Nectarine tree Jolly Red Giant

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which has the following outstanding features that are desirable in a new variety: PA0 1. Very large size freestone fruit. PA0 2. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality. PA0 3. Vigorous upright growth. PA0 4. Heavy and regular production of fruit. PA0 5. Fruit with a high degree of attractive red skin color. PA0 6. Fruit with good storage and shipping quality.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY 
The present new variety of nectarine tree was originated by us in our 
experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., as a first generation 
seedling from a cross between two nectarine seedlings with the field 
identification numbers 19G850 and 55GA798. The female parent with the 
identification number 19G850 originated from an open pollinated Ruby Gold 
Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,101). The pollen parent with the 
identification number 55GA798 originated from a second generation cross 
between Flame Kist Nectarine (non-patented) and a selected nectarine 
seedling which originated from a cross between an open pollinated Red 
Grand Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 1,060) seedling and Royal Gold Peach 
(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,663). We grew and maintained a large group of these 
first generation seedlings under careful observation and the present 
variety which exhibited the distinctive desirable characteristics 
described above was selected for asexual reproduction and 
commercialization. 
ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY 
The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree was asexually propagated by 
budding by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., 
and shows that such reproductions run true to the original tree and are 
established and transmitted through succeeding propagations. 
SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY 
The herein described variety of nectarine tree is of large size, vigorous 
upright growth and a productive and regular bearer of very large, firm, 
yellow flesh, freestone fruit with excellent eating quality. The fruit is 
further characterized by its relative uniform maturity on the tree, a high 
degree of attractive red skin color and good storage and shipping 
qualities. In comparison to the Red Grand Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 
1,060) the fruit of the present variety ripens in approximately the same 
maturity season but is freestone instead of clingstone, has a higher 
degree of attractive red skin color, and has heavier production with 
larger size fruit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY 
The following is a botanical detailed description of the present variety of 
nectarine tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit as based on observations of 
specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color terminology (except those 
in common terms) in referenced to Reinhold Color Atlas by A. Kornerup and 
J. H. Wanscher. 
Tree: 
Size.--Large. 
Vigor.--Vigorous. 
Density.--Medium dense. 
Form.--Upright. 
Production.--Very productive. 
Bearer.--Regular. 
Trunk: 
Size.--Large. 
Texture.--Medium shaggy. 
Color.--Brown to grayish brown (6-E-4) to (6-E-6). 
Branches: 
Size.--Medium. 
Texture.--Smooth to medium rough. 
Lenticels.--Small size. Few in number. 
Color.--New growth reddish brown (8-E-6). Mature growth brown (7-D-5). 
Leaves 
Size.--Large. Average length -- 63/4". Average width -- 15/8". 
Form.--Lanceolate. Pointed. 
Margin.--Crenate. 
Texture.--Relatively smooth. 
Thickness.--Medium. 
Petiole.--Medium length. Medium thickness. 
Glands.--Number varies from 1 to 6. Average number 2. Reniform. Positioned 
on base of leaf blade and upper portion of petiole. 
Color.--Upper surface -- green to dark green (27-F-5) to (27-F-7). Lower 
surface -- dull green to light green (27-E-4) to (27-E-6). 
Flower buds: 
Size.--Medium to large. 
Length.--Medium. 
Form.--Plump. 
Flowers: 
Size.--Large -- showy. 
Blooming period.--Date of first bloom, Mar. 3, 1990. Date of full bloom, 
Mar. 7, 1990. Varies slightly with climatic conditions. 
Pollen.--Present -- self fertile. 
Color.--Pink. 
Fruit: 
Maturity when described.--Firm ripe. 
Date of first picking.--Jul. 17, 1990. 
Date of last picking.--Jul. 23, 1990. 
Size.--Large -- comparatively uniform. Average diameter axially -- 31/8" to 
35/8". Average transversely in suture plane -- 3" to 31/2". 
Form.--Nearly globose, slightly elongated in suture plane. 
Suture.--Shallow, nearly rounded, extends from base to just beyond apex. 
Ventral surface.--Usually rounded. 
Cavity.--Nearly round, only slightly elongated in suture plane. Average 
depth -- 5/8". Average breadth -- 1". 
Apex.--Varies from nearly round to slight pistil point. 
Base.--Only slightly retuse. 
Skin: 
Thickness.--Medium. 
Texture.--Medium tough, tenacious to the flesh. 
Tendency to crack.--None. 
Down.--Wanting. 
Color.--Yellow to golden yellow ground color (4-A-5) to (5-A-5). Overspread 
with red to lobster red (9-C-8) to (9-B-8). 
Flesh: 
Ripens.--Evenly. 
Texture.--Firm. 
Amygdalin.--Undetected. 
Juice.--Moderate. 
Fibers.--Medium size, tender. 
Aroma.--Moderate. 
Flavor.--Excellent, good balance between acid and sugar. 
Eating quality.--Excellent. 
Color.--Golden yellow to light orange (4-A-5) to (5-A-5). Pit cavity 
--.varies.light red to orange red (9-A-6) to (9-A-7). Red streaks bleeding 
into flesh from pit cavity, heavier toward apex. 
Stone: 
Type.--Freestone. 
Size.--Large. Average length -- 11/2". Average breadth -- 1 1/16". Average 
thickness -- 3/4". 
Form.--Oval to obovate. 
Base.--Usually rounded, varies from rounded to straight. 
Apex.--Acuminate. 
Sides.--Equal to unequal. 
Surface.--Irregularly furrowed toward apex, pitted toward base. Ridges 
usually rounded. Pit cavities vary from elongated to round. 
Tendency to split.--None. 
Color.--Brown to dark brown (6-E-6) to (6-E-8). 
Use: 
Markets.--Local and long distance. Dessert. 
Keeping quality: Good. 
Shipping quality: Good. 
The present variety of nectarine tree, its flowers and fruit herein 
described may vary in slight detail due to climatic, soil types and 
cultural practices under which the variety may be grown. The present 
description is that of the variety grown under the ecological conditions 
prevailing near Modesto, Calif.