Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) LADY COT

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) 'Lady Cot'

Self-fertile French variety with attractive fruits and Sharka resistance.

'Lady Cot' is a modern French apricot variety licensed by COT International. It is highly valued for its self-fertility, resistance to Plum Pox Virus (PPV), and excellent fruit quality with very good storability. It ripens mid-late (before 'Bergeron') and provides regularly high yields.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Self-fertility and high, regular yield.
• Resistance to Plum Pox Virus (PPV).
• Large fruits with an attractive red blush.
• Very firm flesh and excellent storability.
• Excellent sweet taste (15° Brix).

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: France
• Breeder: Marie-Laure ETEVE
• Licensor: COT International
• Status: Protected variety (EU 29635).

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium strong to strong, semi-upright to spreading, compact habit. Very good ramifying.
• Yield: Quick time till first cropping, regular high to very high yields.
• Flowering: Late (low susceptibility to winter frost).

Fruit

• Size: Medium large (size 3A).
• Shape and Color: Slightly oval. Intense orange ground color, covered 40–60% with shiny medium to dark red over colour.
• Flesh: Orange, very firm and medium juicy at first pick, becoming finely textured and juicy with maturity. Freestone.
• Taste: Good eating qualities, very sweet (15° Brix). Mild taste with emphasized sourness in skin at first, acidity dissipates as fruit ripens.

Resistance and Requirements

• Diseases: According to breeder resistant to Plum Pox Virus (PPV).
• Cracking: Low sensitivity (tends to rupture at suture after heavy rainfall when fully ripe).

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-fertile.
• Harvest: Can be picked over a long period.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Medium late, approx. 6–9 days before 'Bergeron'.
• Storage: Very good.