Clingstone peach tree named `Late Ross `

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of peach tree (i.e., Prunus persica) is provided that originated as a scaffold mutation of unknown causation of the `Ross` cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,863). The new cultivar forms attractive fruit that is well suited for canning which matures approximately ten days later than that of the parent `Ross` cultivar. Commonly a distinct red stripe is formed on the suture line of the fruit. All other characteristics of the new cultivar are believed to be substantially identical to those of the `Ross` cultivar. The later fruit maturity offers fruit growers and canneries more flexibility in the harvesting and canning of the fruit crop through the simultaneous growing of the `Ross` cultivar and the new cultivar of the present invention without sacrifice of fruit quality.

We claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct cultivar of peach tree exhibiting the following combination of characteristics: (a) forms attractive fruit that matures approximately ten days later than that of the `Ross` cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,863),   (b) forms a distinct red stripe on the suture line of the mature fruit, and   (c) exhibits other characteristics that are believed to be substantially the same as those as the `Ross` cultivar;