Nectarine tree -- Elliott cultivar

Abstract

The new nectarine cultivar originated as a limb mutation of unknown causation on a tree present in a young orchard of the N.J. 260 peach cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,572). The new cultivar is substantially similar to the N.J. 260 cultivar with the exception that the fruit is that of a nectarine and lacks pubescence. The fruit of the new cultivar commonly ripens a few days earlier than the late-ripening N.J. 260 cultivar, and its fruit commonly is slightly smaller than that of the N.J. 260 cultivar. The new cultivar generally can be grown in the northern fruit production areas of the United States where the N.J. 260 cultivar is grown.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct late-season nectarine cultivar, having the following combination of characteristics: (a) forms fruit of good flavor and texture that is substantially similar to that of the N.J. 260 cultivar with the exception that it is lacking in pubescence,   (b) forms fruit that commonly matures approximately 3 to 5 days earlier than that of the N.J. 260 cultivar,   (c) forms fruit that commonly is slightly smaller than that of the N.J. 260 cultivar, and   (d) exhibits an overall growth habit that is substantially similar to that of the N.J. 260 cultivar; substantially as herein shown and described.