https://aaes.uada.edu/fruit-breeding/peaches-and-nectarines/

https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/48/6/article-p804.xml

‘Bowden’ and ‘Amoore Sweet’ are the fourth and fifth nectarines released from the University of Arkansas peach and nectarine [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] breeding program. Prior nectarine releases include ‘Arrington’, ‘Bradley’, and ‘Westbrook’ released in 2000 (Clark et al., 2001). The program began in the 1960s (Clark et al., 1999) and included an objective to develop adapted nectarines and fresh-market peach cultivars for on-farm, local, and shipping sales. These new releases broaden grower choices for nectarines in Arkansas and for producers in similar climates.

‘Bowden’ is the program’s first white-fleshed nectarine release. It has very firm, non-melting flesh, excellent white nectarine flavor with standard acidity, and ripens just after ‘Bradley’. ‘Amoore Sweet’ is the first nectarine released from the program with low acid flavor and non-melting flesh. It has yellow flesh and ripens after ‘Bradley’. These cultivars have very good resistance to bacterial spot [caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Smith, 1903; Vauterin et al., 1995)] and should provide high-quality options for growers in areas where bacterial spot disease is a concern. These cultivars also expand options for growers in the mid- to upper-southern United States and other areas of the world with similar climatic conditions.

Origin

‘Bowden’ and ‘Amoore Sweet’ resulted from a cross of Ark. 699 × Ark. 663 nectarines (Fig. 1) made in 2001. This progeny consisted of 50 seedlings and provided a range of segregants for a number of traits including melting and non-melting flesh, a range of fruit acidities, yellow and white flesh, bacterial spot resistance, and a range in ripening dates. Seven selections were made from this population. These cultivars were selected in 2004 and were designated Ark. 764 and Ark. 765, respectively. ‘Bowden’ is named in honor of Henry Bowden, who served for many years in the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. ‘Amoore Sweet’ is named in honor of distinguished professor emeritus James N. Moore, who initiated and directed the University of Arkansas fruit breeding program from 1964 to 1996.