Nectarine tree named ‘Sunbest’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Sunbest’, has a low winter chilling requirement estimated at 225 chill units (cu). The tree is of medium size, has a moderate vigorous and upright growth habit. It has non-showy, pink flowers and leaf glands are small, with reniform shape. Trees of ‘Sunbest’ are self-fertile and regularly bear heavy annual crops of early season fruit that are large for its ripening season. Fruit are uniformly firm and yellow with melting flesh which are semi-freestone. Fruit are oval, and uniform with substantially symmetrical shape, and have an attractive 90 to 100% bright red skin. The fruit of ‘Sunbest’ ripens about 3 to 5 days before ‘Sunraycer’ nectarine in early May at Gainesville, Fla.

I claim:  
     
       1. A new and distinct nectarine tree variety as illustrated and described, characterized by a low chilling requirement, and bearing fruit having firm, yellow and melting, semi-freestone flesh of high eating quality and an attractive, high percentage red skin with fruit ripening in early May or about 3 to 5 days before ‘Sunraycer’ at Gainesville, Fla.