Garnet Beauty — An Early Mutation of Redhaven Peach

Abstract

An early maturing yellow-fleshed mutation of Redhaven was discovered by Mr. Garnet Bruner in his own orchard at Ruthven, Ontario, Canada in the summer of 1951. The mutating branch was brought to the attention of nurseryman and fruit grower of Ruthven, Mr. George Whaley, in 1954 who suggested that the author be consulted. An examination of the numerous fruits on the mutating branch showed that the mutation was a sectorial chimera with desirable fruits on shoots emerging from a narrow strip on the branch and, off-type fruits from either side. Fruit appearance varied widely amongst the off-type samples because of maturity differences and shape abnormalities. Off-shaped fruits were invariably clingstone and did not ripen uniformly, whereas desirable fruits differed little from the parent Redhaven fruit. It was decided to call the variety Garnet Beauty.