ARS | Publication request: USDA PRUNUS BREEDING IN BYRON, GEORGIA

Submitted to: Proceedings of Brazil Fruit Symposium
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: December 2, 2000
Publication Date: March 1, 2001
Citation: Okie, W.R. 2001. USDA prunus breeding in Byron, Georgia. Proceedings of Brazil Fruit Symposium. p.51-55.

Interpretive Summary: The ARS-USDA peach breeding program at Byron (and previously Fort Valley), Georgia began in 1937. A historical overview of this program is presented up to the present. Descriptions are given of the 14 peach varieties released since 1980, including 2 white-fleshed varieties. In addition 2 nectarines are described. Although peaches are the most important commercially, plums are also of interest and have been part of the breeding program since 1964. Several plum varieties have been named for use in the Southeast, which is a difficult climate for plums. Although no varieties have yet been released, apricot breeding is ongoing, resulting in the recent release of Spring Satin plum-apricot hybrid.

Technical Abstract: An historical overview of the ARS-USDA breeding program at Byron (and previously Fort Valley), Georgia is presented. The program began in 1937 and has continued until the present. Descriptions are given of the 14 peach varieties released since 1980, including 2 white-fleshed varieties. In addition 2 nectarines are described. Although peaches are the most important commercially, plums are also of interest and have been part of the breeding program since 1964. Several plum varieties have been named for use in the Southeast, which is a difficult climate for plums. Although no varieties have yet been released, apricot breeding is ongoing, resulting in the recent release of Spring Satin plum-apricot hybrid.