Interspecific tree named: ‘Dapple Fire’

Abstract

A new and distinct interspecific tree [(Plum×Plum nectarine)×(Peach×Plum peach)]; the characteristics of the tree and its fruit are with the tree budded on Citation Rootstock (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,112), and grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., using standard commercial cultural fruit growing practices such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consists of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 2. Vigorous and upright growth. 3. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 4. Fruit with a high degree of attractive brownish red skin color. 5. Fruit having firm flesh with good handling and shipping quality.

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 being a productive and regular bearer of large, clingstone fruit with very good flavor and eating quality, the fruit is further characterized by having firm flesh with good storage and shipping quality and, in comparison to the fruit of the Interspecific Tree Dapple Dandy (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,554), it has a darker red, more attractive flesh color and is approximately 2 weeks earlier in maturity.