An attractive, early-ripening apricot variety with high fruit quality intended for the fresh market. Origin: in New Brunswick, N.J., by L.F. Hough and K.H. Bailey, Rutgers Univ. NJA 2 × RR 17-62; cross made in 1973; selected in 1979; tested as NJA 54; patented as NJA 54 (USPP 8674); registered trademark is SunGem; introd. in 1995. Tree: medium size and vigor; upright, productive and regular bearing. Leaves: ovate, abruptly acuminate, obtuse at base; globose glands on petiole; tolerant to bacterial leaf spot. Fruit: small to medium size, globose, slightly compressed; skin is dark orange with a 20% to 40% bright red blush; flesh is orange, fine-textured, very firm; eating quality is excellent, very sweet and aromatic. Fruit ripens in New Jersey about 1 week before Harcot and is tolerant to bacterial spot and brown rot.
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