial spot. Fruit Acres 53 – A firm, yellow- tree is vigorous, upright spreading and Flamin Fury PF 14 Jersey – A me- fleshed, freestone peach ripening on Au- productive. It is tolerant to bacterial spot. dium yellow-fleshed freestone peach rip- gust 3. The tree is productive, vigorous, This is a nice peach. ening with FF 15A. Originally was PF 15 spreading and tolerant to bacterial spot. LM 131 – A moderately firm to soft, but number changed based on evaluation Flamin Fury PF Lucky 13 – A me- yellow-fleshed semi-clingstone peach in Swedesboro, New Jersey. However this dium large, firm, yellow-fleshed peach ripening on July 20. This variety is too selection does not look like the PF 15 ripening after Redhaven or on August 3. soft. tested in Swedesboro. It is not as large or The skin is covered with a 70-80% crim-

18 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY son red overcolor and a greenish red yel- August 7. Carogem just doesn’t have the ine ripening on August 15. The skin is low undercolor. The tree is vigorous, color or firmness of other varieties in this covered with an 80-90% scarlet red spreading, productive and tolerant to season. overcolor. The tree is vigorous, spread- bacterial spot. Tristar – A yellow fleshed freestone ing, moderately productive, and suscep- USDA BY 87 P1006 – A very firm, peach ripening on August 8. Nothing spe- tible to bacterial spot, peach scab and yellow-fleshed freestone peach ripening cial as far as size and red color go. brown rot. This nectarine has been pat- on August 5. This peach is very attrac- Harrow Fair – A yellow –fleshed free- ented and introduced by Burchell Nurs- tive but lacks good fruit size. stone peach with decent color that rip- eries. Paul Friday ABC – A firm, medium ens near Harrow Beauty on August 8. The Arctic Belle – A very firm white- large, yellow-fleshed peach ripening near fruit size is much better that Harrow fleshed low-acid nectarine ripening about Redhaven on August 4. The tree is vigor- Beauty but not as attractive or as firm. August 16. The flavor is excellent and low ous, spreading, productive and tolerant Paul Friday 214 – A yellow –fleshed acid. The fruit on young trees was small to bacterial spot. freestone peach with 60-80% crimson red and very susceptible to bacterial spot. Summer Zee – A very firm, attrac- color but variable size, ripening on Au- Ruston Red – A medium large, yel- tive, yellow-fleshed, semi freestone peach gust 10. low-fleshed, freestone peach ripening on ripening on August 4. It has 80-90% of Flameglo – A medium large, very August 20. This variety does not retain the skin surface covered with a crimson firm, yellow-fleshed, clingstone nectarine firmness in the wholesale market. red color. The tree is not regularly pro- ripening on August 10. Fruit Acres 66 – A medium-large ductive and is very susceptible to bacte- Burchell A300 - A medium large, sized, medium-firm yellow-fleshed free- rial spot. very firm, yellow-fleshed, clingstone nec- stone ripening on August 20. The skin is Burchell A38. 039 - A medium, firm, tarine ripening on August 10. The skin is covered with a 70-80% crimson red skin yellow-fleshed, clingstone nectarine rip- covered with 70-80% scarlet red overcolor color and a red yellow undercolor the tree ening on August 4. The skin is covered and a yellow red undercolor. The tree is is vigorous, spreading, productive, and with 70-80% scarlet red overcolor and a vigorous, spreading, moderately produc- susceptible to bacterial spot. yellow red undercolor. The tree is vigor- tive and very susceptible to bacterial spot, Glacier – A very firm, white-fleshed ous, spreading, moderately productive peach scab and brown rot. freestone peach ripening on August 22. and very susceptible to bacterial spot, Beekman Flavorcrest – A yellow- The trees are young and must be further peach scab and brown rot. fleshed freestone peach ripening on Au- evaluated. Blazing Star – An attractive yellow- gust 12. This attractive variety has 70-80 Buddie’s Pride – A yellow-fleshed fleshed freestone peach ripening on Au- % of the skin covered with a bright crim- freestone peach ripening on August 22. gust 5 a few days after Redhaven. The son red overcolor. Getting large fruit is a The tree is vigorous, spreading and pro- medium size is a concern on this vari- challenge because it is susceptible to bac- ductive. ety. The tree is productive, vigorous, terial spot. O’Henry II – A very firm yellow- and spreading. It is tolerant to bacterial Pammy Bear – A firm yellow-fleshed fleshed freestone peach ripening on Au- spot. variety ripening on August 12 just after gust 22. This peach is oblate and only me- Crimson Snow – A medium firm, Bounty. Pammy Bear is attractive but dium large with a dark crimson red skin lacks good size and has a prominent white-fleshed freestone nectarine suscep- color over 80-90% of the surface. It is very raised suture. tible to bacterial spot. It has excellent fla- susceptible to bacterial spot. Jolly Red Giant – A very large, yel- vor but small size ripening on August 5. Stark Ovation – A firm, large, com- low-fleshed clingstone nectarine ripening John Boy II Peach – A medium, firm, plete scarlet-red-skinned, yellow-fleshed on August 13. The flesh is very firm and yellow-fleshed peach ripening just after freestone nectarine. The tree is of medium cracks, making it quite susceptible to John Boy. The fruit, although pretty, was vigor, productive and tolerant to bacte- brown rot. The tree is vigorous, spread- only of medium size. rial spot. Ovation was very smooth and ing, moderately productive, and suscep- Paul Friday 303 – A medium large, attractive in 2004 but because it ripens tible to bacterial spot. medium firm, yellow-fleshed semi-free- with Fantasia and generally is not as uni- Paul Friday 215 – A yellow-fleshed stone peach ripening on August 6. The freestone peach with 70-80% crimson red form and productive is not suggested for tree is covered with a 70-80 scarlet red color but lacks good size. Ripens on Au- planting. overcolor and an attractive reddish yel- gust 14. Flamin Fury PF 25 – A medium large, low undercolor. The tree is vigorous, Paul Friday 18B – A yellow–fleshed 60-80 crimson-red-skinned, yellow- spreading, productive, and tolerant to freestone peach ripening about August fleshed freestone peach ripening on Au- bacterial spot. 14. This cultivar doesn’t have the firm- gust 23. The tree is vigorous, productive, Ernie’s Choice – A large, yellow- ness, red color or attractiveness of other and slightly susceptible to bacterial spot. fleshed freestone peach ripening on Au- cultivars in this season. Size has been problem with PF 25. gust 7. This was heavily planted in New Benedicte – A firm white fleshed Jerseystar – A medium large to large Jersey but did not hold up well for whole- peach ripening on August 14. It is not as yellow-fleshed freestone peach ripening sale marketing. It is still an attractive, large as Sugar Giant nor does it have the on August 26. The tree and fruit looks like large variety for local sales. skin color of Blushing Star or Sugar Gi- Redskin. Fruit Acres 63 – A yellow-fleshed ant. Harcrest – A large, yellow-fleshed freestone peach ripening on August 7. USDA BY 88P2251 – A firm yellow- freestone peach with a crimson-red skin The tree is productive, vigorous, and tol- fleshed freestone peach ripening on Au- color on 40-60% of the surface. The tree erant to bacterial spot. gust 15. is spreading, vigorous, productive and Carogem – A moderately firm, yel- Burchell A16. 083 – A large, very tolerant to bacterial spot. This variety has low-fleshed freestone peach ripening on firm, yellow - fleshed clingstone nectar- had disappointing color and firmness.

NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 19 Fruit Acres 120 – A medium-large Fruit Acres 148 – A large, yellow- Lady (YP), Snowbirte (WP), Fancy sized, medium firm yellow-fleshed free- fleshed, freestone peach ripening on Sep- Lady(YP), Amparo (YP) Norman (YP), stone ripening on August 25. The tree is tember 3 in 2004. The tree is productive Sugar Sweet(YP) Late Sunhaven (YP), vigorous, spreading, productive, and tol- and had no bacterial spot. White Rose (WP), Red Sun (YP), Arctic erant to bacterial spot. NJG47-99 – A late yellow- fleshed va- Rose (WN), June Pride (YP) Harvester Fruit Acres 136 – A large yellow- riety ripening on September 4. The color (YP), Hawthorne (YP), Topaz (YP), fleshed freestone peach ripening on Au- and medium large size limit the poten- Cullinan (YP) Denmen (YP), Redrose gust 26 in 2004. The tree is productive and tial for this variety. (WP), Fireprince (YP), Finnicum’s Red had no bacterial spot. Zee Jr – A yellow fleshed variety rip- (YP) Majestic (YP), Jayhaven (YP) La Pre- Pretty Lady – This very firm yellow- ening on September 4. Nothing special mier (YP), Arctic Gem (WP), Beekman fleshed peach ripens about August 27. It but very large size. (YP), Summer Sweet (WP), Tasty Zee ( is very productive and seldom sets a full Burchell D2. 093 – A very firm, yel- (WP), Berenda Sun (YP), Summer Pearl crop of peaches. low-fleshed clingstone nectarine ripening (WP), Elegant Lady (YP), Cassie(YP),July Paul Friday 301 – A medium large, on September 6. The skin is covered with Sun (YP), Zee Lady(YP), Sierra Lady (YP) medium firm yellow-fleshed freestone a 60-70% scarlet red skin color. The tree La Jewell (YP), Sunpriince (YP),Firered ripening on August 27. The tree is vigor- is vigorous, upright spreading and pro- (YP), Angelus(YP), Summer Lady (YP) ous, spreading, productive, and tolerant duces light crops. It is very susceptible Ouchita Gold, (YP) Bobeva (YP), Somore to bacterial spot. to bacterial spot and scab. (YP), Ryun Sun (YP), RedCal (YP), Sparkling Red – A medium-sized Maccherone Red – A yellow-fleshed O’Henry (YP), Legend (YP), Kearney yellow-fleshed nectarine. This nectarine selection of Encore ripening on Septem- (YP), LaJewell (YP), White Star (WP) Au- is pretty but does not size. As the trees ber 7. Not really any different except a gust Sun (YP), Snow Gem (WP), Calred have gotten older they are weak with leaf few days later. (YP), TraZee (YP), Lategold (YP), Fairtime curling that continues to reduce the fruit Fruit Acres 149 – A yellow-fleshed (YP), September Sun(YP), Autumn size. freestone peach ripening on September 7 Prince(YP), Carnival (YP) Autumn Lady(YP), Autumn Gem (YP). Fruit Acres 138 – A large to very in 2004. The tree is productive and had Nectarines that have been tested but large, yellow-fleshed freestone peach rip- no bacterial spot. are no longer suggested for planting and ening on August 28, 2004. The tree is pro- USDA BY 86P2184 – A firm yellow- trees have been removed from test ductive and had no bacterial spot. fleshed freestone peach ripening on Sep- blocks. (YN=yellow fleshed nectarine, Fruit Acres 144 – A large yellow- tember 8. WN = white fleshed nectarine) Grand fleshed freestone ripening on August 28, Fruit Acres 130 – A medium firm, Sun (YN), Mayfire(YN), Snow flame ( 2004. The trees are productive and had yellow fleshed freestone nectarine ripen- WN), Crimson Gold (YN), Juneglo (YN), no bacterial spot. ing on September 10. The skin is covered Zeegrand (YN), Earliscarlet (YN), Crys- August Lady – This large very firm with 60-70% scarlet red skin color. The tal Red (WN), Earlibird (YN), Red Delight yellow-fleshed peach ripens about Au- tree is vigorous, spreading, productive (YN), Sparkling June (YN), Durbin (YN), gust 30. It never sets a full crop of and tolerant to bacterial spot. May Grand (YN), Tastygold (YN), Crys- peaches and is very susceptible to bac- USDA BY 85P8522- A firm yellow- tal (WN), Rose (WN), Red Diamond terial spot. fleshed freestone peach ripening on Sep- (YN), Diamond Ray (YN), Supreme Red Fruit Acres 146 – A large, yellow- tember 12. (YN), Ruby Grand (YN), Summer fleshed freestone peach ripening on Au- Agate – A white-fleshed, freestone Grand(YN), Midglo (YN), Summer gust 30, 2004. The tree is productive and peach ripening on September 15-17. The Fire(YN), Zeeglo (YN), Royal Giant (YN), did not have any bacterial spot. skin is covered with a 50-70%. Developed Stark Encore (YN), Flaming Red(YN), Snow King – A large to very large, by the Riviera Breeding Program in the Flamekist(YN), Tastyfree(YN), white-fleshed, freestone peach with a Provence Region of southeastern France. Fairlane(YN) dark purplish pink red color over 70-90% USDA BY 85P2609 – A yellow- of the surface. The flesh is low acid and fleshed freestone peach ripening on Sep- of very good quality. Fruit ripens on Au- tember 20. This peach is very late mak- gust 30. The tree is moderately produc- ing it hard to evaluate. tive and very susceptible to bacterial spot September Flame – A very firm yel- and susceptible to brown rot. low-fleshed peach ripening in late Sep- Fruit Acres 141 – A large, yellow- tember. Because of it late season and it fleshed, freestone peach ripening on Sep- susceptibility to bacterial spot it has little tember 1, 2004. The tree is productive and value. had no bacterial spot. Peaches that have been tested but Snowfire –A large to very large, are no longer suggested for planting, white-fleshed, freestone peach ripening and trees have been removed from test on September 2. Snowfire has the same blocks. (YP = yellow fleshed peach, WP problems as Snow, with low productiv- = white fleshed peach) Goldprince (YP), ity and high susceptibility to bacterial Dixiered (YP), Garnet Beauty (YP), spot. LaWhite (WP) Sentinel (YP), Southern Autumn Glo – A standard yellow- Pearl (WP), Riponette (YP) Jerry Frecon is an extension specialist in fleshed variety ripening with Encore on Juneprince(YP), Snowqueen (WN) the New Jersey Extension System. He leads September 2. The tree while productive Karlarose (WN), Flamin Fury 12-B(YP) , New Jersey’s peach and nectarine variety is susceptible to bacterial spot. Sureprince (YP), June Lady (YP), Rich evaluation program.

20 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Stone Fruit Rootstocks: Many new rootstocks for peaches, plums and Current Status And apricots are now being introduced into the Overview For The Future United States through commercial nurseries for Gregory L. Reighard future sales to stone fruit Clemson University growers. Some may Clemson, South Carolina have increased hardiness, tolerance to ew rootstocks for peaches, plums tolerant to undesirable soil properties, nematodes and or and apricots are now being site characteristics, and soil-borne dwarfing. Past Nintroduced into the United pathogens. As good orchard sites be- States through commercial nurseries for come scarce and chemical control prac- experience has shown future sales to stone fruit growers. Al- tices become cost-prohibitive or un- that extensive testing is most all of these rootstocks are complex available, new rootstocks are needed to Prunus L. hybrids that are propagated overcome soil and site problems, which critical to avoid potential asexually. Past experience with newly were corrected in the past by orchard commercial problems introduced Prunus rootstocks has relocation or chemical fumigation. shown that extensive testing is critical Many new rootstocks for stone due to non-adaptation to to avoid potential commercial problems fruits have been developed in the past North American climatic due to non-adaptation of some 20 years (Loreti, 1994; Loreti, 1997; rootstocks to North American climatic Moreno, 2004; Reighard, 2000), since and edaphic conditions. and edaphic conditions. In addition, those listed by Layne (1987) and Okie Testing through the putative resistance of introduced (1987). Moreover, many of these are rootstocks to common soil diseases and now available for testing in North national NC-140 other pathogens has not always carried America. This paper discusses some of rootstock-testing project over to orchard sites in the United the recent rootstock releases and their States. To ensure widespread horticul- potential for solving some of the spe- should help shorten the tural testing of new rootstocks, the NC- cific soil and site problems that stone timeframe for picking the 140 national rootstock testing group fruit growers currently face. continues to serve as an unbiased tester best new rootstocks. in many different geographic and pro- Parasitic Nematodes duction areas of the United States and Canada. Many nematode species success- and are not impacted by nematode Economic viability of a fruit pro- fully parasitize peach, plum and apri- feeding. Tolerant rootstocks are fair to duction enterprise is linked directly to cot roots and frequently cause a reduc- good hosts for a specific nematode, but orchard productivity and management tion in tree growth and survival. Four nematode reproduction and feeding efficiency. Increased productivity and types of nematodes are recognized as does not significantly alter the efficiency require tree survival, man- injurious to peach trees in North rootstock’s ability to supply the scion’s aged vigor, and increased marketable America (Nyczepir and Becker, 1998). mineral, hormonal and water require- yields over the expected life span of the They are the ring (Criconemella xenoplax ments to survive, grow and bear fruit. orchard. The growers’ choice of root- (Raski) Luc & Raski); root-knot Rootstocks susceptible to a specific stock is often as important, if not more (Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) nematode are good hosts for nematode so, than the choice of scion variety Chitwood, M. javanica (Treub) reproduction and are impacted nega- whenever peaches, plums and apricots Chitwood, M. arenaria (Neal) Chitwood, tively by nematode feeding in areas are grown in soils having high bulk and M. hapla Chitwood); lesion such as tree survival, growth and fruit- density, parasitic nematodes, root rot (Pratylenchus vulnus (Allen & Jensen) ing. fungal pathogens, or other edaphic or and P. penetrans (Cobb) Chitwood & Ring nematode has been linked di- replant problems. If one or more of Oteifa) and dagger (Xiphenema rectly to the onset of peach tree short these conditions are present, fruit tree americanum Cobb) nematodes. life (PTSL) syndrome in the Southeast survival and growth can be improved Rootstocks often are categorized as im- (Nyczepir et al., 1983). Most new significantly by selecting the appropri- mune, resistant, tolerant or susceptible rootstocks have not been tested for re- ate rootstock for each soil or site situa- to nematodes. For a specific nematode action to ring nematode; however, older tion. Stone fruit production has been species, rootstocks labeled as immune (1980s) rootstock introductions – such limited in the past by the absence of or resistant are poor or non-hosts for as the French peach seedling rootstocks rootstocks that moderate vigor or are nematode survival and reproduction ‘Montclar’, ‘Rubira’, ‘GF 305’, and NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 21 ‘Higama’, and the plum hybrids apricots and plums. ‘Cadaman™’ is not Soil Texture, pH and Fungal ‘Ishtara’ and’‘Myran’’– were good hosts recommended for apricots. Pathogens for ring nematode (Westcott et al., 1994) Lesion (Pratylenchus vulnus and P. and were susceptible to PTSL (Reighard, penetrans) and dagger (Xiphenema Peach and apricot rootstocks are well unpublished data). In addition, commer- americanum) nematodes are two other adapted to sandy, gravelly or loamy soils. cial rootstocks such as ‘Lovell’, ‘Halford’, problem nematodes in the northern and Therefore, peach (e.g., ‘Lovell’, ‘Bailey’ and’‘Nemaguard’ are also mod- mid-Atlantic U.S. peach production areas. ‘Nemaguard ‘Guardian™’) and apricot erately to highly susceptible. Thus far, no Lesion nematodes can significantly reduce (e.g., ‘Canino’, ‘Manchurian’, ‘Blenheim’, rootstock has survived better in field tests tree growth and fruit production if not ‘Haggith’, ‘Manicot’) seedling rootstocks in South Carolina and Georgia than the controlled. P. vulnus is a problem in the are often the choice for peaches (only regionally developed ‘BY520-9’ (now southern United States and California, peach rootstocks) and apricots (both spe- ‘Guardian™’) (Okie et al., 1994; Reighard while P. penetrans occurs in northern ar- cies) on well-drained, non-calcareous et al., 1997). eas. ‘Rubira’, ‘GF 305’, ‘Penta’ (‘Empy- soils. Root-knot nematodes cause serious rean™ 2’), ‘Tetra’ (‘Empyrean™ 3’), and In contrast, peach and apricot seed- growth reduction in peach trees grown in ‘Torinel™’ are listed as having tolerance ling rootstocks are generally not adapted warmer regions. There are at least four to P. vulnus in Europe (Alcaniz et al., 1996), to poorly drained, heavy clay soils or to species of root-knot nematode with ‘Torinel™’ being the only one to show calcareous soils where pH is above 7.5. (Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. tolerance in multiple greenhouse screen- Poorly drained soils result in tree decline javanica, M. hapla) as well as a number of ings (Pinochet et al, 2002). Pinochet also or death. Weak, unproductive, chlorotic races within each species that feed on has recently reported that ‘Krymsk™ 86’ trees are typical when grown on peach stone fruits. M.incognita and M. javanica has resistance to P. vulnus. However, test- or apricot roots in high pH soils. Alka- are the most common in the southern ing of some of the “tolerant” P. persica line soils are uncommon in North United States; whereas, M. hapla is found rootstocks (McFadden-Smith et al. 1998) America and are only important in stone in northern areas. Many peach rootstocks showed that some were quite susceptible fruit production areas in Texas, Colorado, were introduced for root-knot nematode to P. penetrans and that the Canadian peac and a few other western locations. There- resistance in the United States in the 20th ‘H7338013’ were more tolerant in green- fore, few rootstocks have been developed century (Day, 1953). These included house studies. ‘Bailey’ and ‘Guardian™’ for these regions, except for peach x al- ‘Shalil’, ‘Yunnan’, ‘Okinawa’, and later were less susceptible than many of the mond rootstocks such as ‘Titan’ and ‘Higama’. All of these rootstocks either European rootstocks tested. Thus, multiple ‘Hansen 536’ and from Zaiger’s Genet- were not resistant to M. javanica or had nematode species and races create a sig- ics, ‘Atlas’ and ‘Viking’, which are inter- other problems and eventually were re- nificant obstacle to finding a broadly specific hybrids tolerant of saline and al- placed by domestically developed adapted, lesion nematode resistant root- kaline soils. rootstocks such as ‘Nemaguard’, stock. Many new rootstocks introduced ‘Nemared’, ‘Flordaguard’, and ‘Guard- The dagger nematode can be a se- from Europe were developed for calcar- ian™’. Hybrid rootstocks, such as ‘Atlas’ vere problem in the mid-Atlantic states. eous soils. These include ‘Jaspi’ ((P. and ‘Viking’ from Zaiger’s Genetics, are The major damage to peach trees from domestica x P. salicina) x P. spinosa L.), also reported to be root-knot resistant. dagger nematode feeding is its vector- ‘Pollizo’ (P. insititia), ‘Julior’, ‘Torinel™’, Traditional plum rootstocks such as ‘M ing of tomato ringspot virus (TomRSV), ‘Paramount™’ (formerly ‘GF 677’, a natu- ‘Marianna GF 8-1’ are also resistant or which causes stem pitting. Since many ral peach-almond hybrid), ‘Cadaman™’, immune to most’root-knot nematodes. weed species, such as dandelions (Tarax- ‘Barrier 1’ (‘Empyrean™ 1’ or ‘Primo’), Recent introductions having root-knot acum officinale), are hosts for this virus, ‘Mr.S. 2/5’, ‘Adesoto 101’, ‘Adara’, resistance include peach hybrids ‘Barrier dagger nematode resistance in ‘Garnem’, ‘Felinem’ and ‘Sirio’, ‘Castore’ 1’ and ‘Cadaman™’ (both P. persica x P. rootstocks is the only way to prevent and ‘Polluce’ (all P. persica x P. dulcis). Of infection. Dagger nematode species are davidiana), ‘Krymsk™ 86’ or ‘Kuban 86’ (P. these new rootstocks, ‘Paramount™’ also vectors for nepoviruses in other re- cerasifera x P. persica), plum species grows well on alkaline soils but it is very gions of the world. Peach seedling ‘Torinel™’, ‘Penta’ or ‘Empyrean™ 2’ and vigorous and was not as yield-efficient rootstocks are not resistant to dagger ‘Tetra’ or ‘Empyrean™ 3’ (both P. as other rootstocks on acid soils (Perry et nematodes, and therefore, non-peach domestica), ‘Adesoto 101’ (P. insititia) and al., 2000). Peach on ‘Jaspi’ has been very ‘Ademir’ (P. cerasifera), plum hybrids rootstocks need to be evaluated for re- sistance to the nematode or the virus. In susceptible to bacterial canker on acid ‘Myran’ (P. cerasifera x P. salicina), ‘Ishtara’ contrast, ‘Marianna 2624’ was reported soils in the southeastern United States. (P. cerasifera x (P. persica x P. cerasifera)), in Michigan to have some field resis- ‘Adesosto 101’ root suckers and may have ‘Julior’ (P. insititia x P. domestica), tance (Kommineni et al, 1998). Also, some incompatibility with peach. ‘Jaspi’, ‘Krymsk™ 1’ or ‘VVA-1’ (P. cerasifera x P. some cherry plum (P. cerasifera) geno- ‘Julior’, ‘Cadaman™’, ‘Mr.S. 2/5’ tomentosa), ‘Hiawatha’ (P. besseyi x P. types appear to be less sensitive to to- and’‘Adesoto 101’ are in current NC-140 salicina), peach-almond hybrids (P. dulcis mato ringspot virus (Hoy and Mircetich, field trials. x P. persica) ‘Garnem’ (‘GxN15’) and 1984; Halbrendt et al., 1994). Thus, On heavy or poorly drained soils, ‘Felinem’ (‘GxN22’), and ‘PumiSelect’ (P. rootstocks such as ‘Mr.S. 2/5’ (P. peach seedling rootstocks, and to a lesser pumila) (Esmenjaud et al., 1997; Fernandez cerasifera), ‘Krymsk™ 1’, ‘Krymsk™ 2’ or degree apricot seedling rootstocks, are at et al., 1994; Pinochet et al., 2002; A. Nicotra, ‘VSV-1’ (P. incana x P. cerasifera), and risk of becoming infected with personal comm.). Most of these rootstocks ‘Ademir’ (P. cerasifera) may offer some Phytophthora or crown rot. Similarly, al- are compatible with peach and plum, but tolerance. However, these have not been most all stone fruit rootstocks are suscep- ‘Torinel™’ is not recommended for tested in the United States for TomRSV tible to the oak root rot fungus (Armillaria peaches, though it is compatible with some resistance. mellea and A. tabescens), regardless of soil

22 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY texture or drainage. Both of these root rot Rootstocks that are inherently cold hardy ‘P.S. A5’ (80%) and ‘P.S. B2’ (90%), ‘Tetra’ fungi are difficult to control or eradicate; or de-acclimate at a slower rate after (80%), ‘Castore’ (80%), ‘Polluce’ (80%), therefore, genetic resistance to them is warm temperatures are necessary to ‘Ishtara’ (70%), ‘Julior’ (70%), ‘Mr.S. 2/5’ highly desirable. ‘Marianna 2624’ has grow stone fruit in cold regions. The ma- (70%), ‘Adesoto 101’ (70%), ‘Adarcias’ some tolerance to Armillaria but is incom- jority of cold-tolerant rootstocks for (70%), ‘Adara’ (80%), and ‘PumiSelect’ patible with peaches. Moreover, peaches have originated from the Cana- (70%), a Prunus pumila L. selection devel- Armillaria resistance reported for ‘Ishtara’ dian breeding program (Layne, 1987). oped in Germany (Jacob, 1992). Dwarf- and’‘Myran’ in France has not held up in Releases of the cold-hardy peach seedling ing rootstocks include ‘Jaspi’ (60%), Georgia and South Carolina field tests. rootstocks ‘Siberian C’, ‘Harrow Blood’, ‘Sirio’ (60%), ‘Krymsk™ 1’ (60%) and Many European rootstocks recently ‘Tzim Pee Tao’, and ‘Chui Lum Tao’ ei- ‘Krymsk™ 2’ (50%) (Devyatov, introduced to the United States are listed ther have not conveyed outstanding’cold 1996).’‘Jaspi’ has been graft incompatible as tolerant of waterlogging (Moreno, hardiness to peach cultivars or have had with some peach cultivars but is compat- 2004). Rootstocks labeled as tolerant to some other deficiency such as suscepti- ible with plums, and’‘Ishtara’ can be used waterlogged soils include ‘Jaspi’, ‘Julior’, bility to ring, root-knot and lesion nema- as a semi-dwarfing rootstock for apricots. ‘Pollizo’, ‘Torinel™’, ‘Penta’, ‘Tetra’, todes or Armillaria and Phytophthora root In addition, California breeders have ‘Mr.S. 2/5’, ‘Barrier 1’, ‘Adesoto 101’, rots. New cold-hardy and perennial can- developed size controlling rootstocks for ‘Adara’, ‘Krymsk™ 1’, and ‘Krymsk™ 2’. ker (Cytospora cincta) resistant selections peach (DeJong et al., 2004) that are now The season of waterlogging usually is not from the former Harrow breeding pro- in advanced testing in California and thus specified in rootstock release notices, and gram were tested in a NC-140 peach root- far have reportedly maintained yield ef- thus, it is not known whether these stock test in 20 states and provinces with ficiency and fruit size despite significant rootstocks are tolerant to dormant or some success (Reighard et al., 2004). Some tree dwarfing. Two pending new releases growing season wet soil conditions. of these Harrow selections like will be named ‘Controller 5’ (50% of stan- Many of these rootstocks were developed ‘H7338013’, ‘H7338019’, ‘Tzim Pee Tao’, dard) and ‘Controller 9’ (90% of standard) in Mediterranean climates that receive and ‘Chui Lum Tao’ delay scion bloom (DeJong, personal comm.). Other Ameri- their rainfall in the winter. In North by 1-2 days in South Carolina. Three Rus- can semi-dwarfing rootstocks, America, waterlogging can occur during sian rootstocks –‘Krymsk™ 1’, ‘Krymsk™ ‘Hiawatha’ and ‘Citation’ (60 to 70% of the growing season. Observations from 2’, and ‘Krymsk™ 86’’– may offer more normal tree size), sometimes, as in the Georgia during 2001 (K. Taylor, personal cold hardiness than current commercial case of ‘Hiawatha’, or often, as in the case comm.) indicated that some of the plum rootstocks since they were developed of ‘Citation’ exhibit delayed incompat- rootstocks were more tolerant than peach from–Prunus sp. from regions colder than ibility with peaches, though ‘Citation’ is rootstocks of waterlogging conditions the stone fruit regions in North America. used with plums and apricots with good during the spring, which is an important For plums, native sand cherry (P. success. Seedlings of selected Prunus growth period for stone fruits. Further- besseyi) is very cold hardy, but selections americana genotypes are semi-dwarfing more, although the myrobalan hybrids have not been developed for testing be- and compatible with peach and plum but ‘Marianna 2624’, ‘Marianna GF 8-1’ and cause of low vigor and species incompat- have not been widely tested, and com- ‘Myrobalan 29C’, as well as ‘Torinel™’ ibility. The same problems limit the ex- mercial availability is limited. are incompatible with peach, they are ploitation of P. americana as a plum root- The degree of dwarfing of all of the compatible with plums and some apri- stock. Interspecific hybrids of P. besseyi above rootstocks will vary with the cul- cot cultivars and may be better choices have been made and selections from tivar, climate, soils, and site history. for stone fruits on heavy soils than apri- these crosses have been reported to be Therefore, without prior geographic test- cot and peach seedling rootstocks. ‘Vi- cold hardy in Russia (Okie, 1987). ing, it is uncertain how effective these king’, a hybrid rootstock for peaches, is rootstocks will be as size controlling also listed as tolerant of wet soil condi- Vigor Control rootstocks in different stone fruit produc- tions. tion regions. Breeders list many of the clonal hy- Peach seedling rootstocks, including brid rootstocks as being tolerant of re- brachtytic dwarfs, rarely reduce scion Future Commercial Outlook plant sites and soil diseases; however, the vigor more than 10-15%. Size control of endemic replant or soil diseases where peaches through rootstocks of other Since the time from initial testing to they were tested usually are not specifi- Prunus sp. has not been achieved satis- rootstock commercialization takes many cally identified. Therefore, “disease tol- factorily due to incompatibility or poor years, expedited virus testing procedures erant” rootstocks require regional and tree vigor. Without graft compatible and at NRSP5, Prosser, WA and the U.S. De- local testing for at least one orchard rota- size-controlling rootstocks, as with apple, partment of Agriculture Animal and tion to determine their adaptability to increases in peach, plum or apricot or- Plant Health Inspection Service in Glenn each soil type and climate. chard productivity via intensive training Dale, Maryland have decreased the time systems will be difficult to achieve. Any to get new Prunus germplasm through Winter Temperatures new dwarfing rootstock must reduce quarantine for field evaluation. Further- vigor, be graft compatible, and give good more, new rootstocks developed in the Winter cold hardiness of roots of fruit production without reduction of United States, France, Italy, Spain, Rus- Prunus sp. varies considerably among fruit size and quality. sia and other breeding programs are pri- rootstock cultivars. The absence of snow European and Russian rootstocks marily complex species hybrids that must cover or some orchard floor management listed as semi-dwarfing (approximate be propagated vegetatively. These practices can increase the susceptibility percent of peach standard) include rootstocks are best reproduced via of stone fruit rootstocks to cold injury. ‘Rubira’ (90%), Italian peach seedlings micropropagation from tissue culture

NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 23 explants. Thus, explant culture will likely Hoy, J.W. and S.M. Mircetich. 1984. Prune Lastra, and R. Penyalver. 2002. be the propagation method of choice to brownline disease: susceptibility of Response of new interspecific mass-produce these unique hybrid prune rootstocks and tomato hybrids for peach to root-knot and rootstocks. Companies such as ringspot virus detection. Phytopathol- lesion nematodes, and crown gall. Agromillora Catalana, S.A. are just begin- ogy 74: 272-276. Acta Hort. 592(2): 707-716. ning this phase of stone fruit rootstock Jacob, H. 1992. Prunus pumila L., eine Reighard, G.L., W.C. Newall, T.G. propagation in the United States. geeignete schwachwachsende Beckman, W.R. Okie, E.I. Zehr, and Other factors still complicating the Pfirsichuntererlage. Erwerbsobstbau A.P. Nyczepir. 1997. Field commercial release of new rootstocks are 34:144-146. performance of Prunus rootstock patent laws and licensing agreements Kommineni, K.V., J.M. Gillett, and D.C. cultivars and selections on replant that must be negotiated between govern- Ramsdell. 1998. A study of tomato soils in South Carolina. Acta Hort. ment agencies, breeders, nurseries, and ringspot virus and prune brown line 451: 243-250. grower groups. Despite these obstacles, resistance in twenty-five rootstock- Reighard, G.L. 2000. Peach rootstocks some new rootstocks are being tested scion combinations. HortTechnology for the United States: are foreign through regional and national trials such 8(3): 349-353. rootstocks the answer? as the NC-140 national project that evalu- Layne, R.E.C. 1987. Peach rootstocks. In: HortTechnology 10(4): 714-718. ates new rootstocks for stone and pome Rootstocks for Fruit Crops. R.C. Rom Reighard, G., R. Andersen, J. Anderson, fruits across the U.S., Canada, and and R.F. Carlson (eds.). Wiley, New W. Autio, T. Beckman, T. Baker, R. Mexico. This, in conjunction with new York. pp. 185-216. Belding, G. Brown, P. Byers, W. screening methods and extensive coop- Loreti, F. 1994. Attuali conoscenze sui Cowgill, D. Deyton, E. Durner, A. eration among researchers, should de- principali portinnesti degli alberi da Erb, D. Ferree, A. Gaus, R. Godin, crease the time to evaluate promising frutta. Revista di Frutticoltura No. 9. R. Hayden, P. Hirst, S. Kadir, M. rootstock selections so that new releases pp. 9-60. Kaps, H. Larsen, T. Lindstrom, N. for stone fruit growers can occur more Loreti, F. 1997. Bioagronomic evaluation Miles, F. Morrison, S. Myers, D. frequently than they have in the past. of the main fruit tree rootstocks in Ouellette, C. Rom, W. Shane, B. Literature Cited Italy. Acta Hort. 451:201-208. Taylor, K. Taylor, C. Walsh, and M. McFadden-Smith, W., N. W. Miles and J. Warmund. 2004. Growth and yield Alcaniz, E., J. Pinochet, C. Fernandez, D. W. Potter. 1998. Greenhouse evalua- of Redhaven peach on 19 rootstocks Esmenjaud and A. Felipe. 1996. tion of Prunus rootstocks for resis- at 20 North American locations. J. Evaluation of Prunus rootstocks for tance or tolerance to the root-lesion Amer. Pomol. Soc. 58(4): 174-202. root-lesion nematode resistance. nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans). Westcott III, S.W., E.I. Zehr, W.C. Newall HortScience 31: 1013-1016. Acta Hort. 465:723-730. Jr., and D.W. Cain. 1994. Suitability Day, L.H. 1953. Rootstocks for stone Moreno, M.A. 2004. Breeding and selec- of Prunus selections as hosts for the fruits. Calif. Agric. Exp. Sta. Bull. 736. tion of Prunus rootstocks at the Aula ring nematode (Criconemella 76 pp. Dei Experimental Station, Zaragoza, xenoplax). J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 119: DeJong, T., R. Johnson, J. Doyle, A. Spain. 658(2): 519-528. 920-924. Weibel, L. Solari, B. Basile, J. Marsal, Nyczepir, A.P., E.I. Zehr, S.A. Lewis, and D. Ramming, and D. Bryla. 2004. D.C. Harshman. 1983. Short life of Growth, yield and physiological peach trees induced by Criconemella behaviour of size-controlling peach xenoplax. Plant Disease 67:507-508. rootstocks developed in California. Nyczepir, A. P. and J.O. Becker. 1998. Fruit Acta Hort. 658(2): 449-456. and Citrus Trees. In: Plant and Nema- Devyatov, A.S. 1996. Root system of plum tode Interactions: American Society of trees on standard and dwarfing Agronomy Monograph no. 36. pp. 637- rootstocks. Fruit Var. J. 50:229-235. Esmenjaud, D., J.C. Minot, R. Voisin, J. 684. Pinochet, M.H. Simard and G. Okie, W.R. 1987. Plum rootstocks. In: Salesses. 1997. Differential response Rootstocks for Fruit Crops. R.C. Rom to root-knot nematodes in Prunus and R.F. Carlson (eds.). Wiley, New species and correlative genetic impli- York. pp. 321-360. cations. J. Nematology 29:370-380. Okie, W.R., G.L. Reighard, T.G. Beckman, Fernandez, C., J. Pinochet, D. Esmenjaud, A.P. Nyczepir, C.C. Reilly, E.I. Zehr G. Salesses and A. Felipe. 1994. Re- and W.C. Newall, Jr. 1994. Field- sistance among new Prunus screening Prunus for longevity in the rootstocks and selections to root-knot southeastern United States. nematodes in Spain and France. HortScience 29: 673-677. HortScience 29:1064-1067. Perry, R., D. Ferree, G. Reighard and Halbrendt, J.M., E.V. Podleckis, A. NC-140. 2000. Performance of the Hadidi, R. Scorza and R. Welliver. 1984 NC-140 cooperative peach Greg Reighard is a research professor at 1994. A rapid protocol for evaluating rootstock planting. J. Amer. Pom. Clemson University in South Carolina who Prunus germplasm for tomato Soc. 54: 6-10. specializes in peach production, genetics and ringspot virus resistance. HortScience Pinochet, J., C. Fernandez, M. Cunill, J. rootstock development. He leads the NC-140 29: 1068-1070. Torrents, A. Felipe, M.M. Lopez, B. peach rootstock-testing project.

24 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Peach Rootstock Trials at The severe winter weather of 2004 and Geneva: A Progress 2005 caused the death of many peach trees in Report Western New York, but it gave us an Robert Andersen, Jay Freer and Terence opportunity to evaluate Robinson the hardiness of several Dept. of Horticultural Sciences, New York State Agricultural Experiment new peach rootstocks. Station, Cornell University, Geneva, NY There are at least two new interesting dwarfing

ovell’ and ‘Bailey’ peach seedling ‘Bailey’ has had the highest cumulative stocks that are showing ‘ rootstocks remain the recommended yield efficiency after two years of fruiting. greater hardiness than L stocks for both peach and nectarine orchards in New York State. This remains 2002 NC-140 National Peach ‘Lovell’ and are more size true in spite of three separate, ten-year Rootstock Trial at Geneva controlling than either long experiments where we have tested over 40 other candidates. However, there ‘Bailey’ or ‘Lovell’. The latest trial was planted by the is new hope! New results from the 2005 NC-140 group at Geneva in the spring of season (when severe winter cold 2002 and has Cresthaven as the scion hammered our 2002 planted Cresthaven variety. It has several promising new clues on hardiness and dwarfing are very rootstock experiment) gave rise to signs stocks from Russia, Europe and interesting. that there are at least two other California. The planting experienced The most vigorous stock in this interesting options. Two dwarfing stocks severe winter cold damage in January planting was ‘Lovell’ followed by are showing that they possess hardiness 2004 and again in January 2005. We lost ‘Adesto’, ‘Cadaman’, ‘MRS 2/5’, ‘Penta’, that surpasses that of ‘Lovell’ and are all of the flower buds in each of those ‘Pumiselect’, ‘Controller 5’, ‘Krymsk 1’ more size controlling than either ‘Bailey’ years, and there was also extensive wood and ‘Krymsk 2’ (Table 1). The last three or ‘Lovell’. These two dwarfing candidate damage and tree death from the cold. stocks were about 65-70% as large as rootstocks are: ‘Krymsk 1’ (=VVA 1, Although the trial is too young to make ‘Lovell’. Following the two severe Russian origin), and ‘Controller 5’ (K146- any final conclusions some of the early winters in 2004 and 2005, the trees with 43 from University of California). Our results are preliminary and we need a couple of milder winters so that we can better judge their yield capacities.

2001 NC-140 National Peach Rootstock Trial

The national fruit-tree rootstock testing group, known as the NC-140 project, has continued to test new peach rootstocks from all over the world. A national peach rootstock trial, not planted at Geneva, is showing some significant differences in dwarfing and yield. In Utah and New Jersey the most vigorous rootstock has been ‘Cadaman’, followed by ‘Lovell’, ‘BH-4’, ‘Slap’, ‘SC17’, ‘Pumiselect’, ‘Hiawatha’, ‘Bailey’, ‘Controller 9’ (=P30-135), ‘K146-44’, ‘Controller 5’ (=K146-43), ‘Jaspi’, and ‘Krymsk 1’ (=VVA 1). The two Controller stocks and the elite K146-44 all originated from a joint breeding project of the University of California and the USDA- Figure 1. The semidwarf peach rootstock ‘Controller 5’ is in the foreground and the standard peach ARS. In both Utah and New Jersey, rootstock ‘Lovell’ is in the background. NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 25 TABLE 1 and ‘Controller 5’ (K146-43 from University of California are showing that Tree Size and Hardiness of Cresthaven Peach on Several Rootstocks after 4 years at Geneva, NY. (2005 data) they possess hardiness that surpasses that of ‘Lovell’ and are more size controlling Stock Trunk Circ. % Live Trees % of Bearing Surface than either ‘Bailey’ or ‘Lovell’. We have 10/2005 (cm) 10/2005 Still Functional 10/2005 also found that some peach and nectarine Lovell 27.1 75 44 cultivars are graft incompatible with Adesto 26.6 25 19 some of the peach and plum rootstocks Cadaman 26.1 63 40 in our trials. MRS 2/5 25.5 13 9 Penta 24.4 38 31 Pumiselect* 22.3 75 70 Controller 5** 19.3 88 87 Krymsk 1 (=VVA1) 19.2 88 86 Krymsk 2 (=VSV1) 17.0 50 45 * Pumiselect has weak anchorage and needs a trellis. **Controller 5 trees were planted only in adjacent guard rows outside the 2002 NC-140 Peach Rootstock Trials. the greatest survival rate and the greatest ‘Cadaman’ and ‘Penta’ were the three percentage of functional canopy were most vigorous stocks – all three with ‘Controller 5’ and ‘Kyrmsk 1’ followed by significantly greater trunk cross-sectional ‘Pumiselect’, ‘Lovell’, ‘Cadaman’ and area than ‘Jaspi’, ‘Krymsk 1’, and ‘Krymsk 2’. The other three stocks ‘Mariana GF 8-1’ in descending order of (‘Adesto’, ‘MRS 2/5’ and ‘Penta’) all had vigor. Almost half of the ‘Mariana GF 8- less than 40% survival. Although ‘Lovell’ 1’ trees died within four seasons and we had relatively good survival, the canopy suspect that this stock is probably was largely non-functional. ‘Pumiselect’ incompatible with the ‘RosePrincess’ had good survival with a good canopy, scion. The behavior of the ‘Ishtara’ stock but it had poor anchorage and is likely in this trial was quite different from what too weak to resist wind storms. It will we saw in an earlier trial with ‘Redhaven’ Robert Andersen is a recently retired need a trellis if planted commercially. Peach which was planted in 1994. In that emeritus professor of Horticulture at trial ‘Ishtara’ was one of the three least Cornell’s Geneva Experiment Station who 2002 Nectarine Rootstock Trial vigorous stocks among 19 other stocks. specializes in the breeding and culture of stone fruits. He led Cornell’s breeding, culture and We planted another peach rootstock Summary extension program on stone fruits from 1990 trial in 2002 with ‘RosePrincess’ nectarine to 2005. Jay Freer is a research technician that to answer the question whether nectarine For the immediate future, ‘Lovell’ works with Terence Robinson and Bob scion cultivars perform differently than and ‘Bailey’ peach seedling rootstocks Andersen. Terence Robinson is a research and peach with several new peach rootstocks. remain the recommended stocks for both extension professor at Cornell’s Geneva This trial compared ‘Cadaman’, ‘Penta’, peach and nectarine orchards in New Experiment Station who leads Cornell’s ‘Ishtara’, ‘Jaspi’, ‘Krymsk 1’, and York State. Two new dwarfing stocks research and extension program in high- ‘Mariana’ GF 8-1 rootstocks. ‘Ishtara’, [‘Krymsk 1’ (=VVA 1, Russian origin), density orchard systems.

26 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Theory and Practice of Currently, peach growers can choose from an Genetically Manipulating array of different peach fruit types (peach, Peach Tree Architecture nectarine, yellow flesh, white flesh, melting, non- Ralph Scorza melting, low acid, saucer USDA-ARS, Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Kearneysville, WV shape, etc.). However, few choices exist in terms of tree form. No one each production world-wide relies varieties have been developed through on the use of vigorous, spreading breeding programs. Therefore, the form is ideal for all Pscion cultivars grafted onto development of new varieties using growers because each rootstocks of similar vigor. Regardless of germplasm with different growth habits the desired growing system, from low is feasible within our current peach grower has different density to high density, from large open- breeding programs. needs related to land center trees, to closely spaced tree walls, to “Y” trellis systems, the standard, Variation In Tree Growth - area, available labor, vigorous tree type must be made to fit Vavilov’s Law Of Homology and equipment. The the system. For the development of high density peach production systems using Clearly, as one walks through a tree columnar-shaped tree the standard tree type, severe pruning is filled landscape, the wide variation in may be more suitable necessary. Pruning invigorates trees and tree growth forms is apparent. This is leads to excessive vegetative growth, even more striking when we consider the for high-density peach which may adversely affect fruit quality array of growth forms used in the orchards than the and subsequent flower bud formation ornamental landscape, including dwarf, due to shading. Summer pruning of weeping, columnar, bushy, globose. In standard spreading type. excess regrowth can help to alleviate the some cases these growth forms can be Such orchards could be problem, but the economic benefits of this found within the same species. Nikolai I. practice are still not certain. Vavilov (1887-1943), noting the genetic trained as a tree wall Peaches, as currently grown, variation in plant populations, put and harvested using produce rather poorly when compared forward a theory stating that characters with other tree fruits. The average found in one species may be found in mechanized platforms. production of peaches in the U.S. is another, depending on their relationship. approximately half that of apple on a per Vavilov’s “Law of homology” has acre basis. The advantages of high- remained a principal that has proven to Genetics Of And Breeding For density fruit production have been be useful to horticulturists for pointing clearly demonstrated in improving apple the way to plant characteristics that may Peach Growth Habit yields and reducing labor inputs. Over remain as yet undiscovered in a the last 50 years apple productivity on a particular species by observing Most of the peach tree growth habits per acre basis has increased 200-300% in characteristics in a related, or perhaps are controlled by single genes (Table 1; the United States. The apple systems rely unrelated, species. It was this law that Figure 1). These single genes control, for on the use of dwarfing rootstocks and provided the impetus for our search for example, the number of lateral buds that spur-type varieties. Commercially alternate peach tree growth habits. are produced or that grow into branches. acceptable dwarfing rootstocks are not Knowing that numerous tree forms This affects canopy density. Some genes available for peach (Marangoni et al., exist in the family Rosaceae (stone control the length of growth between 1984) and, although spur-type peaches fruits, apple, pear, quince and many nodes which affects branch length and exist, they are not commercially available. other fruit and ornamental species) we therefore tree size. Other genes control While the possibilities exist for the surmised that many of these forms branch angle and affect the form of the development of dwarfing rootstocks for could be found in peach and, in fact, canopy, for example upright or peach, there are opportunities for other this is the case. In this report I outline spreading. Since most traits are controlled approaches to growth habit manipulation the characteristics of the major classes by single genes, the breeder can generally through breeding scion varieties with of growth habit in peach and present predict what percentage of seedlings new growth habits. These opportunities information on the potential from a cross will carry the new trait. Also are based upon the existence of a great advantages and disadvantages of each selection for growth habit is relatively variety of naturally occurring peach type. The development of cultivars easy because many growth habits are growth habits. Also, unlike apple, the expressing alternate growth habits is readily apparent in the field as opposed vast majority of commercial peach also discussed. to a trait like disease resistance that may NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 27 require time-consuming inoculation tests TABLE 1 to separate susceptible from resistant Inheritance of peach tree growth habits (from Scorza and Sherman, 1996). plants. Nevertheless, most breeding programs produce varieties exclusively Character Gene symbol Remarks of standard growth habit. Since no Normal/weeping Pl/p Expressed in S2678 growth habit is perfect, perhaps there is Normal/brachytic dwarf Dw/dw comfort in working with the problems Normal/dwarf Dw2/dw2 Heterozygous in ‘Kearney’’ ‘Red Cal’ and’ ‘Fire Red’ that one is familiar with versus new, Standard/dwarf N/n Expressed in A72 unfamiliar problems that may result from Normal/bushy Bu1/bu1, Bu2/bu2 Bu1 and Bu2 are duplicate independent factors the use of novel tree types. Compact/standard Ct/ct Expressed in ‘Com-Pact Redhaven’ Standard/columnar Br/br Incomplete dominance Peach Growth Habits

Dwarf. Dwarf trees vary in size but rarely reach over 2.45 m (8 ft) in height. There are at least two types of dwarf trees. Very short internodes, long leaves, and a dense canopy characterize the “brachytic” dwarf. The brachytic dwarf has received some attention in breeding programs and high fruit quality brachytic dwarf varieties have been released (Hansche, 1989; Fideghelli, 2002; Stanica, et al., 2002). The dwarf tree suffers from a number of difficulties beginning at the stage of nursery propagation. Internodes are very short, making propagation through bud-grafting difficult. Trees must be budded high on rootstocks to allow for orchard operations, rootstocks thus require an extra season of growth. In the orchard, the dense, shaded canopy is an ideal habitat for fungal and bacterial pathogens. It is difficult for chemical sprays to penetrate the canopy, and fruit are difficult to locate for thinning and Figure 1. A selection of peach tree growth habits that can be developed through breeding: Standard harvesting. These characteristics detract form (ST), semi-dwarf (SD), spur-type (ST), upright (UP), columnar (PI), weeping (WE). From Bassi et al (1994). from the commercial potential of the brachytic dwarf. We have evaluated the potential of the brachytic dwarf as a and ‘Compact Gold Medal,’ which is produce numerous spurs that produce dwarfing rootstock and our results agree sometimes marketed as ‘Compact fruit throughout the canopy. This reduces with those of Murase et al. (1990) in that Elberta.’ Both of these are presumed the need to prune for new fruiting wood it does not dwarf the scion. single gene mutations of their respective and it may be possible to develop a new Another dwarf type tree (A72) was standard varieties (Mehlenbacher and strategy of pruning compact trees that reported by Monet and Salesses (1975) in Scorza, 1986). A third compact tree that would reduce the density of foliage and France, but it has, surprisingly, received has been identified is ‘Elbertita,’ still favor fruit production. In terms of little attention. We have found that presumably a mutation of ‘Elberta,’ rootstock potential of the compact seedlings from open pollinations of A72 Compact trees have shorter internodes genotype, the dense canopy is exhibit a wide range of sizes including than standard trees, wider branch angles, accompanied by high root system density those ranging from standard size, semi- and a greater number of and longer that may increase exploitation of soil dwarfs, full dwarfs, and extreme dwarfs laterals than produced on standard trees resources by compact trees and affect that reach less than a foot in height after (Scorza, 1984). These characteristics make shoot development (Tworkoski and five years. Leaves are not”“oversized” as for a dense canopy and reduced light Scorza, 2001). they are in the brachytic dwarf and penetration (Scorza et al., 1984). While the Semi-dwarf. Semi-dwarf trees are overall the canopies are more open than reduction in tree size (20-50% smaller generally between compact and standard those of the brachytic dwarfs except in than standard) is desirable for peach trees in overall size. Their branch growth very dwarf seedlings. Fruit quality of A72 production, the dense canopy and is similar to standard trees so the dense and its first generation progeny is poor excessive pruning necessary for adequate canopy is not an issue. Breeders at the and at least several generations of light penetration would be Istituto Sperimentale per la Frutticoltura, crossing to high fruit quality types will disadvantageous for commercial Rome, have obtained semi-dwarf trees be necessary for variety development. growers. However, our observations from open-pollinated standard varieties Compact. Examples of compact suggest that if pruning is kept to a such as ‘Sentinal’, ‘Redhaven’, and growth habit are ‘Com-Pact Redhaven’ minimum ‘Com-Pact Redhaven’ will ‘Southland’ (Fideghelli et al., 1979). These

28 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY semi-dwarfs vary in size but are generally about 50-60% the size of standard trees (Quarta and Scortichini, 1985), otherwise they are quite similar to standard trees in appearance. ‘Gage Elberta’, a variety no longer commercially grown, is another semi-dwarf tree. By simply selecting for reduced tree size and high fruit quality, progress in developing semi-dwarf peach trees is being made. Such trees may allow growers to space trees closer, reduce pruning, and increase yields per hectare. Spur-type. Many stone fruit species including plum, apricot, and cherry pro- duce fruiting spurs. The first report of spur-type growth in peach was published by Scorza in 1987. Spur- type growth peaches were found in exotic peach germplasm that had been imported into Figure 2. Leaves from narrow leaf peach seedlings. D is a leaf from a standard tree. the U.S. Some were apparently peach-al- mond hybrids and their spurriness was more uniform ripening, and reduce dis- by R. Scorza USDA-ARS Kearneysville, most likely inherited from the almond ease incidence. Research has shown that WV and ‘Alice-col’ released by A. parent. Yet, the trees that produced the narrow leaf trees are more efficient in Liverani CRA, Forli, Italy, with new ad- greatest densities of spurs were dwarf their water use and may perform better vanced selections under test in both pro- (dwdw) x compact (Ctct) peach hybrids. under conditions of water stress than grams. The fact that columnar trees have The spur-type trees recovered were ap- standard leaf peach trees (Glenn et al., a naturally narrow canopy appears to parently heterozygous at the dw locus 2000). Studies of the productivity of nar- make them ideally suited to high-den- (Dwdw) and homozygous recessive (ctct) row-leaf trees as well as the pruning re- sity spindle tree or “wall” systems. The (standard growth type alleles) (Scorza, quirements for commercial production narrow canopy also fits well with me- 1987). Spur-type peach trees require a are underway at the USDA stations in chanical harvesting technology or with completely different production strategy Kearneysville, West Virginia and Byron, picking platforms, since each side of the in order to take advantage of spurs. For Georgia. Selection for variety develop- tree is naturally only several feet in example, severe pruning, as practiced on ment is also underway at these facilities width, making it easy to reach into the non-spur peach trees, induces vigorous (Okie and Scorza, 2001). canopy to collect fruit. Clearly, the co- shoot development and does not allow Columnar. Columnar trees appear lumnar tree presents a radically differ- for the development of spurs. Pruning to have a long history in Japan where ent approach to peach production. To and production systems for fruits such as they have been developed as ornamen- address the need for information on co- apricot, plum and cherry may be appro- tals (Yamazaki et al., 1987). Left to grow lumnar peach orchard management, priate models for spur peach. naturally, they will attain a height of up pruning and spacing trials have been Weeping. Weeping peaches have to 5 m (16 ft) and a crown diameter of established in the U.S., Italy, and Canada generally been released as ornamentals. around 1.5m (5 ft). The most striking fea- (Miller and Scorza, 2001). Grower trials There are at least two programs in Eu- ture of the columnar tree is its narrow have also been established in the U.S. rope, including one in Bologna, Italy and branch angles (Scorza et al., 1989) (Fig- in collaboration with Adams County one in Bordeaux, France that currently are ure 3). The fruit quality of the columnar Nursery. (Italy) or have in the past (France) worked (also known as “pil- on the development of weeping peach lar”) tree that was varieties for commercial fruit production. originally available in Bassi and co-workers (1994) in Italy have the U.S. was poor and suggested that the weeping peach may yields were low. The be of interest for new training systems, breeding program at similar to the Lepage system in pear with USDA, Kearneysville a zig-zag stem made from the scaffold and at several loca- branches alternately radiating from the tions in Italy (Bologna trunk one above the other. and Forli) have sig- Narrow-leaf. Narrow-leaf or willow- nificantly improved leaf peaches represent a novel growth the fruit quality and habit due to a genetic change in leaf productivity of co- width. Narrow-leaf trees produce leaves lumnar trees and sev- that may be less than half as wide as nor- eral varieties suitable mal peach leaves (Glenn et al, 2000) (Fig- for commercial trials ure 2). This may produce a more open have been developed. canopy that would increase light penetra- These include, ‘Crim- tion and potentially, improve color, favor son Rocket’ released Figure 3. Columnar or ‘pillar’ peach trees.

NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 29 Upright or Semi-Columnar. Columnar growth habit is semi-dominant with homozygous brbr producing columnar and BrBr producing standard tree forms (Figure 4, Table 1). The heterozygote (Brbr) produces a unique upright or semi-columnar growth habit. This phenotype is neither columnar nor standard but possesses an intermediate growth habit. The upright cultivar ‘Sweet-N-UP’ was released from ARS- Kearneysville. In experimental trials it has shown good fruit quality and size Figure 4. Standard peach tree (BrBr), upright peach tree (Brbr), columnar or “pillar” peach tree (brbr). with high productivity. Upright trees can be readily trained to central leader and “Y” systems. The upright tree, while notably different from the standard resources, of stone fruit growth habits early results. Acta Hort. 592: 391- peach tree, presents a less radical see Bassi (2003). 399.Proc. 5th Int. Peach Symp. Davis, departure from the standard when Calif. July 7-12 (In press). compared to the columnar tree. Literature Cited Monet, R. and G. Salesses. 1975. Un “Mixed” Growth habits. We have nouveau mutant de nanisme chez le pecher. Ann. Amelior Plantes 25:353- hybridized a number of different growth Bassi D. 2003.Growth habits in stone fruit 359. habits such as pillar x dwarf, pillar x com- trees. National Res. Council, Rome. Murase, S., T. Yamazaki, Y. Inomata, K. pact, dwarf x compact, narrow leaf x pil- 173 p. Suzuki. 1990. Dwarfing rootstock for lar, etc. Many of these crosses have pro- Bassi D., Dima A., Scorza R. 1994. Tree peach. Japan Agric. Res. Quarterly duced predictable combinations of traits, structure and pruning response of six 23:294-300. and others have produced unique new peach growth form. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Negri, P., E. Magnanini, L. Cantoni, G. types. It is clear that desirable growth Sci. 119: 378-382. Berardi, and S. Sansavini. 1998. traits can be mixed and combined in new Fideghelli, C. 2002. The Italian national Piante arboree transgeniche: Prime ways to produce a range of growth hab- peach breeding project. Acta Hort. esperienze sul transferimento di geni its that are limited only by the imagina- 592:73-79 per il controllo dell’habitus tion. Fideghelli, C., Della Strada, G., Quarta, vegetativo. Rivista di Frutticoltura R. and Rosati, P. 1979. Genetic semi- The Future 5:91-97. dwarf peach selections. Eucarpia Okie, W.R. and R. Scorza. 2001. Breeding Breeders have the potential to de- Symp. Tree Fruit Breeding Angers, peach for narrow leaf width. Acta velop a number of different growth hab- Sept. 3-7: 11-18. its with relative ease due to the single Hort 592: 285-289. Glenn, D. Michael, R. Scorza, and C. Quarta, R. and Scortichini, M. 1985. Mor- gene nature of most growth habits stud- Bassett. 2000. Physiological and mor- ied thus far. This does not mean that the phological characters and yielding phological traits associated with in- efficiency of semi-dwarf peach selec- process of combining high fruit quality, creased water use efficiency in the productivity and new growth forms is a tions. Acta Hort. 173:63-68. willow-leaf peach. HortScience Scorza, R. 1984. Characterization of four simple, short-term task. Currently, peach 35:1241-1243. growers can choose from an array of dif- distinct peach tree growth types. J. Hammerschlag, F.A., McCanna, I. and Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 109:455-457. ferent peach fruit types (peach, nectarine, Smigocki, A.C. 1997. Characteriza- yellow flesh, white flesh, melting, non- Scorza, R. 1987. Identification and analy- tion of transgenic peach plants con- sis of spur growth in peach (Prunus melting, low acid, saucer shape, etc.). Few taining a cytokinin biosynthesis choices exist in terms of tree form. No one persica L. Batsch). J. Hort. Sci. 62:449- gene. Acta Hort. 447:569-574. 455. form will be ideal for all growers because Hansche, P.E. 1989. Three brachytic dwarf each grower has different needs related Scorza, R., G. W. Lightner, and A. peach cultivars: Valley Gem, Valley Liverani. 1989. The pillar peach tree to land area, available labor, and equip- Red, and Valley Sun. HortScience ment. Real progress lies in making avail- and growth habit analysis of com- 24:707-709. pact x pillar progeny. J. Amer. Soc. able to growers a variety of growth types Marangoni B., Cobianchi D., Antonelli that produce high quality fruit from Hort. Sci. 114:991-995. M., Liverani A., Scudellari D. 1984. Scorza, R., G.W. Lightner, L. Gilreath, and which they can choose. Input from, and The behaviour of cv ‘Red Haven’ on S. Wolf. 1984. Reduced-stature peach collaboration with growers, the nursery different rootstocks. Acta Hort. 173: tree growth types: Pruning and light industry, and extension and research sci- 389-394. penetration. Acta Hort. 146:159-164. entists along with careful study, critical Mehlenbacher, S.A. and Scorza, R. 1986. Scorza, R. and W.B. Sherman. 1996. observation, and rigorous testing will Inheritance of growth habit in prog- Peaches, P 325-440. IN: Fruit Breed- decide which traits and combinations of enies of ‘Com Pact Redhaven’ peach. ing, Vol. 1 Tree and Tropical Fruits. (J. traits are most beneficial for commercial HortScience 21:124 126. Janick and J.N. Moore, Eds.) John peach production in the future. Miller, S. and R. Scorza. 2001. Training Wiley and Sons. Inc. NOTE: for a comprehensive summary, and performance of pillar, upright, Scorza, R., L. Melnicenco, P. Dang, A.G. including illustrations, and germplasm and standard form peach trees – Abbott. 2001. Early selection for co- 30 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY lumnar growth habit in peach using a microsatellite marker. Acta Hort. 285-290. Stanica, F., Cepoiu, N. and Dumitri, L.M. 2002. New dwarf peach and nectarine tree varieties registered in 2000 by the fruit research station Constanta, Romania. Acta Hort. 592:161- 163. Yamazaki, K., M. Okabe, E. Takahashi. 1987. New broomy flow- ering peach cultivars ‘Terutebeni’’‘Terutemomo’ and’‘Teruteshiro’’Bulletin of the Kanagawa Horticultural Ex- periment Station, No. 34.

Ralph Scorza is a re- search scientist with the USDA Agricul- tural Research Ser- vice. He specializes in peach tree genet- ics and breeding.

NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 31 Developing Multi-Virus Developing virus resistant stone fruit Resistant Stone Fruit cultivars through conventional breeding Cultivars has proven to be difficult. Biotechnology Zongrang Liu and molecular biology USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station provide an alternative Kearneysville, WV approach that can facilitate the improvement of virus tone fruit species are susceptible to and spurring intense debates. These a number of viruses, which can concerns significantly impact the resistance in stone fruits Scause serious production losses and confidence of both farmers and to meet industry’s and decreases in product quality. Prunus consumers in adopting and accepting growers’ needs in a more necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), tomato transgenic crops and foods. It is generally ringspot virus (ToRSV), and prune dwarf feared that copious pollen derived from timely manner. virus (PDV) are widespread in genetically modified (GM) crops could Biotechnology makes it production areas worldwide and are very pollinate and hybridize with their wild destructive for peach, plum, cherry, and relatives, leading to the introgression of possible to manipulate apricot production (Gilmer et al., 1976; superior engineered traits into wild and improve plant Ogawa et al., 1995). Plum pox virus (PPV), species, thus boosting hybrid fitness one of the most serious diseases for stone through selectively gained advantages resistance to multiple fruit, has devastated stone fruit (Ellstrand et al., 1999; Ellstrand, 2001; viruses, which is production in Europe (Kegler et al., 1998; Mikkelsen et al., 1996; Snow & Palma, Ravelonandro et al., 2000). Discovery of 1997). It is also feared that seeds released especially important for PPV in the U.S., Canada, and Chile into the environment from transgenic stone fruit. presents a potential threat that PPV may crops could form unwanted, ‘weedy’ spread widely throughout North and plants in competition with unmodified South America and raises a serious crops of subsequent years. These concern about containing and eradicating volunteer populations could naturalize Engineering of Multi-Virus the virus. Hence, development of new and persist as feral weed populations and Resistance for Stone Fruit cultivars with resistance to multiple virus serve as reservoirs from which a pathogens is highly desired by growers. transgene could be passed into the Gene silencing, or RNA silencing Although breeding for virus-resistant genome of a wild relative (Snow, 2002). mechanisms, provide an efficient ap- varieties has been pursued for decades, These prospects raise concerns regarding proach for engineering virus resistance in progress remains slow because of the the creation of super weeds with acquired plants. The resistance is based on the ex- inherent long juvenility of tree species, superior attributes (Hall et al., 2000), pression of small interfering RNA the lack of resistant genotypes, and the which have the potential to add (siRNA) species, ranging from 22 to 25 genetic complexity of resistance. To date, management burdens to farmers, and nucleotides in length, that are produced no stone fruit germplasm resistant to may result in further invasion of natural by the degradation of double-stranded multiple viruses has been reported. In habitats, compromising the biodiversity RNA (dsRNA) species formed from the this regard, biotechnology provides an of these habitats (Dale et al., 2002). In transcripts of the introduced virus gene advantage over conventional breeding addition, the concerns on potential food fragment in transgenic plants. The siRNA and can meet industry’s and growers’ toxicity and allergenicity derived from binds viral RNA and initiates RNA deg- needs in a more timely manner. For transgenic crops have also been raised. radation by a host-specific enzyme com- example, a new PPV resistant cultivar has We are fully aware of the serious plex, thus mounting a robust defensive been developed in plum via genetic virus threat challenging stone fruit mechanism against virus infection. We transformation (Scorza et al., 2001). More production and the public concerns on are utilizing the RNA silencing principle importantly, biotechnology makes it potential biological risk of transgenic to engineer virus resistance against six possible to manipulate and improve plants, and we are responding by major stone fruit viruses including plum plant resistance to multiple viruses, developing a comprehensive strategy to pox virus (PPV), tomato ringspot virus which is especially important for stone address those problems and concerns. (ToRSV), Prunus dwarf virus (PDV), fruit. Here we present our current research Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Concerns regarding pollen and seed- strategy, progress and results in the peach mosaic virus (PMV) and American mediated gene flow and potential food course of developing new stone fruit plum line pattern virus (APLPV) by cre- safety of transgenic crops are growing cultivars. ating a chimeric artificial gene, PTRAP6,

32 NEW YORK STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY that is composed of gene fragments from entire TRECS transgene can not be inher- approaches and ultimately integrate each of the six stone fruit viruses. The ited through sexual reproduction due to them together into a breeding program - PTRAP6 its nature of suicide action in pollen and developing biologically risk-free, strong gene was used to construct a dsRNA si- fruit tissues; therefore, it must be stably multi-virus resistant, and consumer-ac- lencing-competent carrier, PTRAP6i, that maintained through asexual propagation. cepted stone fruit cultivars. is expected to confer resistance to all six The TRECS transgene must also be main- viruses targeted by expressing viral gene- tained in a single copy, hemizygous state Conclusions specific siRNA in transgenic plants. in transgenic plants for maximal excision PTRAP6i was first introduced into Nic- efficiency. Stone and other fruit crops are The development of new stone fruit otiana benthamiana to test if it was able to routinely maintained, regardless of their cultivars that are resistant to virus dis- confer a strong resistance to the multiple hemizygosity or homozygosity state, eases is highly desired by breeders and viruses targeted. Characterization of from generation to generation through growers but encompasses enormous ge- transgenic Nicotiana plants showed that vegetative propagation, without altering netic and biological challenges for con- the majority of transgenic lines carrying their genetic makeup. Therefore, fruit ventional stone fruit breeders. Biotech- PTRAP6i underwent gene silencing as crops, by any standards, satisfy all re- nology and molecular biology provide an evidenced by DNA methylation of the quirements imposed by the TRECS. alternative approach that can facilitate inserted genes and siRNA production. We have made a series of TRECS con- the improvement of virus resistance in Virus inoculation studies showed that the structs by assembling a molecular scis- stone fruits and other woody plants with- gene silencing lines were resistant to sors gene, a selection marker gene, a sui- out the lengthy genetic crosses. However, multiple virus infections. The present cidal gene and a fuid (GUS) gene into a the concerns about food safety and pol- study shows evidence that it is feasible roughly 18 kb TRECS transgene fragment len and seed-mediated gene flow of to engineer multi-virus resistance in her- that is flanked by two copies of Target transgenic crops are growing and spur- baceous plants; hence, this approach can sites in a tandem repeat. The Target sites ring intense debates, which are deterio- be directly applied to engineering multi- are recognized and cleaved by the mo- rating the confidence of growers and con- virus resistance in stone fruit in the fu- lecular scissor gene expressed in early flo- sumers of transgenic crops. We are cur- ture. ral meristem tissue by a tissue-specific rently developing a new approach to en- promoter. As a result, the entire 18 kb gineer multi-virus resistance in stone fruit Development of the Tissue-Specific TRECS transgene is completely excised to address the serious virus problems encountered in agricultural practice. We Transgene Removal and in the floral meristem tissue. Hence, the are also developing and testing a tissue- Containment System 18 kb TRECS transgene serves as a gene excision initiator and target. The suicidal specific transgene excision system in transgenic plants to address the concern To address consumer concerns on the gene is only activated in pollen and about food and environmental safety of safety of transgenic plants, we proposed stigma tissues under a specific promoter transgenic plants. Ultimately, we wish to the Tissue-specific transgene REmoval so that any pollen and fruit derived from integrate the two approaches to produce and Containment System (TRECS). The floral meristem tissue carrying the multi-virus resistant, biologically risk- TRECS is principally based on the execu- unexcized TRECS transgene will be au- free stone fruit cultivars in the future. tion of two events in a temporal manner: tomatically eliminated by the suicidal excision of the transgene during the early gene action. Thus, gene excision effi- Literature Cited stage of reproduction and further con- ciency can be directly analyzed and com- tainment of the transgene by selectively pared by evaluating fruit setting, viable Dale, P.J., Clarke, B. and Fontes, E.M.G. eliminating the tissues that fail in gene pollen, as well as loss of GUS expression (2002). Potential for the environmen- excision during later stages of reproduc- in these tissues. We have introduced the tal impact of transgenic crops. Nature tion. The ideal TRECS should carry a TRECS constructs into Arabidopsis and Biotechnology 20: 567-574. single transgene that contains all the com- found that some of the transgenic lines Ellstrand, N.C. (2001). When transgenes ponents necessary for transformation se- were able to efficiently excise the entire wander, should we worry? Plant lection, agronomical improvement, and integrated TRECS transgene, as evi- Physiology 125: 1543-1545. its excision and containment. The TRECS denced by production of viable Ellstrand, N.C., Prentice, H.C. and transgene should be bracketed by specific transgene-free pollen, seed, and fruit or Hancock, J.F. (1999). Gene flow and DNA fragments that can be recognized silique. Further molecular and genetic introgression from domesticated and cleaved by molecular scissors and characterization of transgene excision is plants into their wild relatives. Annu. can be efficiently excised in targeted tis- in progress. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 24: 217-242. sues. Ideally, the molecular scissors must Gilmer, R.M., Nyland, G. and Moore, J.D. be highly efficient to ensure that the Future Research (1976). Virus diseases and noninfectious transgene is excised in all targeted cells disorders of stone fruits in North or tissues, and the excision events should The TRECS technology directly ad- America. U.S, Dept. Agriculture. take place early in the stage of floral mer- dresses the consumer and scientific con- Handbook 437. U.S. Government istem initiation to ensure that the derived cerns on biological risk of transgenic Printing Office, Washinton, DC. pollen and gynoecia are free of the crops and will potentially strengthen the Hall, L., Topinka, K., Huffman, J., Davis, transgene. Any pollen and fruit, which confidence of consumers and growers on L. & Allen, A. (2000). Pollen flow be- fail in gene excision, are subsequently the acceptance and adoption of tween herbicide-resistant Brassica eliminated by activating the gene whose transgenic food and crops. Our long term napus is the cause of multiple-resis- product is able to ablate or arrest or ab- goal is to develop the reliable and effi- tant B. napus volunteers. Weed Sci. 48: scise the targeted tissues. Apparently, the cient TRECS and multi-virus resistance 688-694. NEW YORK FRUIT QUARTERLY • VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 • 2005 33 Kegler, H., Fuchs, E., Gruntzig, M. and Schwarz, S. (1998). Some results of 50 years of research on the resistance to Join the New York State plum pox virus. Acta Virologica 42: 200 -215. Horticultural Society Mikkelsen, T.R., Andersen, B., Jorgensen, R.B. (1996). The risk of crop transgene spread. Nature 380: 31-31. Become a part of our Society. Ogawa, J.M., Zehr, E., Bird, G.W., Ritchie, D.F., Uriu, K. and Yearly membership includes Uyemoto, J.K. (1995). Compendium of stone fruit diseases. HortSense Newsletter, Hort Flash Updates, The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. and the New York Fruit Quarterly. Ravelonandro, M., Scorza, R., Callahan, A., Levy, L., Jacquet, C., Monsion, M. and Damsteegt, V. (2000). The use of Join us today and support the NYSHS mission to educate, transgenic fruit trees as a resistance strategy for virus promote and protect the NY fruit industry! epidemics: the plum pox (sharka) model. Virus Research Fill out and mail the Membership Application at right. 71: 63 – 69. NYSHS Membership Dues Scorza, R., Callahan, A., Levy, L., Damsteegt, V., Webb, K. and Ravelonandro, M. (2001). Post-transcriptional gene NY Fruit Growers (Individual membership) $95 silencing in plum pox resistant transgenic plum contain- Additional (Voluntary Contribution) $______ing the plum pox potyvirus coat protein gene. Transgenic Industry Professionals $95 Research 10: 201- 209. Academic Professionals $45 Snow, A.A. (2002). Transgenic crops why gene flow mat- Out of State $45 ters. Nature Biotechnology 20: 542-542. Fruit Industry Sponsors Snow, A.A. and Palma, P.M. (1997). Commercialization of NYSHS Supporter <$500 transgenic plants: Potential ecological risks. Bioscience 47: Bronze $500 86-96. Silver $1250 Gold $2500 Platinum $5000+

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NAME Zongrang Liu is research scientist with the US Dept. of Agriculture – Agricultural FIRM NAME Research Service who specializes in breeding STREET ADDRESS transgenic crops that are virus resistant. He CITY COUNTY earned his Ph.D degree at the Geneva Experi- STATE ZIP ment Station in the 1980’s. PHONE FAX E-MAIL

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