Plant and Fruit Characteristics of a Novel White Nectarine Type

Abstract

In this study, we described some tree and fruit characteristics of a novel white nectarine type. The genetic diversity within this white nectarine population was investigated using six enzyme systems and its isozyme variation was also compared with common peach and nectarine cultivars. The results demonstrated that there was a significant variation within the white nectarine population in terms of plant and fruit characteristics probably due to the repropagation of the white nectarines using seedlings by growers. This variation was also verified by isozyme polymorphisms. Plants characteristics of white nectarines were similar to the trees of common peach or nectarine cultivars. However, the white nectarines produce less yield than the common peach or nectarine cultivars and they have small fruit with white-cream color and small flesh ratio making their fruit less attractive. We believe that the white nectarines have high market value and consumer acceptance because of its unique flavor which was confused with taste of either plums or apricots. So far, no standard white nectarine cultivar has been reported. This is the first report characterizing some plant and fruit characteristics of white nectarines which could be used for breeding of standard white nectarine cultivars with high yield and fruit characteristics while keeping its unique flavor. In addition, the white nectarines represent a novel source of germplasm for improvement of peaches and nectarines.