Late October nectarine extends production calendar

There is now a late nectarine, suitable for the Italian territory, that ripens after the 20th of September and can stay on trees until early October. While it is only a selection at the moment, its productivity and shelf-life are currently being observed.

The photos in this article were taken on 6th October in Faenza (Ravenna) in the experimental orchard at Vivai Daniele Neri. "It's a rather interesting selection that is very late. I would like to point out that selling nectarines with good flavour and grades in late September-early October is quite an economic opportunity," explains the breeder.

The flavour is traditional, slightly acidic but with a high Brix level. Average grades are between AAA and AAAA thanks to the specific cultivation technique used by Neri.

"We like this selection, as the stone comes away easily from the flesh, making it easy to eat. The flesh is firm and the fruits on the tree on 6th October were last treated in early September."

According to the researcher, growers should consider the gross saleable production of their summer peaches and nectarines, "would later varieties be more profitable? I think so. We have very interesting varieties that reach good grades. If they are cultivated with a new mentality that focuses on consumers, producing fewer fruits, stressing trees less and thus obtaining a better flavour with higher profits, i.e. the opposite of what is currently being done."

Contacts:
Daniele Neri Vivai Piante
Via Sacramora 15
48018 Faenza (Ravenna) - Italy
Tel./Fax: (+39) 0546 639169
Email: info@danielenerivivai.com
Web: www.danielenerivivai.com