Interspecific tree named ‘Flavor Grenade’

Abstract

Our new and distinct variety of interspecific tree [( ( Prunus salicina ×( Prunus salicina×Prunus armeniaca )×( Prunus salicina×Prunus armeniaca ))]×[( Prunus salicina ×( Prunus salicina×Prunus armeniaca )] has the following unique combination of outstanding features that are desirable in a new variety; the features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Hanford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., and with standard commercial cultural fruit growing practices, such as, pruning, thinning spraying, irrigation and fertilization: 1. Fruit with very firm, crisp flesh with excellent eating quality. 2. A distinctive blend between plum and apricot with excellent flavor. 3. Moderately juicy, which enhances flavor and eating quality. 4. Fruit with high soluble solids, average Brix 22°. 5. Fruit maintaining firmness on the tree for approximately 21 days after maturity (shipping ripe). 6. Precocious fruit production, usually sets fruit in the second year after planting. 7. Fruit with good handling, shipping quality and shelf life.

We claim:  
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous upright growth and a productive and regular bearer of medium size, very firm, yellow flesh, semi-freestone fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by holding firm on the tree for 3 weeks after maturity (shipping ripe), having a high degree of soluble solids (average 22° Brix) and, in comparision to the interspecific tree ‘Flavor Queen’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,420), the new variety has firmer flesh, higher Brix,