NECTARINE VARIETIES 



James F. Anderson 

 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences 



There is an increasing interest in the production of necta- 

 rines by Massachusetts growers who market their fruit through 

 farm stores and pick-your-own operations. In the past the pro- 

 duction of nectarines in this region \sias not very profitable. 

 This was due in part, to the susceptibility of the fruit to 

 brown rot and lack of fruit size. Breeding programs at Experi- 

 ment Stations in Canada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York 

 and Virginia and by the U.S.D.A. and several individuals have 

 resulted in the introduction of many new varieties with improved 

 size, flavor and hardiness. The development of improved pesti- 

 cides and application equipment has allowed for better control of 

 brown rot and the insects that contribute to its spread. 



We have had a very limited recent experience ivith nectarine 

 varieties in our College orchards. We fruited Lexington, Cavalier, 

 Nectaheart and Nectarose for 10 or more years at the Belchertoivrn 

 facility, all performed satisfactorily but none of these are cur- 

 rently offered by major nurseries. 



Nectarine varieties planted in our new orchard include Chero- 

 kee, Harko, Stark Early Bird, Stark Crimson Gold, Stark Sweet 

 Melody and 2 numbered selections, hopefully other varieties will 

 be added this spring. 



As we have had no experience with the varieties currently 

 offered, the comments that follow have been abstracted from several 

 publications and nursery catalogs. This material is offered for 

 informational purposes only and does not indicate a recommendation. 

 The varieties are listed in order of ripening. 



Nectared 1: An introduction from the New Jersey Station. Intro- 

 duced in 1962. Fruit is of medium size, oval in 

 shape and is nearly completely covered with a dark 

 red blush. The flesh is yellow, juicy, slightly 

 coarse and moderately soft. The flavor is sweet and 

 good. It is a clingstone. The flower buds are mod- 

 erately hardy and it is productive. The New York 

 Station considers this to be the best very early, 

 yellow fleshed nectarine that they have tested. Ripens 

 12 to 14 days before Redhaven. 



Morton: Introduced by the New York Agricultural Experiment 



Station, Geneva in 1965. Fruit is attractive dark red 

 but somewhat small in size. The fruit is white fleshed, 

 juicy, slightly coarse and medium firm. The flavor of 

 this semi-clingstone variety is very good. The tree is 

 hardy and vigorous. Ripens about 5 days before Redhaven, 



