The Evolution of Centuries of
Conventional Breeding
Conventional breeding still has a very large role to play in the establishment of new stone fruit varieties. We are continuing to assess varieties from various programs that BBI is now leading.
The Genome Research Initiative launched by Burchell Breeding was begun to enhance all the traditional breeding research done by Burchell Nursery that led to so many successful stone fruit varieties being introduced.
Traditional Breeding
Plant seed breeding is a basic pillar of agriculture that can be traced back thousands of years. Modern scientific plant breeding began as part of the industrial revolution in North America in the 1790’s. This was followed by the Green Revolution which started in the early 1950’s and continued into the1980’s.
Initially breeders were focused on the development of a small number of what they hoped would be high-yielding fruit, nut and vegetable varieties that would be suitable for the expanding mass markets.
As a leader in molecular-biological breeding and isolated gene sequencing Burchell Nursery also recognizes the value of traditional breeding practices.
Preserving
the Legacy of TWO Legendary Breeding Programs
For decades Burchell’s breeding initiatives have taken into consideration the importance of guarding against “genetic erosion” as it sought to deliver higher yields and profitability for growers, better nutrition and palatability for consumers and to help agriculture to keep pace with population growth, climate shifts and protection of the environment.
The Bradford Breeding Program: A Century of Connection Continues
Burchell’s dedication to preserving historical fruit varieties now extends to the legendary Bradford Breeding Program in Merced County. Richard Marcellus Burchell, was a pioneer farmer in Merced County in the 1800s planting the first fig orchard in the county and whose dedication to the agricultural community is carried on today by his decedents.
Popular varieties like June Bright and Majestic Sweet along with Burpeach and Burnectarines and over 60 other peach, nectarine and plum varieties will remain available to future generations of growers indefinitely through Burchell Nursery.
The Texas A&M University (TAMU) Program:
Saving a 30 Year Commitment to the AG Industry
During Dr. David Byrne career at Texas A&M (TAMU) he introduced over 40 new varieties of stone fruit. Those new varieties were planted all over the US and Mexico and yielded some of the most popular, early season varieties like TexKing, TexPrince and Golden Zest which helped to establish the breeding program as an important contributor to modern fruit production.
In early 2024 when the future of the TAMU program was uncertain the Burchell Nursery agreed to host and manage the program going forward. The varieties subsequently developed in the program look promising and will make an important contribution to early season stone fruit production.
