Katy Apricot: Introduction to an Excellent New Apricot Variety

Katy apricot (Kdty) was introduced from California, USA in 1991. After several years of regional trials, isolated propagation, and multi-point demonstrations by the Fruit Tree and Vegetable Research Institute of Tongxu County, Henan Province, observations proved that this apricot is high-quality, high-yield, and high-efficiency, and is a new variety with extra-large fruit.

The Katy apricot has strong growth vigor, and its canopy takes shape quickly; planted in the same year, it takes shape that year and bears fruit in 2 years. The tree vigor is moderate, showing high quality, high yield, and stable production. It has wide adaptability and strong resistance to cold, heat, and drought. Its self-fruit-setting rate is high, and generally no pollinator variety needs to be planted alongside it. Under superior management conditions, it has no alternate bearing. The average single fruit weight is 105 g, with a maximum of 152 g, and the yield per mu at full fruiting stage is about 1500 kg. The fruit is nearly round, with a flat, slightly concave top, a deep and obvious suture, and symmetrical halves of the flesh. The skin is golden yellow with a red blush on the sunny side, and the flesh is golden yellow, tender and fine in texture, rich in juice, sweet, and strongly fragrant. It contains 12.7% soluble solids, 10.9% total sugar, and 0.94% titratable acidity. The stone is free, small, and bitter-kernelled, and the fruit development period is about 70 days.

This variety is easy to cultivate and manage, and is suitable for open-field and greenhouse protected cultivation. Protected cultivation can bring it to maturity and market 40--50 days earlier, increasing economic returns by 3--4 times. At a time of major adjustment in the national agricultural planting structure, it is a new variety worthy of large-scale promotion today.