CLOWN

"Clown" Peach: A Robust Variety from the Nikitsky Botanical Garden

Developed by the breeders T.A. Latsko and A.V. Smykov at the Nikitsky Botanical Garden (NBS-NNTS RAS), the "Clown" peach is tailored for orchards that prioritize disease resistance alongside stable fruit quality. This medium-sized tree is highly regarded for its natural resilience against shot-hole disease (clasterosporiosis), making it an efficient choice for sustainable fruit production.

Agronomic Management and Orchard Performance

• Fruit Metrics: The fruit weight ranges from 120g to 200g, featuring an attractive oval shape and yellow-red skin.
• Taste and Texture: The flesh is remarkably juicy, offering a balanced sweet or sweet-and-sour flavor profile.
• Handling Characteristics: The pit is difficult to separate, which is a key factor when planning mechanical processing or large-scale canning operations.

The practical appeal of the "Clown" variety lies in its reduced susceptibility to clasterosporiosis. By integrating this variety, growers can lower their dependency on chemical fungicide applications, streamlining the spray calendar and reducing production costs. The medium-growth habit of the tree is ideal for high-density planting schemes, simplifying canopy management, pruning, and harvesting operations.

Optimal orchard performance for "Clown" requires consistent irrigation—particularly during the fruit-fill phase—and precise pruning to maintain tree vigor. Given the juicy nature of the pulp, careful handling is advised during the harvest to ensure the fruit reaches the market with minimal bruising, preserving its quality for the end consumer.