Evaluation of white-fleshed peach and nectarine varieties in New Jersey

Forty-six white-fleshed peach (Prunus persica L.) and nectarine (Prunus persica var nucipersica) varieties were planted and evaluated for tree and fruit characteristics in New Jersey from 1985 through 2000. In the planting, standard varieties like Raritan Rose, White, Rose, Redrose, and Summer Pearl, developed at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, were compared to varieties from public and private breeding programs and growers. Many varieties had better fruit firmness, more red skin color and better undercolor, and lower pubescence than the standard varieties. White Lady was the best variety. Arctic Jay nectarine was one of the most promising, but had only been evaluated four years. Carolina Belle, Klondike, Blushing Star, Sugar Giant, Lady Nancy, and Snow Giant all possessed superior characteristics to standards and showed promise for planting.