Nectarine--Late Red Jim

#The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, which I refer to as "Late Red Jim", of a yellow fleshed, cling stone fruit, attractive in appearance, maturing in the late season period, which was developed from a continued fruit breeding program.

#This novel nectarine was derived from an ongoing fruit breeding program to the improvement of nectarines to enhance quality and market acceptability. The flowers of the Red Jim variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,518) were emasculated and pollenated with pollen from the variety May Grand (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,794). Seeds produced from this method were stratified and grown to a height of about 18 inches. These seedlings were bud grafted into dehorned orchard trees in the experimental orchard of Ito Packing Co., Inc., Reedley, Calif., for testing and selection. Each clone was budded into several limbs to make sure that it propagated true to type.

#The instant variety developed through the above method was selected because of its uniquely deep red color of skin, good flavor, aroma and texture, which contributes to its exceptional eating quality. The novel nectarine of the present invention has a much more attractive red color than other varieties ripening at the same period and a maturity date of approximately three weeks later than a similar variety, which is the subject matter of a copending application.

#The accompanying drawing illustrates typical specimens of the fruit and foliage of my new variety as grown in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Two specimens are shown, one of which is in the side elevation and the other from the apex view; yet another specimen is a section side elevation illustrating the internal texture and color of the flesh and pit .

#The following is a detailed description of my new variety. Each color reference is with respect to the Maerz and Paul Dictionary of Colors, except in instances where terminology having generally accepted meaning is employed.

#Parentage: Red Jim.times.Unnamed selection F1.

#Propagation: Maintains its distinguishing characteristics through several bud grafts.