Peaches and nectarines

Science programme: Pipfruit and summerfruit breeding

The main aim of this breeding programme is the development of crisp-fleshed, supersweet peaches and nectarines with white or yellow flesh.

The specific breeding objectives of the peach and nectarine breeding programme include the development of cultivars with:

• Low acidity
• High soluble solids
• Good fruit size, appearance and attractiveness
• Very firm texture
• Tree hardiness, precocity and productivity
• Improved fruit storage and shelf life
• Tolerance or resistance to brown rot.

Current work is centred on using our own nectarine selection 'Candy Floss', which has averaged 20% soluble solids content, to develop very high sugar lines in peach and nectarine.

Several very firm selections have been released from the programme with crisp-fleshed texture derived from the Korean variety 'Yumyeong'.  These include 'Scarlet O’Hara', 'Coconut Ice', 'Southern Ice' and 'Southern Star'.

This programme is funded by the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science and Technology and Summerfruit New Zealand Inc.