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Home , Anna (apple), Arkansas Black, Cameo (apple), Cortland (apple), Dorsett Golden, Elstar

ALABAMA A&M AND AUBURN UNIVERSITIES Varieties ANR-1138 in Alabama he apple, rich in folklore This publication primarily Currently, the Chinese have as well as history, was a provides an overview of the an estimated 8 million acres of changing apple variety picture; planted, 40 percent of favorite food of the however, it is worth noting that which are nonbearing. This com- T the production and marketing of pares with about 0.5 million Europeans who settled the New apples globally are currently un- acres under production in the World. And today, no other fruit dergoing the greatest dynamic U.S. According to the Washing- is more widely grown around changes recorded in modern ton Apple Commission, some history. For many years, the U.S. estimate that new plantings since the world than the apple. Many has dominated worldwide pro- 1990 could double Chinese pro- books have been written on the duction of apples and continued duction in the next decade. to do so until 1990. However, as China may account for nearly 40 history of apples throughout the a result of agrarian reforms car- percent of world production world as well as in the United ried out in the 1980s and ex- (nearly 27 million metric tons) tending into the 90s, China has by the year 2005 (World Apple States. The story of Johnny become the world leader in Review) compared to about 10 Appleseed, for example, de- apple production. In 1990, the percent in the early 90s. U.S. produced 4,380,000 metric As a result of changes in scribes one reason why so many tons of apples, while China pro- the global apple picture, growers varieties (over 4,000) were avail- duced almost as much, recording must pay special attention to 4,332,000 metric tons (reported selection of varieties to provide able from the mid-1800s to the by the World Apple Review). In what the market demands, early 1900s. Because seeds from 1997, U.S. production increased whether wholesale or retail. to 4,639,000 metric tons, but Therefore, a thorough understand- so many different fruits were China produced 18,009,000 met- ing of the changing dynamics of planted across the country, and ric tons, almost four times as apple production and varieties is much as the U.S. because apples are heterozy- gous, a new variety was born each time a seed germinated and developed into a bearing tree. In spite of the many selections that have evolved over time and be- come named varieties,ARCHIVE only a few have made it through the rigorous test of becoming a com- mercial variety. And even today, although hundreds of varieties are available, only 10 to 20 are Figure 1. The Cumberland Spur, discovered as a sport in Jackson County, Alabama, regularly seen in supermarkets. could become the most outstanding in the East. Visit our Web site at: www.aces.edu a must if growers are to remain Table 1. Suggested Apple Varieties—Standard Selections1 competitive and profitable. Variety Commercial Home Area A number of noteworthy Wholesale Farm Retail Garden Adapted2 changes that have occurred dur- RED DELICIOUS ing the past 40 to 50 years are fundamental to understanding (spur types) RedChief (Campbell strain) X X X C,N the ever changing apple variety RedChief (Mercier strain) X X X C,N picture. Among these changes Oregon Spur II X X X C,N are the use of spur-type varieties (nonspur types) (Figure 1), the change from large Early Red One — X X C,N to small tree size, and the mar- Sharp Red — X X C,N ket acceptance of some poorly colored, rather unattractive but (spur types) highly flavored varieties. Delicious — — X C,N When spur-type trees were Starkspur Golden Delicious — — X C,N first discovered by producers (nonspur types) some years ago, they were dis- Smoothee X X X C,N carded because the goal at that Firmgold X X X C?,N Lysgolden (Goldenir) X X X C?,N time was for 30- to 40-foot trees Stark Ultra Gold ? ? X C?,N that could produce 30 bushels or Stark Golden Delicious ? X X C,N more. Spur-type trees grow slow- — X? X C,N ly, are compact, begin fruiting at only 2 to 3 years of age, and ulti- Nured X X X C?,N mately produce small trees that Jonnee X X X C?,N yield only 2.5 to 15 bushels, de- pending on the rootstock used. Granny (Standard) X X X S,C,N However, the current trend Spur Granny — — ? S,C,N worldwide is to move toward ROME smaller tree size and higher-den- Law Rome X X X N sity orchards to reduce labor in- Arkansas Black puts and overall cost. One of the (Standard) X X X C,N primary ways to maintain small, Spur Arkansas Black X X X C,N compact tree size in commercial EARLY GREEN TYPES as well as home plantings is to — X X C,N grow spur-type varietal strains Twenty Oz. Pippen — X X C?,N such as RedChief Red Delicious. Horse — — X C,N In addition to the use of pollinator pollinator C,N spur-type varieties, the other ap- only only OTHER VARIETIES proach to maintaining small but (unless indicated, all are nonspur) productive trees is the use of Ozark Gold X? X? — C,N dwarfing rootstocks. Among the (Crispin) X X X C,N common temperate tree fruits, — X? X ES the apple is the only one that (spur) — X X ES has truly effective dwarfing root- Mollies Delicious — X X S,C,N stocks. This is important because Saint Clair — — X S,C,N many popular varieties do not Wiregrass — — X S have superior spur types, so the Brogden — — X S use of dwarfing rootstocksARCHIVE is the Yates — X X S,C,N method of choice for maintain- Black Twig — X X C,N LuraRed X X X C,N ing small tree size. Spur-type va- — ? X C?,N rieties are also propagated onto 1 some of the dwarfing rootstocks, X means variety will work in these categories; X? means there is a good pos- sibility variety will work in these categories (based on preliminary data or creating rather small but highly other information); ? indicates outside performance is promising, but variety productive trees. is untested in the state. Market acceptance of new va- 2Refer to Figure 2 for zone map of adaptation (N = north, C = central, S = rieties has also changed apple south, and ES = extreme south).

2 Alabama Cooperative Extension System production. For many years, Red However, the consumers proved selections. Thus, it appears that Delicious and Golden Delicious them wrong, and today, Granny the American consumer is no have been the varieties of choice Smith is the third-leading com- longer buying apples just on the in the wholesale apple business. mercial variety in the U.S. basis of appearance, but rather on After their introduction as promis- The next challenge to the their flavor and other attributes. It ing dessert varieties, Red dominance of Red Delicious and should be noted that in Alabama, Delicious and Golden Delicious Golden Delicious in the market- apples are normally harvested at soared in popularity, and im- place was the introduction of va- the tree-ripe stage and are there- proved sports of these two selec- rieties that produce some rather fore at least equal and usually su- tions have helped them maintain poorly colored, unattractive, and perior in flavor to fruits harvested dominance in the industry. There somewhat small fruits but that less mature and maintained in are currently over 100 different have superb to outstanding fla- long-term, controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. For this reason, Red Table 2. Suggested Apple Varieties—Recent Introductions1 Delicious and Golden Delicious Variety Commercial Home Garden Area Adapted2 selections are still highly favored Wholesale Farm Retail in Alabama. RED DELICIOUS For discussion purposes, we Scarlet Spur X X X C,N can divide apples into three cate- Cumberland Spur X X X C?,N gories: commercial wholesale, commercial farm retail, and home Fuji (Standard) X X X C,N garden. Table 1 lists some stan- Red Fuji (B.C.2) ? ? ? C?,N dard selections that are suggested Red Fuji (Nagafu for each of these categories. #12) ? ? ? C?,N Table 2 lists some of the more Red Fuji (Nagafu #6) ? ? ? C?,N popular recent introductions from Myra Fuji ? ? ? C?,N several other areas. A number of Lynd Spur Fuji ? ? ? C?,N these are already proving popular UltraEarli Fuji ? ? ? C?,N among growers while others con- tinue under evaluation. Gala (Standard) X? X X S,C,N The wholesale market de- Royal Gala X X X S,C,N mands apple varieties that are Gale Gala ? ? ? S?,C,N Ultra Red Gala ? ? ? S?,C,N fairly attractive, that have rather Galaxy Gala ? ? ? S?,C,N widespread consumer recogni- Imperial Gala ? ? ? S?,C,N tion and acceptance, and that Buckeye Gala ? ? ? S?,C,N have a good shelf life, meaning Big Red Gala ? ? ? S?,C,N that they are quite firm and can OTHER VARIETIES be stored for weeks to months. X X X C?,N As a result, it is quite common X? X? X? S,C,N for consumers to see no more X X X S,C,N than 5 to 10 varieties in super- 1X means variety will work in these categories; X? means there is a good pos- markets at any one time. sibility variety will work in these categories (based on preliminary data or Growers who manage farm other information); ? indicates outside performance is promising, but variety retail markets can produce is untested in the state. 2 somewhat unique varieties not Refer to Figure 2 for zone map of adaptation (N = north, C = central, S = commonly seen in supermarkets south, and ES = extreme south). and that fit their particular niche strains of Red Delicious. Other vor and, quite often, superior marketing program. Fruits of varieties, such as McIntosh,ARCHIVEfirmness and shelf life. The Fuji some of these varieties may not Rome, and Jonathan, have been variety from Japan and the Gala be as large, attractive, or firm as part of the commercial picture variety from New Zealand are those in supermarkets, but they but to a much lesser degree. typical examples of these newly have unique characteristics that Granny Smith was the first va- introduced, less colorful varieties. are highly appealing to the con- riety that broke the commonly ac- Today, there has been a dramatic sumer, such as distinctive flavor cepted red and yellow color barri- shift toward planting more Fujis, or aroma, outstanding er in the apple market. Many had Galas, and other imported vari- quality, or antique or heirloom predicted that U.S. consumers eties and much fewer Red recognition. would never eat a green apple. Delicious and Golden Delicious

Apple Varieties in Alabama 3 Notes on Patented are patented are usually sold by prove to be of commercial or certain U.S. commercial nurseries home value. Growers and home Varieties under agreements. The Japanese gardeners are advised to limit For many years, most tree have begun patenting selections planting these selections until fruit varieties such as apples and being released from their univer- university or producer tests have were nonpatented and free sity breeding programs. A foreign proven their adaptability. to the public. However, the trend patent is not valid in the U.S.; Included in this group are a over the past 25 years is toward therefore, if a foreign variety is to number of the “disease-resistant” patenting releases from university have patent protection in the selections, mainly from the breeding programs as well as U.S., it must be issued a U.S. Purdue program, as follows: those from private nurseries and plant patent. Jonafree (co-op22), Pristine (co- other companies. Operating There are a number of apple op32), Redfree (co-op13), breeding programs is very costly varieties, most introduced during GoldRush (co-op38), and involves a long-term commit- the past 5 to 15 years (but some (co-op30), Prima, , and ment. Consequently, many uni- older ones), that have not been . Additional releases from versity-operated breeding pro- fully evaluated across the state. producers or other breeding pro- grams have been phased out, and Some of these may eventually grams include Criterion, , others probably will be. The trend is toward placing the devel- opment and release of fruit vari- eties, especially stone fruit such Alabama Chilling Zones as peaches and nectarines, in the for Southern Counties hands of private breeders. Hours of 45°F and lower from October 1 through February 15 Naturally, the varieties released based on a 10-year average (1984-85 to 1992-93) through these programs are 1450 patented for protection. Some 1350 nurseries have agreements with 1450+ university breeding programs to 1300 patent and market their releases. 1450+ This provides support funds to 1450 the universities in the form of 1300 royalties. 1450 In the case of the apple, not 1300 many U.S. companies have cre- 1450 1350 ated new varieties that have 1300 1200 1200 unique and desirable characteris- 1100 tics in order to reap the wealth 1100 1000 generated by patents. However, 1000 900 essentially all new apple selec- tions made available to producers and gardeners are being patent- ed. The vast majority of these se- 800 lections, such as the recent Ginger Gold introduction, are “grower finds” from within com- mercial orchards. Growers either 900 patent such promising selections and license certain nurseriesARCHIVE to 800 700 propagate them under an agree- 600 ment, or they sell the patent to a 800 800 North Alabama 700 600 nursery that wholly controls re- 750 North Central Alabama Central Alabama lease of the variety to the public. 650 Southern Alabama Some nurseries’ varieties from 550 Extreme Southern Alabama abroad, such as Gala and 750 Braeburn, may be introduced un- 550 650 patented or may be sold as a U.S. patented variety. Selections that Figure 2. Fruit-growing regions of Alabama based on chilling zones

4 Alabama Cooperative Extension System Table 3. Suggested Apple Varieties—Useful Characteristics Lustre , Pink Lady, Sun-- Season of Time of Chilling Skin Food downer, , , Variety Ripening1 Flowering2 Requirement3 Color4 Utilization5 Hokuto, Shizaka, Yataka, RED DELICIOUS Senshu, Suncrisp, Stellar, Arlet, Redchief (Campbell) M E M R D and . Redchief (Mercier) M E M R D To date, many of the Purdue Oregon Spur II M E M R D Early Red One M E M R D disease-resistant selections and Sharp Red M E M R D most of the New York McIntosh Scarlet Spur M E M R D crosses have proven to have Cumberland Spur E-M E M R D problems with internal flesh GOLDEN DELICIOUS breakdown. Williams Pride (co- Goldspur Delicious M E-M M Y C/D op23) is an example from this Starkspur Golden group, and although it has a fine Delicious M E-M M Y C/D Smoothee M E-M M Y C/D flavor, the flesh breaks down so Firmgold M E-M M Y C/D rapidly that the fruits are of no Lysgolden (Goldenir) M-L E-M M Y C/D value. Among Japanese varieties Stark Ultra Gold M E-M M Y C/D being evaluated, Kinsei will prob- Stark Golden ably be eliminated because of Delicious M E-M M Y C/D Grimes Golden M E-M M Y C/D high susceptibility to bitter rot. JONATHAN Although it is a very high-quality Nured M M M R C/D fruit and is now very popular in Jonnee M M M R C/D supermarkets, Braeburn will prob- Jonagold M M M R C/D ably diminish in potential because GRANNY SMITH of its high susceptibility to bitter Granny (Standard) L E-M L-M G C/D rot, powdery mildew, and sun- Spur Granny L E-M L-M G C/D burn. Within a few years, it should ROME become very clear whether this Law Rome L L H R C/D variety has even limited use in the ARKANSAS BLACK Southeast. Arkansas Black (Standard) L L H R C/D Certain older (antique type) Spur Arkansas Black L L H R C/D varieties that may have merit for EARLY GREEN TYPES home gardeners and possibly re- Lodi E E M G/Y C tail farm markets include Grav- Twenty Oz. Pippen E E-M M-H G/Y C enstein, Spitzenburg (Esopus), Horse E E-M L-M G/Y C and Ashmead’s Kernel. FUJI Fuji (Standard) L E-M L-M Y/R C/D Among the standard varieties Red Fuji (B.C.2) L E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D generally not recommended in Red Fuji (Nagafu #12) L E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D Alabama because of fruit crack- Red Fuji (Nagafu #6) L E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D ing, rapid flesh breakdown, or Myra Fuji M E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D other undesirable characteristics Lynd Spur Fuji L E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D UltraEarli Fuji L E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D are , (Stayman- GALA Winesap), McIntosh, , Gala (Standard) E E-M L-M Y/O C/D York, and Winter Banana (okay Royal Gala E E-M L-M Y/R C/D as pollinizer). Gale Gala E E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D Table 3 lists additional infor- Ultra Red Gala E E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D Galaxy Gala E E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D mation concerning the varieties Imperial Gala E E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D listed. Some varieties are better Buckeye Gala EARCHIVE E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D adapted to more regions of the Big Red Gala E E-M L-M? Y/R? C/D state than others are. Most growers would agree that it is Continued on page 6 somewhat easier to produce quality apples in northern areas of the state than in most central areas. Refer to Figure 2 for the zone map of adaptation, which shows how the state is divided

Apple Varieties in Alabama 5 Table 3. Suggested Apple Varieties—Useful Characteristics (cont’d) into north (N), central (C), Season of Time of Chilling Skin Food south (S), and extreme south Variety Ripening1 Flowering2 Requirement3 Color4 Utilization5 (ES). OTHER VARIETIES Ozark Gold E-M E-M M Y D An Overview of Apple Mutsu (Crispin) M-L E-M M Y C/D Dorsett Golden E E L Y D Variety Performance in Anna E E L R D Alabama Mollies Del. E E-M M R D Saint Clair E-M E-M M R C Alabama growers have gener- Wiregrass E-M E-M L-M Y/R C ally followed the trends of the Brogden E-M E-M L-M R C U.S. as a whole in regard to es- Yates L M M-H R C/D tablishing apple varieties. Sports Black Twig L M-L H R C/D LuraRed E M M R C of Red Delicious have largely Melrose M M M-H R C/D dominated apple production in Ginger Gold E M M Y C/D the state for many years, with se- Braeburn L E-M L-M Y/R C/D lections of Golden Delicious 1Early (E) = June to July; mid (M) = early Aug. to early Sept.; late (L) = mid-Sept. being second in importance. to early Nov. Other varieties such as Jonathan, 2Between each category, blooming may begin from several days to a week apart; Rome, and Arkansas Black are early (E), mid (M), and late (L). For optimum fruiting, mix varieties that have similar grown but are secondary to the times of flowering (do not use early flowering types to pollinate late-flowering types). Jonagold and Mutsu have sterile pollen and will not cross- pollinate other varieties. Reds and Goldens. 3Chilling (hours at or below 45EF): low chilling (L) = 100 to 650 hr.; midchilling Historically, Alabama as well (M) = 651 to 1,050 hr.; high chilling (H) = 1,050 hr. or more. as the entire Southeast has had 4Skin color is green (G) to yellow (Y); some varieties have a red (R) or orange problems producing Red Delicious (O) overcolor (blush). selections that develop acceptable 5Culinary (C) implies fruit’s primary value is for cooking; dessert (D) fruits are red skin color for the wholesale mainly used for out-of-hand or fresh consumption in salads; both (C/D) implies fruits market. The heat of August and are multipurpose for fresh and cooking use. early September is largely respon- sible for the poor red finish of Red Delicious grown in the South. And the shape or “typiness” of eastern- grown Red Delicious, which tend to be more round than elongated, have been considered inferior to Red Delicious grown in state. Washington has done an ex- cellent marketing job over the years, convincing consumers that the beautifully shaped and high- ly colored Washington-grown Red Delicious are superior to all others. Washington’s climate en- ables them to produce apples that have superior attractiveness and eye appeal, and apple pro- ducers and marketers have capi- Figure 3. Royal Gala, a sportARCHIVE from the original Gala variety introduced into the talized on this ability. However, U.S. from New Zealand. tree-ripened eastern-grown Red Delicious have equal to superior flavor as the same varieties grown in Washington. Golden Delicious selections grown in Washington also have beautiful, smooth, russet-free skin, whereas many Golden vari-

6 Alabama Cooperative Extension System eties grown in the Southeast de- velop a rougher, russeted ap- pearance although their internal quality is fine. Southeastern apple producers have adjusted to the competition in producing Reds and Goldens by selecting outstanding varieties. In the case of Red Delicious, the most highly colored and superior performing spur-type varieties are Redchief (both strains), Oregon Spur II, and, more recently, Scarlet Spur. Sharp Red and Early Red One are also acceptable, but because they are nonspur types, growers have largely stopped planting them. In general, only spur-type Red Figure 4. Ginger Gold, a very popular early season Golden delicious type variety Delicious selections are usually discovered in West Virginia. acceptable to the industry today. There is no doubt that additional Red Delicious varieties will • Ozark Gold, generally consid- Among newer varieties intro- emerge in the future. Cumberland ered an early type of Golden duced in the 80s and 90s, certain Spur, a spur-type Red Delicious Delicious, does well and has ones have performed quite well variety discovered as a sport in attractive golden fruit, but it and are already being used by Jackson County, Alabama, (and possesses only fair flavor that commercial producers. The latest recently patented) could well be- is not nearly as good as selection to gain prominence is come the most outstanding Red Ginger Gold. Ginger Gold, which will most Delicious in the East. • Mutsu (a Japanese-type likely develop into the leading In contrast to the use of Golden Delicious) grows well early Golden type grown in the spur-type selections of Red and produces very high-quali- Southeast. It produces high Delicious, the commercial indus- ty fruit, but it seems to per- yields of quality fruit that have try primarily uses nonspur selec- form best in northern coun- already been accepted by the tions of Golden Delicious. ties. Low yields have been a wholesale industry. Among Golden Delicious selec- problem in central counties as Another very promising vari- tions grown in the Southeast, well as northern counties. ety is Jonagold (Golden Delicious Smoothee has become the com- • Several Jonathan selections X Jonathan). Upon its release, it mercial producers’ variety of have been grown in the state. was not considered to be a vari- choice. Firmgold and Lysgolden Nured and Jonnee appear to ety for the Southeast because of (Goldenir) have also performed be among the best varieties, the heat, but it continues to show well and are being grown com- and both have done quite promise as a commercial variety. mercially. All of these selections well, especially in northern It may well become a standard produce attractive, mostly russet- counties. variety in the future. free fruit of high quality. • Rome, particularly the Law Fuji (and its sports) has adapt- Although the following stan- Rome variety, and Arkansas ed well to southeastern condi- dard varieties are less popular, a Black (spur and nonspur se- tions and continues to be planted number continue to beARCHIVE grown lections) perform quite well as by commercial producers. Since successfully in the state: late varieties. its appearance is secondary and • Granny Smith performs quite its internal quality is outstanding, well (standard, nonspur growers remain optimistic about Granny Smith variety pre- its future and are already success- ferred). fully marketing the fruit.

Apple Varieties in Alabama 7 Gala (and its sports) has References and Old Southern Apples. 1995. proven just as successful as Fuji, Creighton Lee Calhoun, Jr. The and it is already being marketed Suggested Supplemental McDonald and Woodland Publishing by commercial growers. Gala has Information Sources Co. P.O. Box 10308, Blacksburg, VA rapidly become the early season Variety and Tree Fruit Trends. 1996. 24062-0308. variety of choice. Although Royal American Fruit Grower 116(12):10. Complete Fruit Book. 1995. Bob Gala is the most heavily planted The Great Orchards. 1998. Flowerdew. Kyle Cathie Limited. 20 sport, it is anticipated that most American Fruit Grower 118(9):6-7. Vauxhall Bridge Road, London of the other recently released SWIV2SA. Producing Tree Fruit for Home Use. sports will also perform well. The Apples of New York. 1905. With the emergence of Gala and 1993. Michael L. Parker. AG-28. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Beach, S.A., N.O. Booth and O.M. Ginger Gold, growers now have Taylor. New York Agricultural two of the most outstanding early North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7609. Experiment Station Report for 1903. season varieties ever grown in Albany, NY. J.B. Lyon Company, North Carolina Apple Production the Southeast. Printers 1905. Manual. 1997. Michael L. Parker. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Apples: A Guide to the Identifica- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, tion of International Varieties. 1983. NC 27695-7609. John Bultitude. University of Washington Press, Seattle, WA. Growing Fruits at Home. 1994. Robert Polomski. Circular 681. Apples for the Twenty-First Cooperative Extension Service. Clemson Century. 1995. Warren Manhart. North University, Clemson, SC 29634-0310. American Tree Company, Portland, OR. Pacific Northwest Fruit Tester’s The Apple Book. 1988. Rosanne Variety Characteristics Profile. 1992. Sanders. Philosophical Library, New Pacific Northwest Fruit Tester’s York, NY. Association. 1101 West Orchard Street, Selah, WA 98942. Home Garden Apple. 1996. M.E. Ferree. Circular 740. Cooperative Extension Service. University of Georgia, Athens, GA.

ARCHIVEArlie Powell, Extension State Program Leader, Professor, David Himelrick, Extension Horticulturist, Professor, and Robert C. Ebel, Assistant Professor, all in Horticulture at Auburn University For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your tele- phone directory under your county’s name to find the number. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, ANR-1138 sex, age, veteran status, or disability. UPS, 7M38, Revised June 2000, ANR-1138