Patent Publication Number: US-PP22492-P3

Title: Flat nectarine tree named ‘ASFNBF0688’

Description:
Botanical classification:  Prunus persica  var. nucipersica. 
     Variety denomination: ‘ASFNBF0688’. 
     This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No. 2009/0939 filed on May 18, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY 
     The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of flat nectarine tree,  Prunus persica  var. nucipersica, which has been given the variety denomination ‘ASFNBF0688’. This new tree produces fruit with a long shelf life without alteration both on the tree after growth completion and after harvesting, very good eating quality, semi-clingstone white flesh fruit for fresh market in the end of August to beginning of September in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. Contrast is made to ‘Maillarflat’ (Sweetcap) (non-patented) white flat peach tree, ‘Redpearl’ (non-patented) yellow nectarine tree and ‘Flataugust’ (non-patented) white flat peach tree, standard varieties, for reliable description. ‘ASFNBF0688’ is a promising candidate for commercial success in that it has very attractive fruits with very long shelf life without alteration before after harvesting. 
     ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY 
     The ‘ASFNBF0688’ white flat nectarine tree originated in a cultivated area of the south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, where it was tested. 
     This place is under a Mediterranean climate (a temperate area), on the Mediterranean coastline. Winters are gentle and summers warm and dry. The amount of days with temperatures below 7° Celsius can vary between 600 and 1200 hours per year. The place is sunny, with 2400 to 2800 hours of sunny days per year on average. The prevailing wind is called ‘Tramontagne’: it dries the air, clears the sky from clouds, but its intensity can be strong and affect the harvest, fruit quantity and/or quality. Marine moisture does not affect the place. Precipitations are irregular through the year and from one year to another. The amount of rainy days does not exceed 80 days per year, and are mostly found in Spring and Autumn. In May and October, very intense precipitations occasionally happen. Summer is dry with a few thunderstorms. 
     The ‘ASFNBF0688’ variety resulted from a controlled cross between the ‘Redpearl’ (non-patented) yellow nectarine tree, which was used as the seed parent and the ‘Flataugust’ (non-patented) white flat peach tree, which was used as the pollen parent. ‘ASFNBF0688’ was provisionally designated, tested and genetically identified by a genetic profile, under number 4N.13.01 NBPL ASF 0688 and was registered at the Official Catalogue of the Agriculture Ministry of the French Republic on Dec. 1, 2008 under number 1028961. It was obtained by hybridizing and propagated by grafting on a ‘Franc Inra Montclar’ (non-patented) or ‘Cadaman’ (non patented) or ‘INRA GF 677’ (non patented) rootstock trees. It has been determined to have unique tree and fruit characteristics making it worthy for commercial fresh fruit production. There are no known effects of the standard rootstock trees set forth above on the scion cultivar. Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plant was reproduced asexually by us in Les Régalines, Route d&#39;Alenya, La Prade de Mousseillous, 66200 ELNE, Pyrénées-Orientales, France. More particularly, the plant was reproduced by grafting. 
     SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY 
     The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree blooms in March at Perpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. More particularly, it approximately blooms between the 1 st  and the 12 th  of March under normal climatic conditions, generally approximately at the same period than the ‘Maillarflat’ (Sweetcap) (non-patented) white flat peach tree. 
     The first fruit of ‘ASFNBF0688’ flat nectarine tree ripens between the end of August and the beginning of September, generally about 3 weeks later than the ‘Maillarflat’ (Sweetcap) (non-patented) white flat peach tree. More particularly, it approximately ripens between August 25 th  and September 7 th  under normal climatic conditions. The date of maturity varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type: 
         FIG. 1  is a color photograph which shows a branch bearing typical fruit specimens of the new variety, and leaves of the new variety. 
         FIG. 2  is a color photograph which shows a tree of the new variety as found in our orchard. 
         FIG. 3  is a color photograph which shows two whole fruits of the new variety and four leaves of the new variety, and a third fruit cut in half for depicting the fruit flesh, the pit cavity and the stone of the new variety. 
         FIG. 4  is a color photograph with reverse and side views of flowers of the new variety, and, with petals removed, reproductive organs of the new variety. 
     
    
    
     Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual botanical specimen. 
     DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION 
     The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variations in soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potential for commercial production of fresh fruit by ‘ASFNBF0688’ is high, due to fruit very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting. 
     Trees are vigorous and large stature half-standing in a semi-spread to semi-upright out aspect. The anthocyanic coloration of flowering shoot is present excluding brushwood side away from sun. Flowering begins semi-early to semi-late in springtime. The type of flower is showy with relative medium to large petal size. 
     Petals are medium pink. Leaf glands are present and reniform. Time of maturity for consumption is late. Fruits are flat. The fruit flesh is white and its skin is thick, with a luminous red blush color. The stone is small. Fruit taste is semi-sweet, very sweet and very aromatic. 
     The new variety ripens later than its male parent, which is the ‘Flataugust’ (non-patented) white flat peach tree, ripening between August 5 th  and 14 th  under normal climatic conditions. Comparatively, the new variety produces white flat nectarines instead of white flat peaches. 
     In comparison to its female parent, which is ‘Redpearl’ (non-patented), the new variety is a white flat nectarine tree instead of a yellow nectarine tree. ‘Redpearl’ approximately ripens at the same time than the new variety, but produces fruits of balanced taste instead of semi-sweet taste. 
     Compared to ‘Maillarflat’ (Sweetcap) (non-patented) fruits, fruits of the new variety are nectarines instead of peaches. They also are of better presentation, with an evener surface, less dented, and an appealing red coloration covering the whole fruit skin surface. Fruit taste of the new variety is also generally more aromatic with a very pronounced distinct flavour. A comparison of blooming and ripening periods&#39; differences between the new variety and the ‘Maillarflat’ (Sweetcap) (non-patented) white flat nectarine variety is provided above. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, the following was observed during the 2008 and 2009, on trees in their fourth growing season, under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. All observations have been done on rootstock cultivars. Used rootstocks were ‘Franc Inra Montclar’ (non-patented) trees or ‘Cadaman’ (non-patented) trees or ‘INRA GF 677’ (non-patented) trees. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.
     Tree:
             Size. —Generally. — Considered large. The tree size the first year was approximately 250 cm. The tree was pruned during each following dormant season to a height of approximately 250 cm. Current season shoots growth could reach 80 cm. The tree size from the second year (second and next years) reached a final height of 330 cm with current season shoots length comprised.     Spread. —Approximately 100 cm with a cylindrical shape. The whole orchard was oriented to a central leader organization, with tree lines spaced of 4.0 meters and trees spaced of 1.0 meter in a same tree line. As a result, tree spread was about 100 cm and the orchard contained 2500 trees by hectare.     Vigor. —Considered moderately vigourous to vigourous.     Productivity. —Very Productive. Fruit set is spaced by thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the desired market sized fruit. The number of the fruit set varies with the prevailing climatic conditions and cultural practices employed during the bloom period, and is therefore not distinctive of the present variety.     Bearer. —Very regular. Thinning of 2 fruits out of 3 was necessary for the tree valorisation. Thinning was necessary every year during the years of observation.     Form. —The ‘ASFNBF0688’ variety has naturally a semi-spread to semi-upright shape.     Density. —Considered medium dense.     Hardiness. —The present tree was grown and evaluated in France. The variety had a good behavior under the central Pyrénées-Orientales departement typical climatic conditions and was selected for its hardiness. Experimentations on different sites with winter chilling requirement comprised between 350 hours and 1200 hours showed a good behaviour of the new variety in all cases. As a flat nectarine tree, the new variety should potentially be more sensitive to frosty conditions, low temperatures and climatic variations. However, the new variety pistil cup appeared to be little sensitive to cracking due to frosty conditions. The new variety is expected to be hardy in all zones adapted to the culture of nectarine trees.       
       Trunk:
             Diameter. —Approximately about 7.0 cm in diameter when measured at a distance of approximately 30 cm above the soil level.     Bark texture. —Considered slightly rough, with folds of papery scarfskin being present.     Lenticels. —Numerous lenticels are present. The lenticels range in size from approximately 4.0 to 6.0 millimeters in width, and about 1.5 to 2.1 millimeters in height.     Lenticel color. —The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey color (RHS Grey 201 D or RHS Black 202 D), whereas the inside is considered brown (RHS Greyed Orange 166B).     Bark coloration. —The bark has a silver-grey color a little more pronounced than lenticels outside color (RHS Grey 201 C or RHS Black 202 C).       
       Branches:
             Size. —Mature branches and current season shoots are considered medium for the variety.     Diameter. —Average as compared to other nectarine varieties. The current season shoots have a diameter from 6.0 to 7.0 millimeters, and observed branches have a diameter comprised between 15.0 and 25.0 millimeters.     Surface texture. —Average, wood which is several years old has no furrowed appearance.     Crotch angles. —Primary branches are considered variable, but the crotch angles are generally between 60 degrees and 80 degrees from the horizontal axis. This particular characteristic is not considered distinctive of the variety, however.     Current season shoots. —Surface texture. — Substantially glabrous.     Internode length. —Generally 20.0 millimeters to 30.0 millimeters.     Color of mature branches. —Grey brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A to B).     Current seasons shoots. —Color. — The color of new shoot tips is considered a light green (RHS Green 144 A to C) on lower part of new shoot tips, whereas the upper part is colored in more or less brown-red (varying from RHS Greyed Red 187 A to B or RHS Greyed Red 182 A to C).       
       Leaves:
             Size. —Considered medium to large for the species. Leaf measurements have been taken from mature leaves in 2008. The ratio leaf length/leaf width is above 4.     Leaf length. —Approximately 169.0 millimeters without leaf petiole.     Leaf width. —Approximately 42.0 millimeters.     Leaf base shape. —Concave.     Leaf form. —Lanceolate.     Leaf tip form. —Acuminate and small.     Leaf color. —Upper leaf surface. — Dark Green (RHS Green 137 A). Lower surface. — Medium Green (RHS Green 137 B to 137 C).     Leaf texture. —Smooth, glabrous.     Leaf venation. —Pinnately veined.     Mid - vein. —Color. — Light green with a cream touch (RHS Yellow Green 145 D).     Leaf margins. —Slightly undulating.     Form. —Considered slightly dentate.     Uniformity. —Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In this last case, one leaf of normal size is found with one or two smaller leaves, which are at least 50% smaller than the normal leaf.     Leaf petioles. —Size. — Considered medium. Length. — Approximately between 7.0 and 10.0 mm. Diameter. — Approximately 1.5 mm. Color. — Upper face is green (RHS Green Group 137 D to C) and lower face is yellow green (RHS Yellow Green 145 C to D).     Leaf glands. —Size. — Considered medium. Their length is about 2.0 millimeters. Number. — Generally 2 to 4. Type. — Reniform. Color. — On young leaves, leaf glands color is considered a pale green (RHS Green 145 B). On older leaves, leaf glands color turn to a dark brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A to 199 B).     Leaf stipules. —Generally. — No leaf stipules were observed. But as seen in the characteristic relative to the leaves uniformity, it is possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or 3, with a normal-size leaf and smaller ones.       
       Flowers:
             Flower buds. —Generally. — At pre-floral stage of development, the floral buds are conic in form with a round tip. Their form is evolving until blooming, with variables dimensions. Just before blooming, floral buds are approximately 11.0 millimeters wide and approximately 20.0 millimeters long.     Flower buds. —Color. — This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of the flowers buds, formed by the sepals, is of purple-brown color (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A to C); the corolla, formed by the petals, is generally of pink color (RHS Red Purple 65 B to C or RHS Red Purple 73 C to D). Petals color shows an evolution until the end of flowering. The buds are considered hardy under typical central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.     Hardiness. —No winter injury was noted during the last several years of evaluation in the central Pyrénées-Orientales departement, with winter temperatures as low as −10 degrees Celsius in January. The current variety has not been intentionally subjected to drought or heat stress, but the variety showed a very good resistance in orchard to temperatures up to 42 degrees Celsius with an average temperature between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius during 3 weeks in summer.     Date of bloom. —Generally March. The first bloom was observed on Mar. 1, 2003.     Blooming time. —Considered of semi-early to semi-late season in relative comparison to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. The date of full bloom is observed on March. The date of bloom varies with climatic conditions and cultural practices. Thus the first full bloom was observed approximately on Mar. 6, 2003. Last observed blooming times were from Mar. 4, 2007 to Mar. 14, 2007, then from Feb. 26, 2008 to Mar. 7, 2008, then from Mar. 4, 2009 to Mar. 15, 2009.     Duration of bloom. —Approximately 12 days. This characteristic varies with the prevailing climatic conditions.     Flower type. —The variety is considered to have a showy type flower.     Flower size. —Considered medium to large. Flower diameter at full bloom is approximately between 30.0 and 35.0 millimeters.     Bloom quantity. —Considered abundant, approximately 40 and 45 flowers per meter.     Flower bud frequency. —Generally 2 flower buds appear per node, occasionally 1.     Petal size. —Generally. — Considered medium to large for the species.     Length. —Generally about 20.0 millimeters.     Width. —Generally about 18.0 millimeters.     Petal form. —Rounded.     Petal count. —Nearly always 5.     Petal texture. —Smooth and glabrous.     Petal color. —Medium Pink (RHS Red Purple 65 B to C or Red Purple 73 C to D) when young, slightly darkening with advancing senescence.     Fragrance. —Slight.     Petal claw. —Form.— The claw is considered to have a conic form with a slightly rounded extremity. Length. — Approximately 5.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 4.0 millimeters.     Petal margins. —Generally slightly undulated.     Petal apex. —Generally. — The petal apices have generally a wide-dome shape.     Flower pedicel. —Length. — Considered medium in length and having an average length of approximately 3.0 to 5.0 millimeters. Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 millimeters. Color. — A medium brown (RHS Grey Brown N199 C to D).     Floral nectaries. —Color. — A green yellow (RHS Yellow 13 A to B or RHS Yellow Green 150 A to B).     Calyx. —Internal surface texture. — Glabrous. Color. — The outer surface of the calyx is considered of Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 B to D) color.     Sepals. —Form. — Oval. Surface texture. — The outer surface has a short, fine pubescent texture. Size. — Medium. Color. — Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 B to D).     Average number of stamens per flower. —Approximately 43 stamens per flower.     Anthers. —Generally. — Medium in length. Color. — Yellow orange (RHS 16 A to B) browning after maturity to red to orange-red color (approximately RHS Greyed Purple 178 A).     Pollen production. —Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow color (Approximately RHS Yellow Orange 17 B to C). The present variety is considered self fruitful (self-pollinating).     Filaments. —Size. — Variable in length, approximately 11.0 to 16.0 millimeters in length. Filaments length is generally superior to the pistil&#39;s length.     Color. —Considered light pink (approximately RHS Red Purple 62 C to D) or pink (RHS Red Purple 73 A to B).     Pistil. —Number. — Usually 1. Generally. — Average in size. Length. — Approximately 15.0 to 20.0 millimeters including the ovary; Generally smaller than filaments length. Color. — Considered a very pale green (RHS Yellow Green 150 D or RHS Yellow Green 151 D). Surface texture. — Glabrous.       
       Fruit:
             Maturity when described. —Very firm ripe condition (shipping ripe).     Date of first picking. —Aug. 25, 2003.     Date of last picking. —Sep. 1, 2003. The date of harvest varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions. The ‘ASFNBF0688’ variety has a late date of picking, and a grouped maturity: only 2 harvests in approximately 8 days are generally necessary. Last known picking times were from Aug. 28, 2006 to Sep. 2, 2006, then from Aug. 24 to Aug. 30, 2007, then from Sep. 1 to Sep. 8, 2008, then from Sep. 7 to Sep. 15, 2009.     Size. —Generally. — Considered medium to large, and homogeneous in size.     Average cheek diameter. —Approximately 68.0 to 80.0 millimeters.     Average axial diameter. —Approximately 34.0 to 45.0 millimeters.     Typical weight. —Generally around 150.0 to 200.0 grams. This characteristic is highly dependent upon the prevailing cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly distinctive of the variety.     Fruit form. —Generally. — Round and flattened. The fruit is generally uniform in symmetry, viewed from the suture&#39;s plane. Generally little dented.     Fruit suture. —Wide-mouthed, extending from the base to the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching exists along the suture line.     Suture. —Color. — The suture has generally a color similar to the whole fruit color, a luminous red (RHS Red Group 46 A) on a red background (RHS Red Group 45 C to D).     Ventral surface. —Form. — Smooth.     Apex. —Depressed.     Base. —Semi wide-mouthed, shallow.     Stem cavity. —Average depth of the stem cavity is about 0.6 cm. Average width is about 1.5 to 2.0 cm.     Fruit skin. —Thickness. — Considered thick and strong, and tenacious to moderately tenacious to the flesh depending on stage of maturity. Texture. — Smooth. Taste. — Semi-sweet, very sweet and very aromatic. Tendency to crack. — Generally none.     Color. —Blush color. — This blush color is a luminous red (RHS Red Group 46 A). The red blush covers 80-90% of the fruit skin surface. Ground color. — Red (RHS Red Group 45 C to D) on 10-20% of the fruit skin surface.     Fruit stem. —Medium in length, approximately 5.0 to 6.0 millimeters.     Diameter. —Approximately 4.5 millimeters.     Color. —Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145 A to 145 B).     Flesh. —Ripens. — Very evenly, slowly, long shelf-life. Texture. — Firm, very dense, crunchy, melting, juicy at harvest maturity stage. Fibers. — Generally not fibrous. Aroma. — Pronounced. Eating quality. — Considered very good, very aromatic. Flavor. — Considered semi-sweet. The Brix is superior to 13 and acidity comprised between 6 and 9 meq/100ml. The flavor is considered very aromatic. Juice. — Very juicy at complete maturity. Brix. — Generally superior to 13.0 degrees in our area, but can be higher in very warm and sunny areas, such as Spain. This characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per tree; prevailing cultural practices; and the surrounding climatic conditions. Flesh color. — White flesh (RHS White Group N 155 A) with a star-shaped red pigmentation (RHS Red Purple 60 A to B) about 1 cm wide into the stone cavity and around.       
       Stone:
             Type. —Semi-Clingstone.     Size. —Small. The stone size varies significantly depending upon the tree vigor, crop load and prevailing growing conditions.     Length. —Approximately 20.0 to 23.0 millimeters.     Width. —Approximately 19.0 to 22.0 millimeters.     Diameter. —Approximately 13.0 to 15.0 millimeters.     Form. —Flat.     Base. —Straight to slightly rounded.     Apex. —Shape. — The stone apex is flat.     Stone cavity. —Considered small sized, with form and dimensions corresponding to the stone&#39;s dimensions.     Stone surface. —Surface texture. — The pit is transversely furrowed on its entire surface. Furrows are flatter and more pronounced on lateral faces. Ridges. — The surface texture is generally characterized by more prominent ridges along the ventral edges and is more prominent at the apical tip.     Stone color. —The color of the dry stone is generally considered an orange brown (RHS Greyed Orange 166 A to C).     Tendency to split. —Splitting is generally absent, depending on climatic conditions between blooming period and stone hardening.     Kernel. —Size. — The kernel is considered small. Form. — Considered flat and elliptic. Occasionally double. Pellicle. — Slightly pubescent. Color. — The kernel skin is a light orange-yellow (RHS Greyed Orange 166 C). The almond, which is the seed of the kernel, is cream-white (RHS Orange White 159 D). The kernel and its embryo are mature at the time of fruit maturity.       
       Use: The subject variety ‘ASFNBF0688’ is considered to be a nectarine tree of the late season of maturity, and which produces fruits that are considered firm, attractively colored. Fruits have a semi-sweet taste and a very specific and developed flavor. They are excellent for uncooked consumption, crunchy or melting when at full maturity. Due to their flesh quality, firmness and density, and long shelf-life on the tree after growth completion and after harvesting they are useful for both local and very long distance shipping.   Keeping quality: Good. Fruits have a slow maturation and a long shelf-life both on the tree after growth completion and after harvesting. Storage was possible at 2.0 degree Celsius during approximately 2 weeks.   Shipping quality: Considered good. The fruit of the new nectarine variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing procedures. Its resistance to handling during harvest and packing and its long shelf life without alteration after harvest permit several weeks-shipping at 2 degrees Celsius.   Resistance to insects and disease: No particular susceptibilities were noted. The present variety is not very sensitive to powdery mildew, or conservation diseases and decay due to its thick and strong skin.   

     Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the described characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France, 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.