Nectarine Tree Named 'PRIMA DIAMOND 7'

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica nucipersica), which is denominated varietally as Prima Diamond 7, and which produces large fruits that mature approximately the last week of June in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California

Claims

1. A new distinct variety of nectarine tree named Prima Diamond 7 substantially as illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty by producing an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, tight freestone nectarine which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 24 to July 12 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a color photograph of five pieces of characteristic fruits sufficiently matured for harvest. The aspects of the fruit are positioned to display the apical (bottom, left), basal (bottom, right), lateral (top, left), and sutorial (top, right) vantages. Additionally, one fruit is bisected at the equatorial plane and placed so that the internal flesh and its characteristics can be observed (middle, top and bottom).

[0009] FIG. 2 is another color photograph of the fruit. Intact fruit is shown from the apical (top, left), sutorial (top, right), and basal (bottom, right) vantages. Two fruit are bisected at either the equatorial plane (middle, top and bottom) or lateral plane (bottom, left) to display the internal flesh.

[0010] The colors in these photographs are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the fruit depicted in these photographs may, or may not, be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001) and descriptions provided.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

[0011] The following detailed description has been prepared to solely comply with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, and does not constitute a commercial warranty (either expressed or implied) that the present variety will in the future display all the botanical, pomological, or other characteristics as set forth hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, fitness for any purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observed in five-year-old trees and under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located within Fresno County in the Central San Joaquin Valley. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names are also occasionally used. [0013] Tree: [0014] Size.Variable. Generally ranges from about 3.5 m to about 4.0 m in height and from about 3.5 m to about 4.3 m in width at maturity. Tree size can vary with crop load and the conditions under which the fruit and tree are grown. [0015] Width.About 3.5 m to about 4.3 m at maturity. [0016] Vigor.Considered vigorous when compared to normal growth expectations in this region The current variety has been propagated on Nemaguard peach rootstock. The present nectarine tree variety grew from about 280 cm to about 290 cm in height during the first growing season. The new variety was pruned to a height of about 250 cm during the first dormant season. [0017] Productivity.Very productive when compared to nectarine tree varieties than ripen within the same maturity period. The number of the fruit set varies with the prevailing climatic conditions and the cultural practices employed. [0018] Fruit bearing.The tree has consistently produced an abundance of flower buds that result in high fruit sets and heavy, consistent yields. [0019] Tree form.Upright to spreading. [0020] Density.Average branching pattern and canopy density for the species. [0021] Winter hardiness.No winter injury has been observed during the last five years of evaluation in the Central San Joaquin Valley. The current variety has not been intentionally subjected to drought, heat stress, or exposed to conditions that result in flower and fruitlet damage due to frost in the late winter and early springtime period. [0022] Trunk: [0023] Size.Medium to medium large. Trunk circumference averaged about 55.0 cm when measured at a height above the soil level of 25.0 cm after the fifth growing season. [0024] Bark texture.Rough and vertically furrowed in texture at maturity. [0025] Lenticels.Lenticels are numerous, about 10 to 12 per cm.sup.2, and medium in size. The average width is from about 5.0 mm to about 7.0 mm, and the average height is from about 3.0 mm to about 4.0 mm. [0026] Lenticel color.Considered orange-brown (RHS Greyed-Orange Group N170 A). [0027] Bark coloration.Considered a medium grey-brown (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 166 A). [0028] Primary branches: [0029] Size.Considered slightly above average for the variety. [0030] Circumference.The branch circumference average is about 30.0 cm when measured 15.0 cm from the trunk attachment. [0031] Flowering shoot thickness.Flowering shoot thickness averages about 5.0 mm when measured on annual growth. [0032] Surface texture.Shoot texture is considered smooth during the early growth period. As lenticles begin to form later in the season, the shoot texture is less smooth. [0033] Crotch angles.Moderately upright. Primary limbs range from about 47 degrees to about 50 degrees above the horizontal plane. [0034] Current season shoots.Surface texture Relatively smooth. [0035] Internode length.When measured at the mid-shoot, the internodal distances average about 2.4 cm. [0036] Color of mature branches.Medium brown (RHS Greyed-Orange 176 C). [0037] Current season's shoots.Color Light green (RHS Yellow-Green Group 145 A). The color of new shoot tips is considered a bright and shiny green (RHS Yellow-Green Group 144 B). [0038] Leaves: [0039] Size.Considered medium large for the species. [0040] Leaf length.About 15.0 cm to about 19.0 cm (including the petiole). [0041] Leaf width.About 3.5 cm to about 4.6 cm. [0042] Leaf base-shape.Crenate. [0043] Leaf form.Lanceolate. [0044] Leaf tip form.Accurate. [0045] Leaf color.Upper Leaf Surface A dark green (approximately RHS Green Group 137 A). [0046] Leaf texture.Upper Leaf Surface Glabrous. Lower Leaf Surface Glabrous. [0047] Leaf color.Lower Leaf Surface Medium green (RHS Green Group 137 B). [0048] Leaf venation.Pinnately veined. [0049] Mid-vein.Color Considered a light green (RHS Greyed-Green Group 193 A). [0050] Leaf margins.Slightly undulating. Form Finely crenulate. Uniformity Generally uniform and gently undulating. [0051] Leaf petioles.Form Canunculate. Length About 10.0 to about 12.0 mm. Thickness About 2.0 mm. Color Pale green (RHS Yellow-Green Group 145B). Texture Glabrous. Strength Durable. [0052] Leaf glands.Size About 1.0 mm to about 1.5 mm in length, and about 1.0 mm in width. Number Normally 2 to 3 glands per margin side. Type Glands located at the base of the leaf are predominantly reniform in shape. Color Considered a pale orange (RHS Greyed-Orange Group N163B). [0053] Leaf stipules.Size Medium large for this variety. Length About 6.0 mm to about 8.0 mm. Width About 1.0 mm. Number Typically, 2 to 6 per active shoot tip. Form Lanceolate and with serrated margin. Color Green (RHS Green Group 143 C). [0054] Flower buds: [0055] Hardiness.No winter injury (bud death) has been noted during the last five years of observation in the central San Joaquin Valley. The new variety of nectarine tree has not been intentionally subjected to drought, cold, or heat stress, and, therefore, this information is not available. [0056] Flower bud.Generally Depending upon the stage of development, the floral buds are about 7.0 mm wide, about 10.0 mm long, conic in form, and slightly appressed relative to the bearing shoot. The diameter is about 4.0 mm to about 5.0 mm. Color This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity to the bloom. The bud scales are deep purple (approximately RHS Greyed-Purple Group N186 C). The buds are considered hardy under typical central San Joaquin Valley climatic conditions. Surface Texture Satiny texture. Not glabrous. Orientation Slightly appressed in an apical orientation. [0057] Flower pedicel.Length Considered medium and having an average length of about 3.0 mm to about 3.5 mm. Strength Tenacious. Diameter Considered average, about 2.0 mm. Color A light green (RHS Greyed-Yellow Group 160 C) Texture Very light pubescence. [0058] Flowers: [0059] Date of first bloom.Approximately Feb. 21, 2022. Blooming time The date of full bloom was observed on Mar. 1, 2022. The date of full bloom varies slightly with climatic conditions and prevailing cultural practices. Duration of Bloom Approximately 12 days. This characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions. [0060] Flower class.Perfect flower form. [0061] Flower type.The variety is considered to have a showy type flower. [0062] Flower size.Considered medium large; diameter about 22 mm to 25 mm; depth about 21 mm to 23 mm from basal end of calyx to peripheral portion of open flower petals. [0063] Bloom quantity.Abundant. [0064] Flower bud density.Dense. Flower Bud Frequency Normally, 1 flower bud per fruiting node, but multiple flower buds are often present. [0065] Petal size.Generally considered medium-large for the species. Petal length About 20.0 mm to about 22.0 mm. Petal width About 19.0 mm to about 20.0 mm. [0066] Petal form.Generally round. [0067] Petal count.Five flower petals per bloom with almost no exceptions. [0068] Petal texture.Satiny. Upper Petal Texture Very slight pubescence. Lower Petal Texture Very slight pubescence. [0069] Petal color.Considered light pink on the upper surface (RHS Red-Purple Group 62 C) and pale pink (RHS Red-Purple Group 62 D) on the lower surface. [0070] Fragrance.Slightly aromatic; typical of nectarine. [0071] Petal claw.Form The claw is considered generally ovoid and has a medium size when compared to other varieties. Length About 12.0 mm to about 14.0 mm. Width About 10.0 mm to about 12.0 mm. [0072] Petal margins.Generally considered variable, from nearly smooth to slightly ruffled, and considered moderately undulate. [0073] Petal apex.Rounded without an apical notch. [0074] Floral nectaries.Color Considered a dull orange (RHS Greyed-Orange 172 A). [0075] Calyx.Color Considered a grey red color (RHS Greyed-Red 178 A). [0076] Sepals.External Surface Texture A short fine pubescence. Internal Surface Texture Nearly glabrous. Number Nearly always 5. Size Moderately large. Sepal Length About 3.5 mm. Sepal Width About 3.0 mm. Sepal Shape Ovate in form. Sepal Margin Smooth. Sepal Color A dark purple (RHS Greyed-Purple Group N186 C). [0077] Stamen.Number About 30 to 40. [0078] Anthers.Generally Generally oval in form. Color Generally considered a pale yellow depending on maturity. (Approximately RHS Greyed-Yellow 160 B). Position Relative to Stigma About 1.0 mm to about 1.5 mm superior to the floral stigma. [0079] Pollen production.Pollen is abundant and has a yellow color. (RHS Yellow-Orange Group 17 C). [0080] Fertility.Self-fertile. [0081] Filaments.Size Variable, with about 12.0 mm to about 16.0 mm in length. Color A very pale pink (RHS Red Group 56 D). [0082] Pistil.Number Nearly always 1 pistil per floral bud. Occasionally more than 1 are observed. Generally Considered moderately long in size. Length Averages about 19.0 mm (including the ovary, style, and stigma). Diameter About 1.0 mm, excluding the ovary. Color Considered a very pale green (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 150 D). Surface Texture The variety has a long glabrous pistil. Position Relative to Petals Relatively perpendicular to the petal plane at full bloom. Ovary Surface Texture Glabrous. [0083] Fruit: [0084] Maturity when described.Firm ripe condition (shipping ripe). [0085] Date of first picking.Typically, harvest begins on or about June 24 in the Central San Juaquin Valley [0086] Date of last picking.Approximately July 12. The date of harvest can vary with the prevailing climatic conditions, crop loads, and the current climatic and cultural practices. [0087] Size.Large; diameter 75 mm to 78 mm; height 77 mm to 80 mm. [0088] Typical weight.About 240 grams to about 268 grams. The fruit size and weight can vary and are dependent on the prevailing cultural practices and growing conditions. [0089] Fruit firmness.Classed as a firm-melting flesh type. [0090] Titratable acidity.Approximately 0.45. [0091] Fruit shape.Generally Considered round to slightly ovoid. [0092] Fruit suture shape.Sutural lobing can be observed where the lateral hemispheres are slightly unequal. [0093] Apex.Shape Rounded to retuse. [0094] Base.Shape Considered round to slightly ovoid. [0095] Stem cavity.Ovoid in form. Considered moderately shallow. [0096] Fruit skin.Thickness Skin is relatively thick. Surface Texture Glabrous. Conspicuousness of Lenticels Typically, a low presence of surface lenticles are noted but occasionally can be observed nearer the apex of the fruit surface. Taste Considered a sweet and low acidic flavor. Tendency to crack Cracking has not been observed. [0097] Fruit skin color.Blush Color A deep, bright red (RHS Red Group 46 B). The blush of the fruit typically covers approximately 90% of the fruit skin surface. [0098] Ground color.A medium yellow (RHS Yellow Group 13 C). [0099] Fruit glossiness.Considered moderate in luster. [0100] Fruit stem.Size About 6.0 mm in length. Diameter About 2.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. Color A medium brown (RHS Grey-Brown Group 199 A). [0101] Fruit flesh.Ripening Considered average in ripening rate post-harvest. Texture Considered dense and moderately firm. (Firm-melting flesh class) Fibers Very fine. Aroma Faint, pleasant. Eating Quality Sweet and mild. Flavor Considered sweet and mild profile. Juice Production Moderate. Brix About 13.0 to about 14.9 Brix. Acidity Not high in acidity. Considered a mid to lower acidic fruit flesh. Approximately 0.45 titratable activity. Flesh Color It is considered a yellowish orange (RHS Yellow Group 12 A). [0102] Stone: [0103] Type.Clingstone. [0104] Size.It is generally considered to be relatively small in relation to the fruit size. [0105] Length.Medium-small for the species at about 40.0 mm. [0106] Width.About 26.0 mm. [0107] Depth.About 21.0 mm. [0108] Form.Ovoid in form. [0109] Stone base.Shape Uniform with a blunted base. [0110] Apex.Shape A small acute tip exists at the apex. [0111] Stone surface.Surface Texture Moderately pitted toward the base. Irregularly furrowed toward the apical end. Pitting is abundant, typically more noted on the lateral sides, and toward the basal end of the stone. Ridges The surface texture is generally characterized by more prominent ridges along the ventral edges. Ventral edge Width Considered medium and having a dimension of about 4.0 mm to about 5.0 mm when measured at the mid-suture. Dorsal edge Shape Full, lightly grooved, and having a reasonably smooth margin. [0112] Stone color.Considered a reddish brown (RHS Greyed-Red Group 181 B). [0113] Tendency to split.Not noted as characteristic of the current variety. [0114] Kernel.Length About 20 mm. Width About 18 mm. Thickness About 4.0 mm to about 6.0 mm. Form Considered ovoid. Apex shape A blunted apex. Pellicle Surface Texture Pubescent. Taste Bitter. Color A pale brown (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 167 B). [0115] Use.The present variety Prima Diamond 7 is considered to be a nectarine tree that matures fruit for commercial harvest during the last week of June when grown in the Central part of the San Joaquin Valley of California. The fruit of the current variety is a yellow-fleshed clingstone with large fruit expression, attractive external blush, and a sweet mild flavor, which are useful characteristics for both local and long distance shipping and fresh market consumption. [0116] Keeping quality.Excellent. Fruit has stored well for 25 days after harvest when stored properly at 1.0 degrees Celsius. [0117] Shipping quality.Good. The fruit of the new nectarine tree variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage after being subjected to normal professional commercial harvesting and packing procedures. [0118] Resistance to insects and disease.No susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has not been intentionally tested to expose or detect any susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant, fruit diseases, insect, frost, winter injury, or other environmental factors.

[0119] Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the described characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing in the Central part of the San Joaquin Valley of California, it should be understood that variations of the usual magnitude and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, pruning, pest control, and horticultural management are to be expected.