2010/2011 Variety Evaluations - Bathurst, NSW

WEEK 5 - 6 December 2010

Comments: The weather leading up to this week has been very wet. 120mm+ with no sunshine, so low sugars in fruit, poor fruit finish and lots of sugar speckles.

SF 03-151 WF Nectarine 7/12/10 - This is a low to medium chill variety from France. Average 60mm fruit (96g) with average TSS (12 Brix) this season.

SF 03-150 YF Nectarine 7/12/10 - This is a low to medium chill variety from France. Average 60mm fruit (100g) with average TSS (12 Brix) this season. Fruit looked very good in WA this year when compared to Rose Bright. Earlier maturity and good colour (see photo below) Fruit was picked on 3 December 2010.

Mongros WF Peach 7/12/10 - Mongros has traditionally been the first peach to harvest in Bathurst (picked Fla. 96-J last week). Fruit averaged 70mm (156g) with average TSS (12 Brix) this season. Trees were left unthinned this year.

Gulfcrest/(Pumiselect rootstock) YF Peach 7/12/10 - Gulfcrest is a medium chill (550 cu) peach from Florida. Fruit averaged 55-60mm (80-90g) with average TSS (12 Brix) this season. Trees were left unthinned this year with a heavy crop load compared to <10% crop on Gulfcrest tree/Golden Queen rootstock.

Tenor apricot 7/12/10 - The few fruit set were ripe today. Minimal cracking. Will have to wait for next year to evaluate again.

NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION
The Commercial Grower acknowledges that no information, representation or warranty has been made by ANFIC or any of its member nurseries on its behalf as to: the suitability of the plant for the Commercial Grower’s needs and environment; and the performance of the Plant and fruit variety to which it belongs, and the Commercial Grower acknowledges that it has not relied on any such information, representation or warranty. The Commercial Grower represents and warrants that it has made its own inquiries prior to the purchase of the Plants and has satisfied itself as to all matters or qualities pertaining to the Plant.