The nectarine has very aptly been called a peach with a smooth skin. Like the peach, it is a child of the Orient where, in some parts at least, it is more generally cultivated and used than it is in this country.

The (Quetta nectarine (fig. 189) is one of the many plant immigrants brought to this country as a result of a systematic world search for new and promising crops. Quetta is one of the outposts of the British Empire located in Baluchistan, northwestern India. Through the courtesy of an English army officer, the Office of Foreign Plant Introduction was enabled to obtain a number of fruit seeds from that country. Among the lot were a few nectarine seeds. "I am sending you these seeds,” wrote the officer, “because it is about all I can find here. I am sure you must have better nectarines. The only point in their favor is that they stand cold and the trees do not get much water, as no rain falls here from April to December.”

The records show that summer temperatures in the valley where Quetta is located frequently reach 100° F. in the shade, while in the winter they drop below zero, with severe frosts continuing for weeks at a time. The valley has an elevation of about 5,500 feet with an annual rainfall of about 10 inches. The seeds, which came as a small parcel post shipment, were planted at the Chico, Calif,, plant introduction garden, and in due course a few small trees were produced from them. A few years later the seedlings bore fruit, some poor, some fair, and one very good. As fruits like the nectarine, peach, and plum do not come true or reproduce their kind from seed, it was necessary to propagate the good nectarine by budding. Buds from the selected tree were worked or made to grow on a Chinese wild peach stock known to be quite hardy, and thus good, strong, vigorous trees were obtained. In accordance with the usual practice, this new fruit was given seed and plant introduction (SPI) No. 34685. Later it came to be called the Quetta nectarine after the country of its origin.

The Quetta nectarine, when grown on the Chinese wild peach stock, is a vigorous tree with compact head. It is a comparatively early bloomer and makes a handsome ornamental when the mass of flowers are at their best. The fruit is large for a nectarine, being from 2¼ to 2½ inches in diameter. The color is yellowish green, speckled and irregularly streaked with carmine. The skin is smooth and not easily broken, which adds to the shipping qualities of the fruit. The flesh is yellowish white and streaked with red near the seed, to which it clings. The fine texture and firmness of the flesh are especially noticeable; also its juiciness and sprightliness. A most striking feature is its rich aroma which lingers for a considerable time on the hands and whatever else the fruit has touched.

The Quetta nectarine has all the qualities of a first-class peach with the added advantage of having a smooth skin, handsome coloring, and a rich aroma. In the dietary then it will take the place of the peach, being especially agreeable when eaten out of the hand, or as a sliced breakfast fruit. Although no elaborate tests have so far been made in the drying and canning of this fruit, there appear to be no reasons that would preclude its use for those purposes.

The Quetta nectarine has been extensively propagated at the Chico plant introduction garden and distributed from there to all the States in the Union, except Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The largest number of trees have been established in California, the records showing nearly 6,000 trees and more than 4,000 buds as having been placed in the hands of growers there. Something over 1,200 trees have been distributed in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast States, and several hundred more in Midwestern States. Practically all of the propagation has been accomplished by budding the trees on the Chinese stock already mentioned. This has, without doubt, added to the hardiness of the tree, as the Chinese wild peach is known to be more resistant to cold than the ordinary peach.

The commercial production of nectarines practically ceased in California a few years ago, but is now coming to the front again.

The Quetta seems to be leading in this matter, records showing nearly 100 acres planted for commercial use. Its chief value to the California growers is found in its high quality, handsome appearance, and ability to stand long-distance shipments. The last is important, as most nectarines are poor shippers. From all the reports at hand the fruit would seem to have found a place in California as a commercial introduction. Throughout other sections, including most of the cotton-growing States, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee, this fruit would seem well worthy of culture in the home fruit garden and for small orchards where the products are for local consumption. It is believed that the Quetta nectarine has passed the experimental stage and might profitably be taken in hand as a promising commercial nursery product.

FIG. 189.—The Quetta nectarine. A promising new fruit from northwestern India. About two-thirds natural size. The skin is smooth and the flesh is sweet, sprightly, and as finely flavored as a high-grade peach