‘Challenger’ and ‘Intrepid’ Peaches

Abstract

‘Challenger’ and ‘Intrepid’ are high chilling (950-1000 chill units), late flowering yellow flesh peaches [ Prunus persica(L.) Batsch] that demonstrate high flower bud cold hardiness during dormancy and bloom, they are expected to be adapted to areas where ‘Contender’ has been grown successfully, both cultivars have small, reniform leaf glands, and non-showy flowers and produce medium-sized, attractive fruit that show attractive red color over a bright yellow ground color. Fruit ripen in late June to early July in south central North Carolina, about 18 and 11 days before ‘Contender’ for ‘Challenger’ and ‘Intrepid’, respectively. Fruit flesh is melting and freestone.