Nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) CORA

Nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) 'Cora'

Early Romanian variety with attractive fruits and high bud frost resistance.

'Cora' is the result of international cooperation between Romania and the USA. It is an early nectarine variety valued for its disease resistance and cold hardiness, as well as for the attractive appearance and good taste of its fruits.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Early ripening (June).
• High frost resistance of flower buds (up to -20 °C).
• Resistant to Leaf Curl and Monilinia.
• Self-fertile and early bearing.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania / USA
• Institution: SCDP Constanța (RO) and Rutgers University (USA)
• Breeders: L. Hough, V. Cociu, P. Ionescu, L. Dumitru, M. Trandafirescu
• Registration: 1991 – 1992

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Strong.
• Rootstock Myrobalan C5: Tree growth on this rootstock is similar to the St. Julien rootstock. The advantage of the Myrobalan C5 rootstock is that it tolerates drought, water stress, and poorer soil conditions better.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium-sized, 75 – 95 g.
• Shape and Color: Round, slightly asymmetric. The skin is smooth, thin, golden-yellow, covered with garnet-red blush on 60–70% of the surface.
• Flesh: Yellow, juicy.
• Taste: Sweet, finely aromatic, pleasant.
• Stone: Semi-freestone (partially separates from flesh).
• Usage: Intended for fresh consumption.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Hardy (flower buds tolerate frosts down to -20 °C).
• Disease resistance: Resistant to Monilinia and Leaf Curl. However, it is susceptible to Powdery Mildew.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-fertile.
• Care: Requires fruit thinning to ensure size and yield quality.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early, second to third decade of June.
• Yield: Good and regular.
• Bearing: Early onset.