Nectarine tree named ‘Zee Fire’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica var. nucipersica ). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consists of the following unique combination of features that are desirable in a new variety. 1. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 2. Fruit maturing in the early maturing season. 3. Fruit with good handling and shipping quality. 4. Fruit with attractive red skin color. 5. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 6. Vigorous, upright growth of tree.

We claim:  
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, upright growth and being a productive and regular bearer of large, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with good flavor and eating quality; the tree is further characterized by having a low winter chilling requirement of approximately 300 hours and, compared with fruit of the ‘May Glo’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,245), the fruit is larger in size and is approximately 6 days earlier in maturity.