A new loquat cultivar 'Harutayori'

'Harutayori' is a new early maturing loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) cultivar developed at Agricultural and Forestry Technical Development Center, Nagasaki Prefectural Government in 2014. 'Harutayori' was selected from seedlings obtained by crossing between 'Nagasakiwase' and a selection named 77-856 in 1988. From 2002 to 2012, it was examined as Biwa Nagasaki No.14 during the 3rd local adaptability test on loquat conducted at 8 prefectural experiment stations. As a result, it was confirmed to be an outstanding early maturing variety with large fruit size and high palatability. Then on March 26, 2013, it was registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as 'Biwa Norin No.7'. It was also named 'Harutayori' and registered as No.23447 under the Seeds and Seedlings Law of Japan on June 16, 2014. The trees of 'Harutayori' have a semi-spreading and strong tree vigor. Shoots occur moderately. The full bloom stage is observed from late November to mid-December in Omura, Nagasaki, which is equivalent to that of 'Nagasakiwase'. 'Harutayori' produces many flowers and is highly productive. It has a high degree of resistance against loquat canker (Pseudomonas syringae pv. eriobotryae). In Omura, Nagasaki, the fruit of 'Harutayori' in heated plastic house reachs maturity in mid April, which is later than that of 'Nagasakiwase'. The weight of fruits is 57g on the average, which is larger than 'Nagasakiwase'. The fruit shape is broad elliptic in longitudinal section. The fruit skin is orange-yellow in color. The fruit flesh is soft and succulent, with good palatability. The sugar content of the juice is 13.2 Brix, which is equivalent or higher than 'Nagasakiwase'. The acid content is 0.17g/100ml, which is less than 'Nagasakiwase'. Though freckling and cracking of the fruit skin is often observed, skin disorders of fruit apex rarely occur.