‘Harson’ Peach

Abstract

Abstract ‘Harson’ is an attractive, high-quality, yellow-fleshed, freestone peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] that ripens in the midseason 2 days before ‘Redhaven’. It was introduced in 1982 for the Ontario fresh market to advance the season of ‘Redhaven’-type peaches by 2 days and reduce the gap in harvest sequence between ‘Sunhaven’ and ‘Redhaven’. The tree is of medium vigor, cold hardy, productive, and appears to have moderate field tolerance to perennial canker (Leucostoma spp.). The fruit appear to be resistant to bacterial spot [Xanthomonas pruni (E. F. Sm.) Dows.], brown rot [Monilinia fructicola (Wint.) Honey], split pits, preharvest drop, and flesh oxidation. They are wellsuited for the fresh market, including local sales and shipping, and for preservation at home, especially as canned halves and frozen slices. Research and grower cooperators in southern Ontario and near Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia report that ‘Harson’ is performing well in their trials compared with other midseason cultivars and encouraged its introduction. This new cultivar is likely to be adapted to most regions where ‘Redhaven’ is grown successfully. The name ‘Harson’ honors T.B. Harrison for his many years of service to the Western Ontario Fruit Testing Association and the fruit industry of Ontario.