Growers may soon have more options
for meeting marketplace demand, thanks to two new freestone peaches
developed by USDA researchers based in Georgia.
Growers may soon have more options for meeting marketplace demand, thanks to two new freestone peaches developed by USDA researchers based in Georgia. The two new varieties, Early Augustprince and Augustprince, produce very firm fruit that softens slowly while on the tree, allowing them to be picked over a longer period compared to other southeastern varieties. Early Augustprince, first planted in 1996, ripens in mid-to-late July. Augustprince ripens in late July to early August. Both new varieties yield large, round fruit that’s nearly three inches in diameter. At maturity, the peaches are 70 to 80 per cent bright red, with an attractive
yellow background. Their flesh is yellow, with some red colouring if allowed to mature on the tree. The fruit has excellent texture and very good flavour. Small quantities of budwood of Early Augustprince and Augustprince will be available from the NRSP5/IR-2 Fruit Tree Collection at Washington State University. Trees are available from Tennessee nurseries supplying the commercial peach industry.
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