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New Fruit Varieties

© Connie Krochmal

In 2004, some excellent fruit plants have been introduced. These will likely be available for the spring planting season of 2005, a much awaited event for fruit gardeners. Cornell University released two new plums and two new cherries. Both of the plums are recommended for fresh consumption and processing. 'NY9' bears blue, oval, non-shattering plums. These are medium-sized and pit-free. Regarding fruit size, harvest time, and yield, this tree is similar to 'Stanley'. The plant is self-fertile. It shows some resistance to mites and black knot.

'NY6' plums bear at an early age. These have a good crop every year. The trees have a spreading growth habit. The oval to round blue plums have a non-shattering pit. The fruits are low acid, and keep their color. This variety is especially good for processing. These ripen before Italian prunes and 'Stanley.' This plant requires pollination. 'Castleton,' 'Stanley,' and 'NY9' are recommended.

A dark-fleshed, medium-sized sweet cherry, 'BlackYork' is a mid-season variety. This rugged plant was bred for humid climates. It is recommended for pick-your-own farms and for processing-especially for yogurts. 'BlackYork' can pollinate several other cherry varieties, including 'Ulster,' 'Kristin,' 'Emperor Francis,' and 'BlushingGold.' The latter is the other new cherry from Cornell.

'BlushingGold' is a high yielding, Bing cherry with light flesh. This mid-season variety ripens before 'Stark Gold,' and after 'Emperor Francis.'

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of USDA has released a number of new fruit varieties this year. The San Joaquin branch in California released 'Sweet Scarlet,' a red seedless grape. This fruit has a pleasant, light flavor similar to a Muscat. This crisp-fleshed grape has a bright red skin. 'Sweet Scarlet' was bred and tested in California, but is suitable for other areas where the "Vitis vinifera" types are grown.

ARS breeders in California also released 'Galaxy,' a new peach. This flattened, bagel-shaped peach has been tested for at least a decade in the state. At this point, the breeders believe it is also suitable for Southern states as well. The fruit has a delicious aroma and a light cream-colored skin with an attractive blush. The nicely textured white flesh is sweet and juicy. These ripen during the last two weeks of June. Consumers should see the fruits in supermarkets during 2006.

The Southeastern station of the ARS released several fruits in 2004, including two new peaches. 'Scarlet Prince' is a freestone peach with yellow flesh. This ripens in late June or early July. 'July Prince' is also yellow-fleshed, and ripens in mid-July-a little later than 'Scarlet Prince' and 'Redglobe.' The station also released 'Ruby Queen' plum. Though it was bred in the Southeast, it did very well in tests from New York to Georgia. This variety ripens from mid to late July.

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