Breeding stone fruits is a long-range project that takes patience, and to run well, the cooperation of many groups. From the original cross to the release of a new variety, it takes a minimum of 8-9 years. If several cycles of breeding are needed to accomplish a specific goal; the first new variety may take 15 to 20 years to develop. As a consequence of the nature of the breeding process, TAMU has developed long-term commercial relationships to cooperatively evaluate and market the new peach and nectarine varieties that are being created. It is with these partners along with cooperators in Texas, the second test selections are evaluated to quickly identify the most promising selections.
