Nectarine tree (August Red)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clingstone nectarine tree and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a medium size, vigorous, very productive and regular bearing tree, the fruit of which ripens approximately the last week of August. The variety has a more exceptional red blush skin coloring at picking time than most other late varieties and is of outstanding firmness. This extreme firmness allows for an extended harvest period with more opportunity for the grower to consider market developments before picking. The variety was developed from a second generation seedling of a cross of Red Diamond (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,165) seed parent by Autumn Free (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,976) pollen parent. The original seedling was transplanted in 1981 and has been asexually reproduced by budding and grafting, and such reproduction of plant and fruit characteristics were true to the original plant in all respects.

We claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct late ripening variety of clingstone nectarine tree, substantially as illustrated and described, which most nearly resembles the Autumn Grand (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,894) variety but is distinguished from and an improvement on that variety and other known late maturing varieties in having fruit which is firmer, has better red color in our area, and which first ripens 3 days before Autumn Grand but has an extended harvest period because of its extreme firmness, the fruit having average size, good flavor, and excellent shape for the commercial grower.