Bulletin 230 July 1926

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

NEW FRUITS PRODUCED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA FRUIT BREEDING FARM

W. H. ALDERMAN

DIVISION OF HORTICULTURE

LATHAM RASPBERRY

UNIVERSITY FARM, ST. PAUL CONTENTS Page Introduction ...... 5 Hybrid ...... 8 Anoka (Minn. No. u8) ...... 8 Elliot (Minn. No. 8) ...... 9 Goldenrod (Minn. No. 120) ...... IO Hennepin (Minn. No. 132) ...... II La Crescent (Minn. Ko. 109) ...... 12 Mendota (Minn. No. 5) ...... 13 Monitor (Minn. No. 70) ...... 14 Mound (Minn. No. 50) ...... 16 Radisson (Minn. No. 157) ...... 17 Red Wing (Minn. No. 12) ...... 18 Tonka (Minn. No. 21) ...... 19 Underwood (Minn. Ko. 91) ...... 21 Waconia (Minn. No. ro)...... 22 Winona (Minn. No. 30)...... 23 -cherry hybrids ...... 24 Nicollet (Minn. Ko. 144)...... 24 St. Anthony (Minn. Ko. 145)...... 25 Zumbra ...... 26 Apples ...... 28 Folwell (Minn. No. 237)...... 28 Haralson (Minn. No. 90)...... 29 Minnehaha (Minn. No. 300) ...... 31 Wedge (Minn. No. 207)...... 32 Strawberries ...... 32 Chaska (Minn. No. 801) ...... 33 Easypicker (Minn. No. 775)...... 34 Minnehaha (Minn. Ko. 935)...... 35 Minnesota (Minn. No. 3) ...... ·' 37 Nokomis (Minn. No. 489)...... 38 Everbearing strawberries ...... 39 Deephaven (Minn. No. 41)...... 39 Duluth (Minn. No. 1017)...... 40 Raspberries ...... 41 Latham (Minn. No. 4)...... 41 Gooseberries ...... 42 Como (Minn. No. 43)...... 42 Pears ...... 44 Minn. Ko. r...... 44 Ornamentals ...... 45 Manitou (Minn. No. 7)...... 45 Newport (Minn. No. II6)...... 47 In the collection of data and information regarding the fruits herein described the author gratefully acknowledges the valuable assistance of Charles Haralson, fonner superintendent of the Fruit Breeding Farm; Dr. M. J. Dorsey, formerly in charge of the section of horticultural crop breeding; Dr. J. H. Beaumont, present head of this section; F. E. Haralson, assistant superintendent of the Fruit Breeding Farm; and A. N. Wilcox, instructor in horticultural crop breeding. NEW FRUITS PRODUCED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA FRUIT BREEDING FARM

w. H. ALDERMAN1

INTRODUCTION Because of the severe winter conditions characteristic of the upper Mississippi Valley, Minnesota has been unable to utilize, except in a limited way, standard varieties of fruit grown in other regions. This situation has not only encouraged but has made necessary the pro­ duction of new varieties adapted to local conditions. The early set­ tlers soon became convinced of this fact and turned their attention to the growing of seedlings in large numbers, hoping to derive from them hardier and better adapted varieties. This movement was fos­ tered by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, which at times distributed considerable numbers of apple seeds to its members for planting. As a result of this movement, scores of meritorious new varieties were brought into existence and a dozen or more growers attained distinction as originators of new fruits. The most outstanding production of this early period was the Wealthy apple, produced as a seedling by Peter Gideon, on his little farm overlooking the waters of Lake Minnetonka. The commonwealth of Minnesota soon recognized the value of fruit breeding work and gave official and financial support to the enterprise. The first state fruit breeding farm was established on Lake Minnetonka near Excelsior, in the spring of 1878, with Peter M. Gideon appointed by the the governor as superintendent. This station was continued until l88g, when by act of the legislature the property was sold and the station was abandoned. In the meantime, in the spring of 1887, by act of the state legislature, a small tract of land was set aside from the property of the State Public School at Owa­ tonna, to be used as an Experimental Tree Station. This station was administered through the University of Minnesota and continued in operation until 1925. E. H. S. Dartt was for many years the super­ intendent and grew a large number of seedling apples besides con­ ducting variety trials and some cultural studies. Mr. Dartt was sue- 6 MINNESOTA BULLETIN 230

ceeded by Hon. Thomas E. Cashman. During the latter years of its history, the Owatonna station was largely devoted to variety trials. In the spring of 1907 the state legislature appropriated $16,000 for the purchase of a fruit breeding farm for the state university and established an annual appropriation of $2000 for its care and management. During the ensuing summer the Board of Regents of the University purchased 77.89 acres of land near Zumbra Heights, about five miles west of Excelsior. Some necessary buildings were erected during the fall and winter, permitting the active work in fruit breeding to be started in the spring of 1908. The work of establishing and operating the farm was under the supervision of Samuel B. Green, horticulturist of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. Charles Haralson was appointed resident superintendent of the station and held this position until January, 1923; Fred E. Haralson,

Much of the fruit breeding work is done in the greenhouses the present assistant superintendent, succeeding him. Additional land was purchased in 1920, making the total acreage 109.87 acres. That the present fruit breeding farm has been successful in the production of improved fruits is indicated by the fact that thirty-two new and valuable varieties have already been named and introduced. These, together with a promising seedling pear which has been distributed but not named, are described in detail in this bulletin. FRUITS PRODUCED AT FRUIT BREEDING FARM 7

A summary of these introductions discloses the following distribution into groups : Plums ...... 14 varieties Plum-cherry hybrids ...... 3 Apples ...... 4 " Strawberries (spring fruiting) ...... 5 Strawberries (Everbearing) ...... 2 " Red raspberries ...... 1 variety Gooseberries ...... " Ornamentals 2 varieties 32 "

Fruit breeding in the orchards is carried on as extensively as weather conditions will permit

Many of these varieties are rapidly becoming accepted as standards in this and adjoining states. The plums are being planted on a com­ mercial scale. The Minnehaha strawberry is proving one of the best money-makers in most of the sections where it is grown. The Duluth Everbearing strawberry is accepted as a standard in northern Minne­ sota and Manitoba. The Latham red raspberry has largely displaced all other varieties formerly grown in the state, with the exception of King, and greatly exceeds that variety in state-wide popularity. The wealth accruing to the state each year from the products of these thirty-two varieties far exceeds the total cost of all the state-supported fruit breeding experiments since the establishment of the first farm in 1878. In fact, the 1926 illcome from the Latham raspberry alone will be more than adequate for such a purpose. Except in a few cases where reduction was necessary, all the fruits illustrated in this publication are shown in natural size. In no cases have enlargements been made. 8 MINNESOTA BULLETIN 230

HYBRID PLUMS These fruits are to be distinguished from the smaller fruited and bushlike plum-cherry hybrids. The plum hybrids listed are all hardy, large-fruited forms produced at the University of Minnesota Fruit Breeding Farm from crosses between some form of the Japanese plum ( salacina) and some of the hardy species native to the upper Mississippi Valley. Many of the varieties described produce fruits two inches in diameter, beautifully colored, and high in quality. They form a valuable and interesting addition to the list of hardy fruits and are of much promise for both home and commercial purposes.

ANOKA

Anoka (Minn. No. II8) X Pru,nus americana Anoka has not been distributed as extensively, by either the Experi­ ment Station or commercial nurseries, as most of the other plums. For this reason its value is not well determined. Its productivity and fine showy fruits should make it worthy of more extended trial for both home and market use. Anoka originated from seed of Burbank pollinated by De Soto, the cross having been made in 1913. The first fruits were borne in 1918 and the variety was named and introduced to the nnrsery trade in the summer of 1922. FRUITS PRODUCED AT FRUIT BREEDING FARM 9

The tree is slightly drooping in habit, of moderate size, vigorous, productive, and hardy. The fruit is medium to large, oval, or some­ times slightly obovate, slightly compressed on dorsal and ventral sides, apex round, suture very shallow or only a line, cavity medium; stem slender; skin medium thick, tough, easily removed; bloom medium; color medium dark, attractive red; flesh yellow, fine grained, firm, slightly fibrous, medium juicy, mildly sub-acid; quality fair; stone small, oval, slightly pointed at apex, cling. Late mid-season.

ELLIOT

Elliot (Minn. No. 8) Pnuws salicina X This high quality fruit is one of the best of late plums. Its pleas­ ant flavor, regular form, and attractive, bright red color make it acceptable both for commercial use and in the home orchard. Like the Tonka, it has the ability to stand up in good condition for a long time after harvesting, a point of highest importance on the market. It is hardy as far north as it may be ripened. IO MINNESOTA JJCLLETIN 230

The varieties entering into the cross from which Elliot was pro­ duced are not definitely known, but are thought to be Apple pollinated by an unnamed native seedling. It first fruited in 191 l and was soon after sent out for trial. The variety was named in honor of \Vyman Elliot, one of the early horticulturists of the state, and was introduced in the spring of 1920. The tree is of moderate stature, spreading or slightly drooping, very hardy, vigorous, and regularly productive. The fruit is large, nearly round, compressed, slightly flattened at base, rounded at apex, cavity medium in depth and width, clots small, russet, fairly conspicu­ ous; skin medium thick and tough, not astringent, clear, rich reel, with only medium bloom, very attractive; stem below medium in thickness, suture indistinct or a line; flesh yellow, firm, fine grained, tender, juicy, only very slightly fibrous, sweet and pleasant, quality very goocl; stone medium size, oval, smooth, free or nearly so. Late season.

Goldenrod (Minn. No. 120) (Pm nus simonii X Prunus salicina X Pru1111s cerasifcra X Prz11111s munsoniana) X Prumts americana Goldenrod is one of the very few clear yellow plt1111s produced among thousands of hardy hybrids. It carries promise as a market variety because of its firm flesh, large size, attractive color, and excel­ lent shipping quality. It is not particularly high in quality and can not be highly recornmencled as a dessert fruit. It exceecls all other varieties except Tonka in keeping quality after harvest. The tree is unt1snally vigorous and is hardy in all but the northernmost sections of l\linnesota. Shiro, the pistillate parent of Goldcnrocl, was procluced by Luther Burbank ;me! 1vas said to have been bred from four 1viclely separatecl and distinct species of Przmus. The pollen parent is Howard Y cllow, a local variety of Pru1111s americana, and one of the yellow-fruited forms of the species. All seedlings from this cros' arc yellmY. The cross from which this variety originated was made in l

JUICY, not fibrous, flavor sub-acid to tart; quality fair; stone small, oblique oval, cling. Season medium late.

GOLDENROD

Hennepin (Minn. No. 132) Prunus salicina X Prunus a111cnca11a Hennepin is a dark reddish purple plum covered with a dense bloom, giving it a distinctive and attractive appearance. ~1 hile the quality is not extraordinary, it is a good dessert plum and is especially valuable for canning and preserving on account of its rich purplish red flesh. The characteristic light green foliage sets off in pleasing contrast the heavy load of richly colored fruits ripening in early August. The variety has a fault of dropping its fruits a little too readily when ripe, making two or more pickings desirable. Hennepin is derived from a cross, made in 191 l. between Satsuma and some variety of Prunus amcrica11a. It was not at first distributed \viclely for trial, but proved so promising upon second test at the Fruit Breeding Farm that it was named on February 17, 1923, and propagating wood was distributed to nurseries the same spring. 12 MINNESOTA BULLETIN 230

The tree is medium in size, vigorous, regularly productive, and hardy in both wood and fruit buds. The foliage is striking and char­ acteristic, with its long, slender, twisted leaves which are almost yellow when young and light green at maturity. The fruit is medium in size, roundish oval, pointed conspicuously at the apex, suture distinct, slightly depressed, cavity medium; stem slender; skin medium thick, rather tough, only very slightly astringent; color dark reddish purple with very heavy bloom; dots many, conspicuous when bloom is re­ moved; flesh dark red, slightly stringy, medium firm, medium juicy, sweet; quality fair to good; stone broad, ovaL large, semi-cling. Season early.

HENNEPIN

La Crescent (Minn. No. 109) ( Prunus simonii X Prunus salicina X X Prunus munsoniana) X Prunus aniericana For delicate coloring and delicious flavor La Crescent leads all other plums produced at the University of Minnesota Fruit Breeding Farm. It is a clear yellow, faintly blushed, and lightly covered with a thin white bloom. It is too tender in skin and flesh to stand up well under rough handling, but for home use it is unexcelled either to eat out of hand or for sauce. The tree is vigorous, tall, and spreading, and makes a handsome appearance. The fruit ripens a few days earlier than Underwood but does not persist over as long a period. It is hardy in all but the most northern sections of l\Iinnesota. The variety is especially recommended for home orchards. FRL'ITS PRODUCED AT FRUIT BREEDING FARM 13

La Crescent is from a cross bet\veen Shiro and Howard Yellow made in 1913. It was named and introduced in the spring of 1923. The tree is large, extremely vigorous in nursery and orchard, moderately productive. The fruit is medium to slightly under in size, obliquely oval, suture merely a line, apex rounded, cavity very small, narrow, stem slender, has a tendency to drop at maturity; skin thin, tender, easily removed, no trace of astringency; color a beautiful clear yellow, sometimes faintly blushed and covered with a delicate bloom; dots are nearly absent; flesh is yellow, juicy, very tender, melt­ ing, not fibrous, sweet, aromatic, suggestive of ; quality of the highest; stone small, oblique oval, free. Season early.

LA CRESCENT

Mendota (Minn. No. 5) Pru1111s salicina X Prunus americana mollis Altho l\Ienclota was the product of the first lot of cross-bred seed­ lings produced at the Fruit Breeding Farm, its introduction was de­ layed because of apparent lack of vigor and hardiness in the original tree. Under propagation, however, the tree behaved in a more satis­ factory manner and proved to be a consistent producer of heavy crops of very large fruits of good quality. When well grown, it is doubtful if another variety that can be produced in ::.\Iinnesota will equal Mendota in size of fruit. The tree is not so vigorous as some in the nursery, and will form an orchard tree of only medium size. It is probably of doubtful hardiness in the extreme northern part of l\Ennesota. 14 JIIX~YESOTA JJULLETJY 230

In the spring of 1908 a cross of Burbank and \Volf was made on trees growing on Nils Anderson's farm near Lake City, l\Iinnesota. A number of valuable varieties, including J\Iendota, came from this cross. Six years later, in the spring of 1914, the first propagated trees of this variety were distributed in a limited way for trial. After ten years of observation the variety was named and introduced on February 21, 1924.

ME?\DOTA

The tree is of medium vigor and size, but productive. The fruit is very large, long oval, sometimes slightly obovate, pointed at apex, suture distinct, medium deep, cavity small, stem medium; skin medium thick, easily removed at maturity; color a bright and attractive :-ed overlaid by a thin bloom; flesh light yellow, firm. meaty hut tender, fine grained, slightly fibrous, medium juicy; flavor mild, sweet, pleas­ ant; quality good; stone medium to large, long oval, pointed at each encl, freestone. Late miclseason.

Monitor (Minn. No. 70) Pn11ws salici11a X Pr111111s amcrica11a -:\Ionitor has many characteristics that appeal to both the commercial and the home fruit grower. The large and beautifully formecl upright spreading tree is a delight to the eye and the luscious, richly colored fruits offer an irresistible temptation to the palate. The variety forms a good nursery tree, is hardy and a heavy cropper. Its only weaknesses FRC!TS PROD[:CED AT FRUIT BREEDING FARM 15 are the clinging stone and a tendency for the fruits to crack if sub­ jected to prolonged rainy weather at ripening time. The record of the parent varieties is unfortunately confused, but it is thought to be Burbank crossed with a native plnrn. It is fairly certain that the species concerned are as indicated. It first fruited in 1918 and seemed so promising that it was named and introduced on l\Iarch 6, 1920, without waiting for the usual trial distribution. Its subsequent record has prowd the correctness of this early estimate of its value.

l\!Ol'\ITOR

The tree is large, upright, spreading. Yery yigorous, very procluc­ tiYe, hardy. The fruit is large to very large, roundish OYate, slightly pointed tmyard the apex, rounded or flattened at the base, suture a line, cavity medium; stem rather thick, medium length, adheres \Yell to fruit; skin thick, strong, not astringent, some\\· hat adherent to flesh; color a dull but rich bronze-red conspicuously coyered with russet spots and fine irregular line:-;; bloom light; flesh y

Mound (Minn. No. 50) Prunus salicina X Primus americana mollis For very heavy and consistent cropping, :l\Iound shares honors only with Tonka among the Minnesota hybrids. The variety combines hardiness with productivity and is reported as fruiting successfully as far north as Indian Head, Saskatchewan. The very large, well colored fruits are only fair in quality, but are firm fleshed, stand handling well, and keep a long time after picking. The variety is somewhat subject to brown rot, but this is readily controlled by spraymg.

MOUND

Mound is one of the seedlings from the original Burbank by Wolf cross made at Lake City in 1908. It was named and introduced on June 17, 1922. The tree is of medium size, vigorous, hardy, very productive. The fruit is very large, ovate, slightly compressed, suture shallow or a line, cavity small, narrow, stem rather long, medium thick; skin of medium strength and thickness, astringency slight or lacking; color medium red over yellow ground, attractive, dots small, bloom thin; flesh yellow, firm, tender, fine grained, meaty, not fibrous, only mod­ erately juicy, mildly sweet; quality fair; stone medium to large, broad ovate, pointed at apex, slightly necked, semi-free. Late midseason. FRUITS PRODUCED AT FRL'JT BREEDING FARM 17

Radisson (Minn. No. 157) Prunus salicina X Prztnus americana Altha this variety came from seed planted in 1908 or 1909, it was not distributed ·for· some time because of the impression that it was lacking in hardiness. About 1920 the original· tree and some trees propagated from it showed such promise and were proving so hardy that they were given careful scrutiny for.a few years_An.y.lack of hardi­ ness is in the fruit buds rather than in the wood. The severe winter of 1924-25 killed about 60 per cent of the buds, but enough were left for a crop. It is an early bloomer and sometimes suffers from late spring frosts. It produces a large, showy red plum of most delicious flavor, ripening about August l. The fruit easily ranks with La Crescent in quality and has the added advantage of being well adapted for market purposes.

RADISSON

Radisson came out of a cross between unknown varieties of Prunus salicina and probably Prunus americana. It was named and intro­ duced on February 6, 1925, after having attracted a large amount of attention at the State Fair the previous autumn. The tree is an upright spreading grower of medium size and a moderately good nursery tree. The fruit is large, roundish or slightly oval, slighted pointly at apex, flattened at base, suture distinct, medium deep, cavity medium, stem medium; skin thick, strong, only very r8 JllX.YESOTA BCLLET/,Y 230 slightly astringent; color a rich attractive red, overlaid by heavy bloom, dots conspicuous, medium size; flesh firm, rich yellow, medium fine grained, tender, very slightly fibrous near skin, juicy, sweet; quality of the highest; stone roundish oval, thin, small, not pointed, semi­ free. Season early, fruit matures well together, permitting harvesting at one picking. Red Wing (Minn. No. 12) Pr111111s salicina X Prz11111s a111crica11a mollis Red \\'ing is marked for distinction because of its unusually large, fine appearing, light reel fruits which are so well adapted to dessert and culinary purposes. The skin and pits are so easily removed that the fruits can readily be sliced and served with sugar and c:rearn, like peaches. The tree is a sturdy grower, with large leaves and luxuriant foliage. \Vhile not the hardiest of the hybrids, it is adapted to all sections of Minnesota and has fruited successfully in \Vinnipeg. Reel \Ving was produced from a cross of Burbank by \\T olf in 1908 and has been widely tested for over ten years. It was named in the fall of 1920 and propagating ,yood was distributed to nurseries the following spnng.

RED WING

The tree is hardy, vigorous, a strong, spreading grower, healthy, and productive. Leaves are large, medium green, and form a heavy foliage. The fruit is very large, roundish oblong, base and apex FR[i!TS PRODCX1W AT FRCIT BREEDJXG FARJl 19 distinctly flattened, suture shallow or a distinct line, cavity rather \vide and deep, stem medium to long and medium thick; skin medium thick, very easily removed; color deep bright red which does not darken in storage as does Tonka, bloom heavy, dots numerous, russet, medium size, quite conspicuous; flesh rich yellow, firm, only moderately juicy, sweet; quality very good; stone large, broad, ovate, flattened, unusu­ ally free. Midseason.

Tonka (Minn. No. 21) Prunus salicina X Prunus amcricana mollis Tonka is generally considered one of the best of the .i\Iinnesota hybrid plums. This reputation is well deserved for it combines nearly all the good characters desired in a home or market fruit. The tree is one of the heaviest and most reliable producers of the entire list and the large, round, attractively colored fruits are not only firm fleshed and excellent shippers, but are marked by delicious quality as well. The small, easily removable pit is of great advantage in canning. The one apparent weakness in the variety lies in the tree, which is fre­ quently marked with rough wartlike excrescences on the trunk and

TONKA 20 J!IN.VESOT A BL'LLETIN 230 major branches. This abnormality, coupled with the heavy cropping habit of the variety, may have a tendency to shorten the life of the tree. Its other advantages, however, so far outweigh this defect that it still assumes first rank for commercial planting.

TONKA FRUITS PRODUCED AT FRUIT BREEDING FARM 21

Tonka came from a cross of Burbank by Wolf made at Lake City in 1908. It was first distributed for trial in 1914 or 1915, was named in the fall of 1920, ancl was distributed for propagation in the spring of 1921. The tree is hardy, of medium size and vigor, rather spreading, and exceedingly productive. The fruit is large, roundish, with small but distinct point at apex, stem slender, short, suture distinct but shallow, cavity medium size, base flattened; skin medium thick, strong, easily removed when fully ripe; color attractive, medium light red, turn­ ing to very dark red when held for some time after picking, bloom medium heavy, attractive, dots small, numerous, not conspicuous; flesh yellow, firm but tender, juicy, sweet, rich; good to very good; stone small, roundish ovate, pointed at both ends, free when fully ripe. Midseason. Underwood (Minn. No. 91) (Prunus simonii X Prunus salicina X Prunus cerasifera X Pru nus munsoniana) X Prunus americana Underwood, a cross between Shiro and Wyant, is one of the out­ standing members of the new group of hybrid plums. It is an ex­ tremely vigorous nursery and orchard tree and young trees bear heavily. The dull, but rich, red color and satinlike skin of the well ripened fruits arrest the eye and tempt the palate. In this variety the quality

UNDERWOOD 22 MINNESOTA BULLET!l'l 230 is good and one's expectations are fully satisfied at the first taste. The fruit ripens early and extends over a long season, a point of con­ siderable value for home use, but forcing two or more pickings for market purposes. The tree is one of the hardiest of the new hybrids and the early ripening of the fruit makes it exceptionally well adapted to northern latitudes. Underwood has been grown successfully at several points in North Dakota, and at Winnipeg and near Dauphin, Manitoba. The cross from which l:"nderwood came was made in 191 r. It first fruited in 1916 and was distributed for trial in 1919. Its merits were so apparent, however, that it was named in the fall of 1920 and distributed to nurseries in the spring of 192!. J. M. Underwood, in whose honor this plum was named, was a pioneer horticulturist of Lake City. The tree is very hardy, vigorous, productive, healthy, and long lived; foliage heavy, leaves medium large, light green, oval with pointed apex, petiole medium in length and thickness; fruits large, round conic to distinctly conic, borne upon slender rather short stems, suture indis­ tinct or a line, cavity small; skin smooth, waxy, lightly covered with faint bloom, rather thick, somewhat astringent; color light greenish yellow, partially or completely overlaid with rich red; flesh golden yellow, tender, slightly stringy, melting, juicy, sweet; quality very good; stone long, oval, small, semi-cling. Season early. Waconia (Minn. No. 10) Pru1111s salicina X Prunus americana mollis Vlaconia, a vigorous and productive variety, is well adapted to the commercial orchard. The fruit is attractive and large enough to com­ mand attention on the market; and the quality, while not of the highest, is very satisfactory for both culinary and dessert purposes. \i\laconia is one of the Burbank X Wolf seedlings originating from the cross made in 1908. It was propagated and distributed for trial in 1914 and was named and introduced in the spring of 1923. The tree is a large, vigorous grower with a wide spreading habit, uniformly productive and hardy throughout Minnesota. The fruit is large, long ovate conic, pointed at apex, suture distinct, shallow, cavity small, stem rather slender; skin thick, strong, slightly astringent; color a dark glistening red, with waxy finish; flesh yellow, firm, moderately juicy, somewhat fibrous, mildly sweet, quality fair; stone large, long ovate, pointed at apex, sometimes with slight tendency to be necked, cling. Midseason. FRL'ITS PRODUCED AT FRUIT BREEDIXG FAR.\! 23

WACONIA

Winona (Minn. No. 30) Prunus salici11a X Prunus america11a Th name first selected for \Vinona was "Delicious." Altho this name could not be used, as it had already been applied to another plum of middle western origin, it is the one name which truly char­ acterizes the quality of the variety. It is less highly colored than most

WINONA 24 MINNESOTA BULLETIN 230

of the other new hybrids and is subject to brown rot, but these faults are easily overlooked when once the flavor has been tested. The tree is very hardy, but it is not adapted to extreme northern districts be­ cause of the long season required to mature the fruit. The record of its parentage is, unfortunately, lost; but it came from a cross made about 1909 or 1910 and undoubtedly involves the species indicated. It was named and introduced to the nursery trade on June 17, 1922. The tree is a large, vigorous grower with a moderately drooping habit. The fruit is medium to large, round, suture shallow or a line, cavity small, narrow, stem medium; skin of medium thickness and strength with no trace of astringency, removes readily from the flesh; color light red over a greenish yellow ground, becoming fully red at complete maturity, dots small, bloom heavy; flesh yellow, fine grained, very tender and juicy, deliciously sweet; quality very good; stone medium size, broad ovate, plump, slightly pointed at apex, cling. Season late.

PLUM-CHERRY HYBRIDS The of this interesting group are dwarf or semi-bushlike in stature and produce cherry-sized fruits about an inch in diameter. All are hybrids between the sand-cherry (Prunus besseyi) and some of the plums or true cherries or both. They are excellent culinary fruits and many enjoy them for dessert. They serve well as a substitute for the sweet and sour cherry where those fruits can not be grown successfully. Nicollet (Minn. No. 144) (Prunus avium X Prunus pennsylvanica) X Prunus besseyi Nicollet is the nearest approach to the true sour cherry that has been produced at the Minnesota station. The small red fruits closely approximate the cherry in size, color, and general appearance. The pit is typically cherrylike and may be readily squeezed from the flesh. The flavor and quality are such that the fruit may be used for sauce or pies and be almost indistinguishable from the sour cherry. This interesting fruit is a tri-hybrid, the complete parentage of which must always remain somewhat in doubt. The original cross of an unknown black sweet cherry (Primus aviwm) and the Pin Cherry (Prunus pennsylvanica) produced one seedling which fruited in the open field, subject to natural pollination. The seed of this crop was saved and produced as seedlings both the Nicollet and the Zumbra. The growth habit of the plant and the appearance of the foliage indi­ cate the unquestioned introduction of Prunus bcsse:.ii, bnt whether FRUITS PRODLTED AT FRUIT BREEDING FARJI 25 this parent was in the pure or hybrid form it is impossible to tell. The seed was planted in 1912 and first fruited in 1916 or1 1917. It was named and introduced on February 6, 1925.

NICOLLET

The tree is small, bushlike, finely branched, leaves small, one-year shoots conspicuously reddish, hardy in all but the northern districts of Minnesota. The fruit is small, roundish or roundish oval, suture lacking or a line, cavity very small, stem short, slender; skin thin, medium tough; color dull cherry red, flesh greenish yellow, medium firm, tender, juicy, mildly sour, cherry like in flavor and texture; quality good; stone small, roundish oval, cherry like; free. Midseason (about August 15 in latitude of St. Paul).

St. Anthony (Minn. No. 145) Prunus besseyi X Prunus salicina The St. Anthony is a very vigorous tree mid-way in size between the dwarf Zumbra and Nicollet type and the large plums. It has the early and prolific fruiting habit of the plum-cherry group. Its main use is for culinary purposes and the cooking fruit has a rich color and a delectable flavor. It resembles the Sapa considerably, but is more attractively colored and the tree is better. Sapa is superior in quality when used raw, but when cooked, St. Anthony is its equal. St. Anthony arose from a cross of the sand-cherry or sand-cherry hybrid by Satsuma plum. It fruited in 1915, was propagated, and 26 JliSXESOLl HCLUiTJX 230

attracted considerable attention in the second test. On February 17, 1923, it was formally named and released for general propagation. This variety assumes the form and stature of a small tree, upright spreading in habit, vigorous, productive, and hardy. The fruit is large for a plum-cherry hybrid, round, slightly flattened at base, roundish

ST. ANTHONY or very slightly flattened at apex, suture a line, cavity large, flaring, deep, stern slender; skin medium thick, not very tough; color dnll purplish red heavily marked with large russet spots, covered \Vith heavy bloom; Hec;h dark rich reel, juicy, fine grained, tender, medium firm, flavor subacicl, somewhat astringent next to skin; quality fair to good, especially desirable for culinary use; stone medium in size, oval, semi-free. ::\Iiclseason. Zumbra (Prunus a'vi11111 X Primus pe1ms:_\'l·va11ica) X Pru1111s besse:yi This widely advertised and justly popular fruit has a place as a substitute for cherries for culinary purposes. It colors a week or ten clays before it is ready for use, but when fully ripe has a crisp flesh, is pleasantly flavored, and is much esteemed by many for eat­ ing fresh. Its main use is as sauce, in which the flavor is splendid. The productiveness and hardiness of the dwarf sand-cherrylike tree adapt it to home gardens as well as to commercial orchards. A late blooming variety like Nicollet or Compass should be planted near by for pollination purposes. Aside from the value of its fruit, it is a worth-while ornamental and makes a colorfus addition to the ZUMBRA JIJNXESOTA BULLETIN 230 landscape when it presents a mass of bloom in l\Iay or is bending under ropelike clusters of purp!ish black fruit in August, or when the leaves change to a rich bronze red in September. Zumbra is a tri-hybrid from the same lot of seed which produced Nicollet, and apparently has the same kind of pedigree. It first fruited in 1916, was propagated, and sent out for an extensive trial in 1918. On March 6, 1920, it was named and introduced. The tree is small and bushlike, but very vigorous. It fruits pro­ lifically at an early age and is entirely hardy for northern Minnesota and southern Manitoba. The fruit is of good size for the type, occa­ sionally reaching one and an eighth inches, round to slightly ovate, cav­ ity medium to large, flaring, medium deep, stem short, slender; skin medium thick, medium tough, not astringent; color dark reddish black, rich and attractive; flesh firm, crisp, medium juicy, greenish yellow; mildly subacid, pleasantly flavored when fully ripe, but not rich; quality good, excellent for culinary purposes; stone small, oval, semi-free to free. Season, last half of August.

APPLES The production and necessary trial of a new variety of apple require a long time. The four varieties described were planted in the spring of 1908, and 18 years later are still not as thoroly tested as we could wish before reporting upon their behavior. All were produced from open pollinated seed so that only one parent is known. Two are seedlings of Malinda, a variety at that time supposed to be of great value for breeding purposes because of promising seedlings produced from it by the late T. E. Perkins, of Red Wing, Minn.

Folwell (Minn. No. 237) The variety which bears the name of the first president of the Uni­ versity of Minnesota was hailed at the time of its introduction as a most promising new fruit. The parent tree is of the large and free­ growing Hibernal type and has been regularly productive. The large attractive fruits are of high quality during their season, which extends to the Christmas holidays, and the tree which bears them is hardy enough to be grown in all but the most northern district of this state. Since its introduction it has been found to be quite subject to fire blight, a fault which jeopardizes its usefulness in regions where that disease is prevalent. Folwell came from open pollinated seed of a Malinda seedling produced by T. E. Perkins, of Red Wing, Minn. The seed was planted by Wyman Elliot, of Minneapolis, and the seedling was one of a considerable number moved from Mr. Elliot's experimental nursery FRUITS PRODUCED AT FRUIT BREEDING PARM 29 to the Fruit Breeding Farm, in the spring of 1908. It first fruited in 1913 and was sent out for trial in 1918. On June 17, 1922, it received its christening, and propagating wood was distributed to nurseries. The tree is large, open in growth, spreading, very vigorous, regu­ larly productive, hardy. The fruit is very large, irregular, roundish oblate; cavity rather deep, medium width; basin medium in depth and width; stem medium length; color greenish yellow with heavy blush; flesh medium fine grained, firm, tender, juicy, pleasant and slightly subacid; quality very good. Season similar to Wealthy.

FOLWELL

Haralson (Minn. No. go) The demand of Minnesota apple growers and the quest of her apple breeders has been for a red apple of good size and quality that will keep throughout the winter. Altho not a richly flavored fruit, the Haralson seems to possess most of the characteristics of the long sought for fruit. It has proved reasonably hardy and productive, even in 30 Jll.VSl'.SOTA BULLE1LV 230

southern :\Ianitoba. The trees are Yigorous, productive, and fairly resistant (tho not immune) to fire blight, even in sections where the disease is epidemic. The fruit is about the size of Wealthy, hangs well to the tree, colors to an attractiYe red, and will keep until well into the spring. Both tree and fruit mature rather late, which may ultimately prove a bar to its production in the north, where the season is short. It leaves nothing to be desired as a cooking apple and is a pleasant dessert fruit during the middle and late winter.

HARALSO~ About half natural size.

Haralson came from open pollinated l\Ialinda seed produced in the Seth Kenney orchard at :\Iorristown, :\Iinn. It was planted in the spring of 1908 and first fruited in 1913. It was propagated and dis­ tributed for trial in 1918. On February 17, 1923, it was named in honor of Charles Haralson, who for l 5 years had been superintendent of the Fruit Breeding Farm, from which position he had retired but a few weeks previously. Since its introduction the apple has been rapidly propagated by nurseries in Minnesota and near by states and thousands of trees are at present being planted throughout the district. The tree is of upright growth, pyramidal in form, with a natural central leader producing branches with strong wide-angled crotches. FRL"JTS PROJJCCED AT FRUT BHEEDIXG FARJI 31

The fruit is of medium size, roundish conic, resembling \Vealthy in size and shape, cavity medium deep, rather narrow, basin of medium depth and width; stem above medium in length, rather slender; calyx closed; clots large, greenish russet, conspicuous; color greenish yellow, almost completely overlaid with reel, striped and splashed with reel in undercolorecl specimens; core small, closed, calyx tube conic; core lines slightly clasping; flesh white, firm, moderately tender, fine­ grainecl, juicy, mild, pleasant, snbacid; quality good. Season January to April. Minnehaha (Minn. No. 300) The first apple produced at the .:\Iinnesota station to receive a name was l\Iinnehaha. It is a beautiful dark reel apple, somewhat flattened in form, and is at its best in early winter. It never fails to attain a deep, rich color over the entire surface. In quality it is at least equal to \Vealthy, which it far exceeds in color and keeping quality. On young and vigorous trees the size runs medium or larger. but has a tendency to run a little small on trees less well nourished.

l\UNXEHAHA A little less than average size. It is a seedling of l\Ialincla, open pollinated, the seed being col­ lected from the Seth Kenney orchard of l\Iorristown, and planted in 1<;>08. It first fruited in 1914, was distributed soon after that, and was named and introduced on March 6, 1920. The tree is hardy, vi,gorous, and productive. It produces a well shaped and rather round, moderately dense head. The fruit is of medium size, oblate, sometimes slightly irregular, stem above medium in length 32 MIN.VESOTA BULLETIN 230

and thickness; cavity medium deep, wide, basin medium in depth and width; calyx closed; color deep red striped and splashed to com­ pletely cover a yellow ground; dots numerous, conspicuous, calyx tube conic, core lines clasping; core small, partly open; flesh firm, fine­ grained, crisp, tender, white or slightly tinged with yellow, medium juicy, flavor rich, aromatic, subacid; quality good to very good. Season November to February. Wedge (Minn. No. 207) Wedge, a large and attractive apple, is of promise for midwinter use. The tree is of large upright type, but spreading sufficiently to give a desirable rounded head. It has thus far been little troubled with fire blight. Until tests are more complete, it would probably be unsafe to regard it as hardy in extreme northern Minnesota but in the central and southern parts of the state it will succeed well. The Wedge did not originate as a seedling at the Fruit Breeding Farm, but was first produced by the late Wyman Elliot, of Minne­ apolis, supposedly from open pollinated seed of Ben Davis. After l\fr. Elliot's death this, together with a number of other promising young seedling trees, was removed from his nurseries to the Fruit Breeding Farm for fruiting. It bore its first fruit in 1912 or 1913 and was soon after sent out on trial. On June 17, 1922, it was named in honor of the late Clarence Wedge, prominent horticulturist and nurseryman of Albert Lea, and introduced to the nursery trade. The tree is a very vigorous, upright grower, productive and hardy. The fruit is large, roundish oblate to roundish conic ; cavity medium width and depth; basin below medium in depth; stem long; skin waxed; color usually a good solid red, but sometimes striped and splashed on under-colored specimens; flesh fine-grained, firm, medium tender, crisp, medium juicy, subacid, quality good. Season October to March.

STRAWBERRIES During the first few years following the establishment of the Fruit Breeding Farm, very extensive breeding operations were conducted with the strawberry. A large collection of existing varieties was accumulated and hundreds of crosses were made between the most promising kinds. During the first four years no less than 40,000 seed­ lings were grown and tested. The total number of seedlings produced to date reaches nearly 70,000. From this great number, only seven have been named and introduced. To improve an already highly de­ veloped fruit such as the strawberry is a difficult process and involves a great deal of time and labor. It is interesting to note that nearly FRUITS PRODUCED AT FRL"/T BREEDISG FARJI 33

10,000 seedlings have been grown, tested and discarded for every one deemed meritorious enough for introduction. The world is yet a long way from a perfect strawberry, however, and the breeding of this fruit should be vigorously continued.

Chaska (Minn. No. 801) (Dunlap X Pocomoke) X Brand;•wine Chaska has not been as widely tested as some of the other Minnesota varieties, but on the grounds of the Fruit Breeding Farm it has at­ tracted much favorable comment from visitors during recent years. It is an attractive, showy berry of good size and regular shape. The

CHASKA 34 plants make a.. good row but do not form as readily as the other June bearing varieties described in this bulletin. It has the good quality of ripening its fruit well together, usually requiring not more than three pickings. In ease of picking it is second only to Easypicker, and excels that variety in general attractiveness. It is firm enough to be a good shipper and has color and quality to make it a favorite for canning, for which purpose it ranks as one of the best. It out-yielded all other varieties on the farm in a yield test in 1924. It is recommended as a home and market berry. Chaska was deyeloped from an early station seedling of Dunlap by Pocomoke crossecl with Brandywine. The variety was named on June 17, 1922, and plants were distributed to nurseries for propagation the following spring. The plants are moderately numerous, productiYe, vigorous, healthy except for trace of leaf spot; lea Yes large, moderately dark green, petioles long, stout; flowers perfect, medium size, calyx medium to large, floyver stalk long. thick, erect. The fruit is large, regular, round­ ish to slightly conic; color a glossy medium dark red, seeds yellow, sometimes turning red in the sun or near the calyx, slightly raised; flesh dark red throughout, firm, tender, Jmcy, sprightly subacid, aro­ matic, quality very good. 1\lidseason.

Easypicker (Minn. No. 775) Dunlap X Crcsrrnt

Easypicker has been one of the outstanding berries 111 the last few years in the trial plots at the Fruit Breeding· Farm. Its most ~erious fault lies in an imperfect or pistillate flower. making it always neces­ sary to plant it acljacent to some perfect flowered yariety to insure fruit setting. It is enormously productiYe and presents a handsome appear­ ance with its dull but richly colored rnaoses of fruit nestling among dark green foliage. The fruits are not exceptionally large !mt are 1111usually uni form in size and shape and few small berries are producecl, ewn at the last picking. The flesh is a beautiful dark red to the center and retains its rich attractive color a ft er canning. As the name indi­ cates it is easy to pick, only a slight touch being required to break the stem, a point that will be appreciated by strawberry pickers. Its luscious quality, case of picking. and general attractiveness recommencl it well for both home and market purposes. FRL'ITS PRODGTEIJ AT FRCIT BREEDING FARNI 35

Easypicker was selected from a cross of Dunlap by Crescent. It !~as been te.;tecl for several years at the Fruit Breeding Fann and ex­ cept for a slight dullness in color it has n:et the universal approval of all who have observed it. It was named and introduced on June r 7,

The plants are numerous, very productive, healthy. Yigorous, not so tall as :\Iinnehaha or Nokomis; leaves dark green, medium in size, petioles medium in length and thick­ ness; flowers pistillate (imperfect), small to medium in size, calyx small, flower stalks medium in length and thickness, nearly erect. The fruit is medium to large, regular, roundish to ·roundish conic; color rich medium reel, seeds not numerous, very slightly raised, yellow. attractively conspicuous; flesh firm, juicy, fine­ grainecl. rich dark reel throughout, colors even earlier than the outer surface of the fruit, sweet, mild, aromatic. quality very good. Micl­ EASYPICKER season.

Minnehaha (Minn. No. 935) Minnesota X Abington l\Iinnehaha ihas been grmvn commercially for a comparatively short time, but has made a remarkable record for itself. The extremely large and vigorous plants are pleasing to both nur,;erymen and fruit growers. The large, wedge-shaped berries are unusually firm and are splendid shippers. The weaknesses of the variety, "·hich should be recognized as well as its merits, are a tendency to produce green tips in the early pickings and the poor appearance of the fruit when canned. The latter difficulty traces back to light colored flesh, \vhich almost invariably indicates a poor cannmg variety. The variety is so MIN:YESOTA BULLET!iV 230 well adapted to :l\Iinnesota and is so readily marketable that most growers are enthusiastic over it for a late berry. Its firmness and resistance ~o decay are so pronounced that fruit is rarely lost in the field, even during a period of protracted rain. Minnehaha was produced from a cross made in T9I r between Minnesota, an early station seedling, and Abington. The plants were first distributed for trial in I917 and the variety was named and intro­ duced in the spring of 1920.

MINNEHAHA IN A QUART BASKET

The plants are very vigorous, hardy, and productive, form freely, but do not over-crowd in the row; leaves large, dark green, crinkled, long stemmed. The flowers are large, perfect, borne on stout, upright stems that hold the heavy fruits free from the ground. The fruit is very large, inclined to wedge-shape, becoming roundish conic in late berries, slightly necked, sometimes irregular; color medium red except for some ·green tips on early ripening fruits, seeds raised, yellow, appearance attractive; flesh very firm, light red to whitish, fine-grained, juicy, somewhat tart; quality good. Season late. FRL'JTS PRODUCED AT FRUIT BREEDIXG FARJI 37

Minnesota (Minn. No. 3) Dunlap X Pocomoke ::Yiinnesota was one of the first fruits distributed for trial from the Fruit Breeding Farm, and for a number of years it gave indica­ tions of being one of the station's most valuable productions. Its pro­ ductivity, fine appearance, and high quality so favorably impressed berry growers that it was planted commercially before it was named, being cataloged and sold under its record number, Minn. No. 3. It is somewhat of the Dunlap type, but slightly earlier and of better quality and appearance. As a dessert or canning berry it has few superiors. In 1920, the year it was named, it was noticed in several locations that many plants were troubled with yellow foliage which quickly depleted their vigor. The difficulty, which proved to be a mosaic type of disease, persisted to such an extent that the variety was no longer recommended. In the last few years it seems to have been demonstrated that disease-free stock may be obtained and maintained, so it is possible that the variety may be re-established.

MINNESOTA JI!.\'Xr:SOTA BliLLET!N 230

l\Iinnesota is from a cross of Dnnlap and Pocomoke made in 1907. It was first distributed for trial in 1913, and was named and intro­ duced on l\J arch 7, 1<)20. The plants set freely from runners, are vigorous and productive; foliage is medium in height and size; flowers are perfect, borne on rather long, semi-erect stems. The fruit is medium to large, regular, somewhat necked, conic; color a bright, glossy, medium dark reel, at­ tractive; seeds yellow; flesh red, firm, fine-grained, tender, juicy, flavor sweet, aromatic; quality very good. Early midseason.

Nokomis (Minn. No. 489) Dunlap X Abington Nokomis has been sent out with the recommendation that it be used for home and the local market. The fruits are a little too soft to stand long shipment, bnt are of good quality, extra large, and hold their size well throughout the season. Becanse of the light colored flesh it is not attractive canned. The plants are very pro­ ductive, rank in growth, and carry their heavy clusters of fruit well off the ground on thick and strong flower stalks. Those desiring a miclseason berry that can be depended upon to produce heavily even in dry weather will not be disappointed in this variety.

NOKOMIS FRUITS PRODUCED AT FRUIT BREEDIXG FARJI 39

Nokomis is the product of a cross between Dunlap and Abington and combines well the vigorous plant-making power of the former with the large, well flavored, light scarlet fruits of the latter. It was first sent out for trial in 1918, was named in June, 1922, and was dis­ tributed to nurserymen for propagation in the spring of 1923. The plants are very vigorous, numerous, healthy, productive; leaves medium light green, large, petioles long, stout; flowers perfect, large, calyx large, borne on very long, thick flower stalks. The fruit is uniformly large, nearly regular, roundish conic, slightly necked, apex blunt; color light to medium scarlet; seeds moderately numerous, slightly raised, yellow; flesh light pinkish reel, with light colored slightly fibrous core, juicy, mild, sweet, pleasant, good to very good. Midseason. EVERBEARING STRAWBERRIES Deephaven (Minn. No. 41) (Parentage unknown) In its early trials Deephaven seemed to be superior to Progressive in size and quality of fruit and productivity. Since its introduction it has been difficult to determine its value because of restricted plant-

DEEPHAVEN 40 Jl!NXESOTA BULLETIN 230 ings, due to scarcity of stock. The most that should be said of it at present is that it is well worth an extensive trial wherever fall bearing strawberries are grown. The seed from which Deephaven was developed unfortunately became mixed in planting so that the parentage can not be given. About 1919 it began to show marked promise and after further trial it was named and introduced on June 17, 1922. The plants are medium to above in vigor; leaves medium to large, dark green, borne upon medium length stems; flowers perfect, borne on short erect stems. The fruit is large for an everbearer, regular, roundish or oblate conic; color attractive medium red, glossy; seeds raised; flesh medium red, juicy, tender, mildly subacid; quality good. Season early for spring crop, fall crop medium early, continuous.

Duluth (Minn. No. 1017) Pan American X Dunlap The Duluth is especially recommended for northern districts and for heavy soils. It carries very heavy foliage which is reported to offer some protection to the flowers during late frosts. It is excep­ tionally hardy, a good plant maker except upon dry, poor soils, and yields heavy spring and fall crops of dark red and very attractive berries. :'.\Iany growers in northern l\Iinnesota and :'.\Ianitoba report Duluth as their most profitable strawberry. It is a good home can­ ning variety, ranking as equal to the well known Dunlap, Gibson, and Marshall. The pistillate parent of Duluth is Pan American, a pioneer among fall bearing varieties, and the staminate parent is Dunlap, the most widely grown of American strawberries. The croso was made in 1909, a limited trial distribution was made in 1913, followed by more extensive distribution for six years, after which it was named and introduced in the spring of 1920. The plants are vigorous, foliage heavy, leaves dark green, stems strong, upright; flowers perfect, medium size, stalks erect, medium length. The fruit is medium to large, regular, conic; color dark red, glossy, attractive, seeds raised: flesh red, firm, medium juicy, fine grained, tender; aromatic subacid; quality good; season very late for spring crop, medium late in fall. FRL"ITS PRODUCED AT FRUIT BREEDllv'G FARJ! 41

RASPBERRIES Minnesota has long been a successful raspberry producing state. Growers were able to produce the fruit profitably, even when laying down and covering the canes of tender varieties was a neces­ sary, tho expensive, fall operation. The breeding problem of first importance with this fruit was to produce a variety hardy enough to withstand winter conditions and bring raspberry culture above ground. The value of fruit breeding work has been well established by the production of such a variety which, in addition to being hardy, pos­ sesses such outstanding fruit and plant characters as to render it of wide commercial promise. The income to Minnesota growers in 1926 from this variety alone was more than four times the total amount that has been expended by the state on the Fruit Breeding Farm since it was established, in the fall of 1907. Latham (Minn. No. 4) King X Louden Only twelve years have elapsed since the first plants of the Latham raspberry were sent out from the Fruit Breeding Farm to a few trial stations. In this short time, however, it has not only become the lead­ ing variety of Minnesota but has made excellent records in trial plant­ ings ranging from New England to the Pacific coast. There are indications and many predictions that it will ultimately become the most widely planted variety in Northern United States and Canada. Preliminary commercial canning tests indicate superior qualities for this purpose, even surpassing the famous Cuthbert. Like most corn-· mercial varieties it is subject to the dreaded mosaic disease, but it maintains its vigor and productiveness more tenaciously after infec-

LATHAM 42 MINNESOTA BULLETIN 230 tion than do most varieties. \Vhen maintained free from disease, it ranks with the best in vigor and productiveness. It is hardy for a variety of its type and is commonly grown in Minnesota without winter protection. Latham originated from a cross made in 1908 and was first dis­ tributed for trial in 1914. It became so quickly popular that even before it was formally named and introduced it was widely propagated and sold by nurseries in this state and commercial plantings were well established. On March 6, 1920, it was named in honor of A. W. Latham, well known horticulturist of the Northwest and for twenty­ nine years secretary of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society. The plants are hardy, unusually vigorous and productive, strong plant producers; canes robust, tall, nearly thornless, reddish with heavy bloom. The fruit is large, frequently an inch in diameter, berries frequently double in early pickings, hroad, roundish; color bright attractive red; very firm, medium juicy. medium sweet, sprightly; quality good to very good. Season medium to late, fruits ripen over a long period.

GOOSEBERRIES The American cultivated gooseberries are far inferior to those of the Old World, a fact which doubtless explains the comparative indif­ ference of the American public regarding this fruit. In an effort to improve the size and quality of the gooseberry, the Minnesota station made several crosses between New World and Old W oriel varieties. A number of promising seedlings wei e obtained in the first generation, only one of which has been introduced. It seems probable that the cross must be carried into the second generation before the size of the European parent E'·'Y be fully combined with the hardiness and dis­ ease resistance of the American varieties.

Como (Minn. No. 43) Pearl X Colitmbus Como has gone through three trial plantings in the seventeen years it has been grown at the Fruit Breeding Farm, and has been out­ standing for its productiveness and commercial qualities in each test. The fruits characteristically hang in heavy ropes along the under sides of the canes. The berries are above medium in size, ripen green with attractive yellow veins, and resist sunscald to an unusual degree, permitting a long period of marketing. As a ripe fruit the quality is not high, but when green and in market condition this character is of no significance and is lost sight of in the attractive appearance of the handsome clear colored fruits. FRL.ITS PRODL'CED ,-lT FRUT BREEJJJYG FARJ! 43

Como originated from a cross of Pearl X Columbus (an old Eng­ lish variety) made about 1908. It \Yas named and introduced on June 17, 1922. The plants are of medium size, hardy, very productive, usually drooping with weight of fruit; foliage good, medium heavy, medium dark green, quite resistant to leaf spot and mildew; thorns short, gen­ erally less than one-fourth inch long, slanting upward, mostly dropped from two-year-old wood, not particularly obnoxious to pickers. The fruit is above medium in size, round to slightly oval, stems medium

COMO length. Berries are usually borne in pairs on a divided stem, and hang to the bushes unusually well, skin smooth, no spines, thin, moderately tough, semi-translucent, green with creamy yellowish tinge, veins con­ spicuous; flesh green, tender, medium juicy; seeds rather small, and relatively few in number; sweet, quality fair to good. J\fidseason. 44 Jll~Y~\'ESOT A BCLLETIX 230

PEARS For fifteen years or more the Experiment station has been grow­ ing seedling pears in a limited way in an effort to secure a variety of this fruit hardy enough to endure the climate of the upper Mississippi Valley. So far none have been named and introduced, altho one variety, Minn. No. I, has been distributed \\~idely for trial, and is being propa­ gated by several northern nurseries. Because of the wide interest in this fruit a description of the single seedling distributed is included in this publication.

Minnesota No. 1 (Species unknown) This pear has produced such excellent fruit at the Fruit Breeding Farm that it has been released for propagation, altho still considered to be under trial. It is only partially resistant to fire blight and is hardy enough only for locations south of the Twin Cities.

MINN. NO. r FNTITS l'JWJJUJ:n .-IT FRUT m?FUJI.\ G T.-IRJI 45

In the spring of 1909, pear seed 1vas receiyed from Edward C. Parker, then located in .l\Ianchuria. He had collected it from the best varieties of cultivated pears found in :\Ianchuria. The progeny from this importation, some 3000 seedlings, soon succumbed to blight and winter killing except for t1vo indiYiduals, one of which hore only small worthless fruit. The other first fruited in 1920 and proved so promis­ ing that it was propagated and distributed for trial in 1923. In 1924 it was released for propagation and sale by nurserymen, but with no name except its trial number and 1vith the recommendation that it be planted for trial only. The tree is large, vigorous and free grmving, but not hardy enough for northern locations. The fruit is medium to large, roundish pyri­ form; stem medium length and thickness, basin shallow, calyx nearly open; skin smooth, medium thick; color yellow 1vith distinct blush; dots numerous, small, russet, distinct; flesh tender, medium fine grained, almost melting; grit cells are visible but soften at maturity and are not noticeable when eaten, juicy, sweet, pleasant, quality very good, core small; seeds small, light brown, pointed. Season, late September. ORNAMENTALS No serious attempt has been made to produce new forms of strictly ornamental value. Among the great number of seedlings produced, however, a few having ornamental value have been discovered. Two of these, Manitou and Newport, have been considered valuable enough to be named and introduced to the trade.

Manitou (Minn. No. 7) Prunus nana X Prunus pcrsica This hardy ornamental plum comes into bloom immediately fol­ lowing the Chinese bush cherry (Prunus to111e11tosa) and carries its bloom until the double flowering plum (Pn11111s triloba) opens. Mani­ tou is characterized by a profuse mass of delicate pink blooms, the color being accentuated by the light green of the expanding leaves from terminal buds. During the early years of the Fruit Breeding Farm a number of interspecific crosses were made \\~ith peaches. In one of these the pol­ len of Bokara peach (a hardy Russian variety introduced by J. L. Budd) was used on a dwarf Russian almond imported from Siberia. The product was a disappointment from the standpoint of fruit, be­ ing completely sterile because of defective pistils. It seemed promising as an ornamental, however, and was named and introduced in the spring of 1923. MIX.YESOTA BL'LLETIX 230

The plant is intermediate in form between a bush and a tree, attain­ ing a height of eight to ten feet, very hardy in wood, but part of the flower buds have been known to winter kill in exceptionally cold winters. Sterile flowers (without pistils) are borne in profusion in early spring ; opening buds deep pink, fully expanded flowers light pink, Ys inch across; petals rather long and narrow, tapering to

MANITOU FRUITS PRODUCED AT FRUIT BREEDING FARJI 47

long point at base, five to eight in number, stamens borne 111 pro­ fusion, prevailing effect is mass of light pink interspersed with tufts of green leaves. Blooms with the earliest of the plums. Duration of bloom, five to seven days.

Newport (Minn. No. II6) ( Prunus salicina X Primus Americana) X Prunus cerasifera Newport is a hardy ornamental plum of the Pissardi type. The fruit is of little or no value, but the highly colored purplish red foliage makes it a striking and valuable tree for landscape work. The variety originated from a cross made in 1913 of the hybrid variety Omaha by Pissardi. The hope that an ornamental variety bearing valuable fruit might be produced was not realized, but the colored foliage seemed to be worth retaining, so the variety was marked for propagation in 1920 and was named and introduced in the spring of 1923. Two other purple-leaved varieties from a cross of Compass by Pissardi had been distributed in 1917 and 1918 as Minn. No. l and l\Iinn. No. 2. Neither of these proved hardy and they are not to be confused with Newport. Newport is a medium sized, upright growing tree, reaching a height of about 12 to 15 feet. It is hardly enough for all but the northern district of Minnesota. The foliage is a deep purplish red while young, but changes to a bronze or greenish red as it becomes older. Under favorable grovving conditions it is of strikingly high color until the middle of August, after which time it becomes slightly dull, but is still a beautiful plant. The flowers are small, pinkish white, and blend well with the foliage. The fruit is small, roundish ovate, suture lacking or a line, stem long, slender; color rich magenta . red with light bloom; clots minute or lacking; skin thin; flesh light red, tender, juicy, sour, quality poor, of little value; stone medium size, oval, smooth, red, semi-cling. Late mid-season.