C. C. Peters, Fruit and Vegetable Specialist

Note: The following is a list of apple cultivar descriptions that I have compiled, that have been or are currently being grown in Saskatchewan. In addition to cultivars that we would recommend, this list includes some cultivars no longer available commercially and newer cultivars that are not fully tested, and may or may not be available commercially. I will endeavor to update the list as I receive additional information. I have included information on hardiness and fire blight susceptibility where the cultivar’s status is known, or from personal experience.

APPLES - defined as 5 cm (2") or greater in diameter

Early Season - late July to late August

Heyer 12: ( a Russian apple seedling, probably from >Blushed Calville= )

This cultivar originated from seeds obtained from A. P. Stevenson Morden, Manitoba, was grown and selected by Adolph Heyer, Neville, Saskatchewan, and introduced commercially in 1950. The tree is moderately vigorous, open spreading with wide-angled, strong branching habit.. It is very hardy to zone 1, annually productive and very resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 5-6 cm (2-2½ ") in diameter, near round in shape and matures in early season, about mid August. The stem cavity is medium deep, the basin shallow, and the pedicel (stem) is long and slender. The skin is very thin, completely greenish-yellow to straw coloured at maturity. The flesh is near white, medium coarse, bland and acid. It is poor for fresh eating and only fair to good for cooking since it oxidizes (discolours) rapidly, but deemed by most as good for pies and sauce. It only stores from 1-2 weeks. Note: Fruit should be picked before full maturity for storage or culinary uses.

This cultivar originated at Neville, Saskatchewan with Adolph Heyer, probably from the same seed source as Heyer 12, and was introduced commercially in 1936. The tree is vigorous, very open and spreading to somewhat pendulous. It is annually productive, hardy to zone 1 and moderately resistant to fire blight. The fruit is 7-7.5 cm (2 ½-3") in diameter, near round and matures in early season, about mid August. The stem cavity is deep, the basin shallow, and the pedicel is long and slender. The skin is thin, green to yellowish-green base, occasionally with a light pink or reddish blush. The flesh is yellowish, moderately coarse, moderately crisp, juicy and moderately acid. It is only fair for fresh eating and fair to good for cooking, but oxidizes rapidly. It stores for 2-3 weeks under ideal conditions. Note: The fruit should be picked before full maturity for storage or culinary uses.

This cultivar originated at Gleichen, Alberta by J. R. Alggod, and was tested and introduced through the University of Alberta in 1955. The tree is semi-dwarf and upright spreading. It is hardy to zone 3, and in protected sites in zone 2b, produces irregularly, and is susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is 6 cm (2.5 ") in diameter, round conic to conic, and matures in mid to late August. The skin is greenish-yellow baser, well washed and striped with bright red with a pink bloom which becomes waxy when over mature. The flesh is yellowish, coarse, soft, and mild with a pleasant flavour. It is good for fresh eating and cooking, but stores poorly and only for a few weeks at best. Note: This cultivar is not fully bud hardy unless well protected sites in zones 3a and 2b. Consequently, topworking on hardy stembuilders such as Garnet, Bedford, and Nertchinsk does not appear to benefit this cultivar to any great extent.

This cultivar originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, bred by Dr. C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected in 1958 by the Beaverlodge Research Station and was released in 1975. The tree is vigorous, upright-spreading, precocious, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 2a, and its reaction to fire blight is still untested. The fruit is small, 5.5 cm (2"+) in diameter and slightly oblate, and matures in early season, from early to mid August. The skin is thin, green-yellow, and mostly covered with dull red stripes. The flesh is cream to yellow, tinged with pink, crisp, juicy, very sweet and full flavoured. It is fair to good for fresh eating, good for cooking, and stores well for an early summer apple.

This cultivar originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, by Dr. C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected at the University of Alberta in 1960, and released by Beaverlodge Research Station, Alberta in 1976. The tree is semi-dwarf, rounded, precocious, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 1, and its reaction to fireblight requires further observation. The fruit is 5.5 cm (23") in diameter, slightly oblate, and matures in early to mid August. The skin is thin, greenish-yellow, and almost completely covered with shiny dark red. The flesh is cream coloured moderately firm, acid and somewhat astringent but with good flavour. It is fair to good for fresh eating and cooking, and stores for 3-4 weeks. Note: It is mainly recommended for northern regions where hardy cultivars are rare.

Norhey: ( >Heyer 12' X >Dr. Bill= )

This cultivar originated with the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, by Dr. C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected in 1960 at the Beaverlodge Research station, and released in 1975. The tree is vigorous, upright, with good branching habit, precocious, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 1, and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 6.5 cm (22 ) in diameter, slightly oblate, and matures in late August. . The skin is thin and greenish to yellow. The flesh is deep cream, crisp, juicy, sub acid, and slightly astringent. It is fair for fresh eating, good for cooking and stores for 4-8 weeks.

Norland: ( >Rescue= X >Red Melba= )

Originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada by C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected as W. O #6 at Scott, Saskatchewan and tested as PF 6. And released by the Morden Research Station in 1979. The tree is vigorous, upright and spreading. It is hardy to zone 2b, and susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 6-7 cm (2 1/2") in diameter, oblong-conic and ribbed, and matures in early to mid August. The skin is greenish-yellow skin base, well washed ( 40-60%) and striped with red. The flesh is cream coloured occasionally tinged with red, slightly coarse and moderately acidic, but pleasant. It is good for fresh eating and cooking and juicing. It stores for 2 months if picked before full maturity. Note: It may suffer recurrent injury in chinook regions and northern zones if not hardened off properly.

Parkland: ( >Rescue= X >Red Melba= )

Originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, by Dr. C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected as 51-101-1 at Lacombe, tested as PF 26, and released in 1979. The tree is semi-vigorous, compact, upright spreading with a tendency to biennial bearing. It is hardy to zone 2a, and susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 6-7 cm (2 1/2 - 3") in diameter, round oblate, regular, and matures in mid to late August. The flesh is greenish-yellow base, with 2- 40% washed and striped with red. The flesh is creamy white tinged with green, moderately acidic but pleasant. It is good for fresh eating and cooking and stores for up to 8 weeks. Note: To counter the biennial bearing habit regular annual pruning and fruit thinning is required.

Westland: ( >Heyer #12' X >Dr. Bill= )

Originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada by C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected as 11E-14-40 at AHRC, Brooks Alberta, tested as PF 8, and released by the Morden Research Station in 1979. The tree is semi-vigorous, round headed with wide angled crotches but weak pendulous branches. It is hardy throughout zone 2 and moderately susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is large, 7-9 cm (3-3.5") in diameter and round conic in shape with slight ribbing, and matures in mid to late August. The skin is greenish-yellow base overlaid 40-60% with dull red stripes. The flesh is cream white tinged with red, crisp, juicy moderately acid but sweet. It is only fair for fresh eating but good for cooking. It stores for 6-8 weeks Note: Besides the weak pendulous branching, the tree has a tendency to set fruit mostly on terminal buds, exaggerating the weeping form which requires special pruning techniques. The tree should be pruned annually, cutting back all branches to shorten annual growth and strengthen the wood and removing terminal fruit buds, especially during the training years.

Mid Season - late August to late September

Adanac: ( an open-pollinated seedling of >Battleford #1= )

Originated at Unity by John Lloyd, tested as Jack #1, and introduced in 1960. The tree is moderately vigorous, annually productive, round headed and with good branching habit. It is hardy to Zone 2a, and is moderately resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 6 - 6.5 cm (23-22") in diameter, near round, and matures in early to mid September. The skin is green skin striped red, and matures in early to mid September. Flesh is greenish white, slightly coarse, sub-acid but good. It is fair to good for fresh eating, good for cooking and stores for up to 12 weeks. Note: Although previously reported as highly resistant to fire blight, it has recently been reported to suffer serious injury.

Originated at North Battleford, Saskatchewan, by Murray Sommerville as Battleford #1, one of three seedlings, and introduced in 1934. The tree is moderately vigorous, round and upright with a tendency to produce narrow weak angles. It is hardy to Zone 2a, very susceptible to bud moths, and moderately resistant to fire blight. The fruit is 7 cm (3") in diameter, round to oblong conic and matures in late August to early September. The skin is moderately thick, greenish-yellow, mottled and streaked with dull red. The flesh is yellowish and somewhat coarse, sub-acid but pleasant. It is fair to good for fresh eating and cooking, and stores for 4 weeks.

Originated at Boughen=s Nursery, Valley River , Manitoba, from misnamed budwood obtained as >Shafer= and discovered in approximately 1980. The tree is moderately vigorous, upright, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 2, but susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 6-6.5 cm (2 1/2") in diameter, oblong to barrel shaped and regular, and matures in late August to early September. The skin is thin, yellowish to cream, and lightly streaked with red. The flesh is cream coloured, crisp, juicy, and mild but with a pleasant flavour. It is very good for fresh eating fair for cooking, and stores for 3-4 weeks.

Breakey: ( an open pollinated seedling of >Blushed Calville= )

Originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, and released in 1935. The tree is vigorous, upright spreading with large blossoms and is annually bearing. It is hardy to Zone 3, and 2b in protected sites, moderately resistant to fire blight but susceptible to canker. The fruit is medium size, 6-7 cm (2 2 -3") in diameter, round to slightly conic and matures in early to mid September, The skin is amber splashed and well-striped with scarlet and red,. The flesh is pure white, crisp, fine textured, melting, juicy and highly flavoured. It is very good to excellent for fresh eating and cooking, and will store well for 8 weeks. Note: This cultivar benefits tremendously from topworking in Zone 2b on a hardy framework like Garnet, Bedford or Nertchinsk, because of its susceptibility to trunk cracks and cankers.

Brookland: ( >Heyer 12' X >Haralson= )

Originated with the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, by Dr. C. R. Ure, for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected as 17C-23-33 at the AHRC, Brooks, Alberta and tested as PF1, and released by the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada in 1980. The tree is moderately vigorous, compact round to spreading, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 2a and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is small-medium size, 5-6 cm (2-2 2 ") in diameter, oblate, and matures in late August to early September. The skin is thin, greenish base, blushed and lightly streaked or striped with light red. The flesh is whitish, somewhat coarse, but sweet but with good flavour. It is good for eating fresh and for cooking.

Carlos Queen: ( >Manitoba= X >Antonovka= )

Originated at Rocky Mountain House, Alberta , by Robert Erskine and released commercially in 1972. The tree is moderately vigorous, round headed to spreading with excellent branching habit. It is annually bearing, hardy to Zone 3 and protected sites in Zone 2b, but susceptible to stem cracking and fire blight . The fruit is medium size, 7-7.5 cm (2 2 -3") in diameter, round oblate and regular, and matures in early to mid September. The skin is thin, pale green but occasionally blushed with gold or amber. The flesh is creamy white, smooth, fine textured, crisp and with excellent flavour. It is excellent for eating fresh, and cooking, and highly resistant to oxidation (browning). It stores for at least 8 weeks. Note: Because of stem cracking and cankers, this cultivar has performed best topworked to Garnet, Bedford or Nertchinsk.

Originated at the Morden Research Station by Dr. C. R. Ure and W. L. Kerr, selected in 1954, tested as M366, and introduced in 1961. The tree is dwarfed to moderately vigorous, rounded canopy, with an open spreading growth habit, wide angled crotches and strong structure. It is only hardy to zone 3 if well protected, bears annually, is moderately productive, and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium to large 6.5 - 8.5cm ( 2 1/2"-3 1/2") in diameter, oblong ovate, regular in shape, and matures early September. The skin is creamy green base covered almost entirely with medium red and a medium greyish bloom. The flesh is pure white with fine to medium texture, mellow, aromatic, sub-acid, with a spright but pleasant flavour. It is very good to excellent for fresh eating, good for cooking, and stores for at least 10 weeks to mid December.

Collet: ( Parentage unknown )

Originated at Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba, by Victor Collet, in 1948 from seed received from the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, and introduced jointly with the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, in 1961. The tree is moderately vigorous, moderately strong structurally, round to slightly pyramidal, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 3 and b, but requires protection, and is susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 6-7.5 cm (22- 3") in diameter, oblate to conic oblate, with small and shallow stem cavity and basin, small core and seeds, and matures in early to mid September. The skin is thin, light green base, overlaid from 80-100 % with bright red and covered with a moderate white bloom. The flesh is near white, fine textured, moderately crisp but tender, firm, mildly subacid and aromatic. It is good for fresh eating, excellent for cooking, and stores for up to 10 weeks. Note: Although it benefits from protection in Zones b and 3, this cultivar does not seem to benefit from top working on a hardy framework.

Originated at the University of Saskatchewan by Dr. C. F. Patterson, selected in 1945, tested as A58-305, and released 1959. The tree is moderately vigorous, annually bearing, with strong crotches and a good framework. Its hardy to Zone b, and very resistant to fire blight. The fruit is 6 cm (2.5") in diameter, round to slightly conic, somewhat ribbed, and matures in late August to early September. The skin is moderately thick, cream to light yellow, and almost completely overlaid with bright red.. The flesh is coarse, yellowish, mildly subacid, sweet and pleasant, but somewhat astringent. It is fair to good for fresh eating and cooking, but very good for juicing. It stores poorly. Note: This variety is no longer in commerce as far as I am aware.

Fall Red: ( >Duchess= X >Haralson= )

Originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, by Dr. C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected as AA-18-66 at University of Alberta, Edmonton, tested as PF 50, and introduced by Morden Research Station in 1986. The tree is moderately vigorous, with a good framework, It is hardy to zone b, moderately resistant to fire blight, and tending towards alternate bearing. Fruit is medium large in size 7-8 cm (2 3/4 - 3 1/4") in diameter, round-oblate, and matures in early to mid-September, The skin is thick, yellow green base but predominantly overlaid with dark red. The flesh is white, tinged with red, crisp, very firm, moderately acid but with good flavour. It stores well for at least 10 weeks. It is good to very good for fresh eating, good for cooking and quite acceptable for juicing. Note: In Zone 2a and b top working to Garnet, Bedford or Nertchinsk is very beneficial.

Originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, selected in 1950 and tested as M359, later tested as PF 49, and never officially named but released by the H. Temmerman, Morden Nursery in about 1980. The tree is vigorous, round topped, with bold branching, strong framework and wide angled crotches. It is hardy to Zone 3 if well protected, and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is large 7-5-8.5 cm (3-3 1/2") in diameter, slightly oblong round, and matures from mid to late September. The skin is light green and well coloured with bright red. The flesh is white, crisp, sub-acid and aromatic. It is very good to excellent for fresh eating and cooking, and stores for at least 12 weeks. Note: This cultivar is not fully hardy and benefits from top working to hardy crabapples such as Garnet, etc.

Originated at the University of Saskatchewan by Dr. C. F. Patterson, selected in 1946, and released by the University of Saskatchewan in 1960. The tree is moderately vigorous, low spreading tree with weak crotches and pendulous branches, and a tendency to over produce annually. It is hardy to zone b and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is small to medium size, up to 6 cm (2 1/2") in diameter, round but somewhat pointed and ribbed at the base, and it matures in late August to early September. The skin is thin, pale yellow base, faintly blushed with gold or orange. The flesh is pure white, medium coarse, crisp, juicy and sweet. It is good for fresh eating, and cooking, fair to good for juicing and drying, and stores for up to 6 weeks. Note: Due to the weak branching and production habits of this cultivar it requires careful annual pruning and annual fruit thinning. It also greatly benefits from top working on a stembuilder with strong branches and framework, particularly >Garnet= crab apple.

Originated at the Morden Research Station by Dr. C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit breeding Cooperative and selected in 1960 by the University of Alberta and the Beaverlodge Research Station, Agriculture Canada, and released in 1976. The tree is moderately vigorous, upright spreading to round headed, moderately precocious and annually productive. It is hardy to zone b and moderately resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium-large, up to 6-7 cm (2 2 -3") in diameter, round-conic to oblong in shape with a shallow stem cavity and basin, and matures in late August to early September. The skin is greenish-yellow base, striped to completely painted with orange-red, dotted with greenish lenticels and covered with a moderate pink bloom. The flesh is cream coloured to yellow, crisp, firm, juicy with a pleasant nutty flavour initially. It is good for fresh eating, good for cooking and stores for up to 16 weeks. Note: see also >Norkent=)

Originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, by C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected as P. A. 13 by the University of Alberta, Edmonton, tested as PF51, and introduced for commerce by the Beaverlodge Research Station in 1990. The tree is moderately vigorous, rounded, and has a strong framework It is hardy to zone 2b but is moderately resistant to fire blight and susceptible to cankers. The fruit is medium large, 6-7cm (2.5-3") in diameter, round to oblong with a shallow stem cavity and shallow basin. It matures in early to mid September. The skin is moderately thick, light green base, streaked and washed with several shades of red with lighter lenticels. The flesh is greenish white, very crisp, aromatic and with a pleasant nutty flavour. It is very good to excellent for fresh eating, good for cooking and juicing, and stores for 14 weeks but looses its flavour towards the end. Note: The cultivars >Norda= and >Norkent= which are presently on the market, are nearly if not completely identical. It is unlikely that two crosses so diverse could be so similar in all aspects. The mix up may go back to the original material sent for testing. Do not pick early . The fruit must mature fully to develop full flavour.

Originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, by Dr. C. R. Ure, for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected at the University of Alberta and Beaverlodge Research Station, Alberta in 1958 and introduced in 1976. The tree is moderately vigorous, upright spreading, precocious, annually productive and hardy to zone 2. The fruit is small, 5 cm (2 ") in diameter, barrel shaped to round conic, and matures in late August to early September. The skin is greenish-yellow base, and almost completely washed with dark red. The flesh is cream-coloured, crisp and juicy with a pleasant flavour. It is very good for fresh eating, good for cooking, and stores well for at least 18 weeks. Note: It has been susceptible to fire blight in Saskatchewan.

Originated at the University of Saskatchewan by Dr. C. F. Patterson, tested as A 59-382, selected in 1946, initially named >Munro= but later introduced by the University of Saskatchewan in memory of the breeder in 1960. The tree is moderately vigorous, round-headed to low spreading with weak crotches and soft pendulous branches, and has a tendency to overproduce. It is hardy to zone b and highly resistant to fire blight. The fruit is small to medium size, up to 6 cm (2 1/2") in diameter, oblate round but slightly pointed and finely ribbed at the base, and matures in late August to early September. The skin is thin, greenish-yellow with an orange-red blush. The flesh is pure white, moderately crisp, mildly subacid, with excellent flavour and resistance to oxidation ( browning). It is good for fresh eating, cooking, juicing, drying, and stores for 6 weeks. Heavy yielding but must be thinned annually to one apple per bud. Hardy to zone 2a. Tree should be pruned hard during training and not allowed to fruit until branches gain strength. Note: Due to the branching and fruiting habit of the cultivar, special annual pruning practices and thinning are required, or it may be topworked on a strong framework tree such as Garnet.

This cultivar originated at the University of Saskatchewan, bred by Rick Sawatsky, selected and tested as U of S 70-20-01, and was introduced in 1999. The tree is semi-dwarf, spur-type, moderately vigorous, round topped, with excellent wide-angled branching habit, and requires annual thinning. It is precocious, hardy at least to zone 2a, bears high yields annually, but is moderately susceptible to fireblight. The fruit is 5-7.5cm (2-3") in diameter, regular, slightly oblate, and matures in early-mid season from late August-early September. It has a medium stem cavity with a very short pedicel, deep basin, and a very small, nearly closed core. The skin is soft, thin, light green turning to light yellowish cream with a pink blush. The flesh is pure white or tinged pink, fine textured, medium crisp yet tender, juicy, mildly acid, medium sweet, and highly resistant to oxidation (browning). It is good for fresh eating, excellent for cooking, for pies, as well as for drying and as a fruit leather base. It stores well for about 6 weeks. This apple has commercial potential for processing for the prairie region.

Note: This apple cultivar which is presently in commerce and sold as Rosthern #18 is incorrectly named. It is quite possible that it is another Rosthern selection, possibly Rosthern #17. The tree is vigorous, round topped, with good wide-angled branching habit. It is very hardy, but susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is 5-7.5 cm (2-3") in diameter, near round, slightly ribbed, and matures in early to mid September. The skin is medium green, striped and blushed with red. The flesh is light green, crisp, and firm. It is only fair for fresh eating, since it tends to have a bitter skin, and fair to good for cooking. Note: This apple will taste bitter to some, as both the skin and flesh are green.

September Ruby: (>Rescue= X >Haralson= )

It originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, by C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected as #6021, tested as PF36, and released in 1986. The tree is moderately vigorous, upright spreading, with fair to good branching habit and is annually productive. It is hardy to zone 2a and moderately resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 6-7 cm (2 1/2") in diameter and round-oblate (flat round) in shape with unequal ribbing, and matures in midseason from early to mid September. The skin is moderately thick, with a light green base, striped and blushed with bright to dark red, occasionally completely red. The flesh is greenish, crisp and moderately acid. It is very good for fresh eating, good for cooking and juicing, ands stores well for up to 16 weeks. Note: Green-fleshed apples may have a slight bitter taste to some individuals.

It originated at the Alberta Horticulture Research Centre, Brooks, Alberta, selected and tested as BA #44, and released in 1980. The tree is vigorous, upright rounded, with somewhat pendulous branching and annually productive. It is hardy to zone 2a and moderately resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 6.0-7.0 cm (2 2-2 3/4) in diameter, round, with a wide abrupt often wrinkled basin and small core, and matures in late August to early September. The skin is thin, greenish yellow base, overlaid with red stripes. The flesh is cream coloured, moderately coarse, crisp, juicy, slightly acid but sweet and highly susceptible to water core. It is fair to good for fresh eating, good for cooking and stores well for about 4 weeks. Note: This cultivar is quite susceptible to water core.

Valentine: (parentage unknown)

It originated with Bill Adair, in Edmonton, Alberta, approximately 1965, was further tested at Honeywood Nursery by Bert Porter and released in 19?? . The tree is vigorous, but less hardy than first thought. The reaction to firelight is uncertain. The fruit is 6-7.5 cm in diameter (2.5-3.0"), round oblate, with shallow stem cavity and basin. The skin is medium greenish with a red-striped blush on the sunny side. The flesh is white, somewhat coarse, but with excellent taste. It is very good for fresh eating, and good for cooking. Note: This cultivar is currently not readily available, and further information is required concerning hardiness.

Late Season - late September to late October

It originated with the University of Saskatchewan, bred by Dr. C. F. Patterson, selected and tested as A58-308 in 1944, and introduced in 1959. The tree is vigorous, upright spreading, annually productive, and heavy yielding. It is hardy to Zone 2a, and very susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 6.5 cm (2 1/2") in diameter, and matures in late September. The skin is green, and blushed and striped or sometimes completely bright red. The flesh is greenish-white, very crisp, mildly sub-acid, with excellent flavour. It is good for fresh eating, cooking and stores for at least 10 weeks.

It originated at Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan, was grown from seed by Leonard Smith in 1940, tested and introduced by Lakeshore Tree Farms, Saskatoon, in 1964. The tree is vigorous, upright and rounded, with excellent wide-angled branching habit. It is hardy to zone 2a but susceptible to fire blight, sunscald, and fall freezes. The fruit is medium size, 6-7 cm (2 1/2 - 3") in diameter, oblong and frequently oblique in shape, slightly ribbed, and matures in mid-late season, usually in late September. It has a very short pedicel, very shallow stem cavity and basin, and a small core. The skin is thick, yellowish-green blushed or washed with orange red, and a somewhat bitter skin. The flesh is greenish-white to white, very firm, slightly tough and pulpy texture, but sweetly acid. It is fair for fresh eating, good for cooking, and very good for pie. It stores well for up to 12 weeks.

Garland: (>Melba= X >Haralson= seedling )

It originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, bred by C. R. Ure, selected in 1949, tested as M364, and introduced in 1961. The tree is moderately vigorous, rounded to somewhat pyramidal, with wide-angled branching and strong framework. It is hardy to zone 3 but only if well protected, highly productive annually and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium to large, 6.5-7.5 cm (2.5-3") in diameter, round to round-conic, and matures in mid-late season in late September. The skin is medium thick, creamy green base, with 50-100% bright medium to dark red overlay. The flesh is white, crisp, very firm, medium texture, juicy, mildly subacid with a spright pleasant aromatic flavour. It is very good for fresh eating and cooking, baking, sauce or pie, and stores well for at least 15 weeks, well past January. Note: In Saskatchewan this cultivar is not fully hardy even in Zone 3, and is best grown topworked on a hardy stembuilder, such as Garnet, Bedford or Nertchinsk.

Goodland: ( open-pollinated seedling of >Patten Greening=)

It originated with the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, was selected in 1925, tested as Morden 354 and introduced in 1955. The tree is moderately vigorous, upright, round headed, and is annually productive. It is resistant to moderately resistant to fire blight and hardy to zone 2b, although it does much better in the milder zones. The fruit is medium large size, 6-8 cm (2 1/2 - 3") in diameter, round oblate, regular and very uniform, and matures in mid-late season, usually in mid or late September. The skin is light green base with 25-50% washed with medium red. The flesh is pure white, fine textured, crisp yet tender and sweetly subacid. It is very good to excellent for eating and cooking, and stores well for up to 20 weeks. Note: In Saskatchewan this cultivar benefits greatly from top working on a hardy framework tree such as Garnet, Bedford or Nertchinsk,where it is not fully hardy.

Originated with H. Temmerman Morden Nursery and released in 1990. The tree is moderately vigorous, but only hardy in Zone 3a. The fruit is large, 7.5-8.5 cm (3-31/2") in diameter. The fruit is medium to large 7.5 -8.5 cm (3-31/2") in diameter, round to slightly oblate, with medium shallow stem cavity and medium wide abrupt basin, and matures in late September. The skin is medium thick, greenish yellow to fully golden at maturity. The flesh is cream to golden, crisp very mild with excellent flavour. It is excellent for desert, and juicing and fair for cooking, and stores well. Note: Goodmac is not fully hardy in most areas of Saskatchewan and does not appear to benefit greatly from top working.

Originated at Morristown by Seth Kelly, and developed by the University of Minnesota, Excelsior Minnesota, selected in 1913, tested as Minn. 90, named and introduced in 1923. The tree is vigorous, upright, rounded, and annually productive. It is hardy to zone 2a, but too late in most seasons to mature properly, and highly resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 6 cm (2 1/2") in diameter, round conic and matures in mid October. The skin is greenish-yellow with 50-100% dull red overlay and green to russet lenticels. The flesh is white, fine textured, juicy, subacid but pleasant, moderately tender if mature, but usually very firm and slightly tough in this province. The core is closed and very small. It is very good for fresh eating and cooking if mature, and stores well for at least 25 weeks till April and flavour is enhanced by cold storage. Note: This cultivar, because of the late maturity, is best grown topworked on a hardy framework tree such as Garnet, Bedford or Nertchinsk, etc.

There is some dispute over the origin of >Haralred= which is listed as La Crescent, Minnesota by Louis Lantz and commercialized by Bailey=s Nurseries in 1990, or a similar tree described in 1923 from the same origin as Haralson. Regardless it is similar in most details to Haralson but colours more readily and appears to be earlier. It is bright red at maturity and the lenticels are prominently white. Note: Because of the late season of this cultivar the differences in Saskatchewan in most

Honeycrisp: (Macoun x ‘Honegold’)

This cultivar originated by breeders at the University of Minnesota at Excelsior, Minnesota, selected in 1974, tested as Minnesota 1711, and introduced in 1991 (plant patent 7197). The tree is moderately vigorous, upright spreading and regular bearing, and it holds its fruit well. It is unexpectantly hardy in the prairie to at least –42 C, and matures very late October. The fruit is 6.0-7.0 cm ( ) in diameter, oblate to nearly round. The skin is lemon yellow, 50-70% blushed dull scarlet red, and dimpled at base?, with many conspicuous lenticels. The flesh is cream-colored, coarse, ane exceedingly crisp and juicy. It is mildly aromatic, subacid with excellent dessert quality. It stores very well, for at least 5 months at 1 C.

Originated in Rosthern by John Luke from seedlings growing at the Rosthern Experimental Farm when it was closed in 1940, tested by the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, and introduced in 1961. The tree is vigorous, rounded to spreading, with very strong branching. It is hardy to Zone b and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is large, 8- 9 cm (33-32") in diameter, barrel shaped, up to 10 cm (4") in length, and matures in late September to early October. The skin is moderately thick, green, mottled and heavily streaked with dark red. The flesh is greenish-white, somewhat coarse and granular, firm, and moderately juicy. It is only fair for fresh eating, good for cooking, but excellent for baking. It stores well for at least 10 weeks. Note: Since this cultivar is very late maturing, it is susceptible to fall frrezing injury to the main trunk. It is best topworked on a hardy stembuilder such as Garnet or Bedford.

This cultivar is a wholwe-tree sport of Summerland McIntosh originating with Mervyn Greenslade in 1964, Summerland B.C. , Canada, and introduced in 1970 by Hilltop Orchards and Nursery, Hartford , Michigan. (Plant Patent 2982) The tree is moderately vigorous, upright, spur-type with very compact growth. It is very productive, highly resistant to mildew, and very hardy for McIntosh types. The fruit and highly colored and solid red.

It was selected and tested in Minnesota, and used for further breeding, but never formally released. The tree is only moderately vigorous, semi-dwarf, round topped, with strong, wide-angled branching. It is hardy to Zone 2a, moderately resistant to fireblight, but susceptible to freeze injury to the lower trunk in fall. The fruit is small 5-6.5 cm (2-2 1/2") in diameter, oblate, quite regular, with a medium stem cavity, shallow basin, and a long thin pedicel; and it matures in mid to late October. The skin is tough, medium green, almost entirely striped and overlaid with dark bronze-red, and often with russetting on the stem cavity. The flesh is golden yellow, exceedingly firm and very crisp, very juicy, mild and very sweet with a hint of banana flavour. It is excellent for fresh eating, (better with long storage), excellent for sauce, and excellent for juicing. It stores well for up to a full year in a proper storage facility.

It originated with the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada by Dr. C. R. Ure, for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, tested and selected in 1961 at the Beaverlodge Research Station, and released in 1976. The tree is vigorous, upright spreading, precocious, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone b and the reaction to fire blight is untested. The fruit is small-medium size, 6.0 cm ( 2 -21/2") in diameter, slightly oblate, uniform and matures in late September . The skin is green, with a light brick-red blush. The flesh is cream, crisp, fine-textured, slightly astringent but with good flavour. It is fair for fresh eating, good for cooking and stores very well for at least 20 weeks. Note: No reference to its reaction to fire blight is reported in the literature.

Originated a in Sparta, Michigan by Lewis Arends, from a chance seedling in 1960, and introduced in 1967 by Hilltop Nurseries, Hartford , Michigan. (Plant Patent 2800). The tree is medium height, vigorous, upright, forming wide crotch angles on a strong central leader. It is very productive, very biennial, highly susceptible to powdery mildew, and hardy to ???? It hangs well on the tree and matures three weeks before McIntosh.. The fruit is cm (2.5-23/4"), round oblate, The skin is light yellow and almost entirely colored solid bright red, with a heavy bloom. The flesh is white, firm, crisp, juicy, fine-grained texture, subacid and sprightly flavored.

Originated with ??? Powell of North Battleford. The fruit is medium size, 6.5-7.0 cm (2 1/2") in diameter, and matures in late September. The skin is yellow base, almost completely overlaid with bright crimson. The flesh is yellowish, medium texture, sweet, crisp and juicy, with good flavour. It is very good for fresh eating and stores for 4 weeks.

It originated with Excelsior , Minnesota, selected in ???, tested as Minn 1907. The tree is vigorous, with good branching habit but susceptible to firelight. The fruit is 7-8 cm (2 3/4- 31/4") in diameter and matures in late September to mid October. The skin is green ground, overlaid w and striped bright red. The flesh is creamy white, medium texture with a nutty flavour. It is good for fresh eating and baking, and stores well. Note: This cultivar is not fully hardy except inprotected sites in Zone 3.

Red Sparkle: ( >Trail= X >Macintosh= )

It originating at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, bred by C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected at AHRC, Brooks, Alberta, tested as M-370 and PF47, and released in 1990. The tree is moderately vigorous, rounded, with a strong framework, and a tendency to set fruit distally on buds near the ends of branches. It is hardy to zone 2b, and is resistant to fire blight. The fruit is small to medium in size, 5-6 cm ( 2-2.5") in diameter, round to round conic, and matures in mid-late season, usually late September. The skin is green base, predominantly overlaid with dark red and a moderate bloom. The flesh is white, very crisp and juicy, with a distinctive and full flavour. It is very good for fresh eating, good for cooking, and excellent for juicing. It stores well for at least 20 weeks. Note: Due to the fruiting and branching habit of the cultivar, annual pruning of all branches is recommended to make the tree more compact, and to force lateral branching..

It originated with Excelsior, Minnesota in 19?? and tested as Minnesota 1630.

The fruit is large, 8 cm (3 1/2") in diameter, The skin is greenish yellow base and entirely overlaid and striped with dark red. The flesh is very crisp, juicy, sweet, and aromatic. It is excellent for fresh eating, and cooking, and stores well until into January or 15 weeks.

It originated in Excelsior, Minnesota by Peter M. Gideon, in 1869. The tree is moderately vigorous, round topped, and prone to biennial bearing. It is hardy in only well protected sites in Zone 3, and 2b. The fruit is medium large, 7.5 cm (3') in diameter, near round to round conic, and matures in early to mid October in Saskatchewan. The skin is medium thick, greenish yellow, blushed and striped with bright red and covered with a white bloom. The flesh is white, fine, crisp, tender, juicy, sub-acid and aromatic. It is very good for fresh eating and excellent for cooking. It stores well for at least 12 weeks.

CRABAPPLES and APPLECRABS: - defined as less than 5 cm ( 2") in diameter.

Early season - late July to late August

Originated with the University of Saskatchewan, by Dr. C. F. Patterson, selected in 1945, tested as A55-101, and introduced in 1959. The tree is vigorous, with good branching habit, a heavy bearer, and annually productive It is hardy to Zone 1, and susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is 4.0 - 4.5 cm (1 3/4-17/8") in diameter, round conic, and matures in late July to early August. The skin is thin, light cream base and well covered with light crimson. The flesh is creamy white to yellowish, mildly acid, with a pleasant flavour. It is good for fresh eating and for cooking, but it stores very poorly.

Rescue: ( open pollinated seedling of > Blushed Calville=)

It originated at the Scott Experimental Station, Agriculture Canada, was tested as Scott #1, and introduced in 1933. The tree is moderately vigorous, rounded to spreading, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 1, and moderately resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium large in size, 3.5 cm (1 2") in diameter, round ovate, and matures in mid to late August. The skin is thin, greenish-yellow well-washed and striped with dull red. The flesh is yellowish-white, firm, crisp, sub acid and sweet with a pleasant flavour. It is good for fresh eating, juicing and canning but goes mealy quickly. It stores for only 3 weeks. It is also very useful as an ornamental because of profuse bloom.

It originated at the Brandon Experimental Farm and released in 1916. The tree is moderately vigorous, spreading, round topped, annually productive, and with strong wide angled branches. It is hardy to Zone 1, and moderately resistant to firelight. The fruit is small to medium, 3.0-3.5 cm (1 1/4 - 3/8" ) in diameter, oblate, 5-ribbed, and matures in mid September. The skin is thin, waxy, yellow, and heavily washed with dull red. The flesh is yellow, firm, crisp, juicy, and briskly sub-acid. It is only fair for fresh eating and most culinary purposes. Note: the major use for this cultivar today is as a stembuider for top working, and for seedling rootstock.

It originated at the University of Minnesota, Excelsior, and introduced in 1957. The tree is very productive annually, and moderately resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium large, 4.0-4.5 cm (12-1¾") in diameter, round conic, long stemmed, with a narrow shallow stem cavity and flat basin; and it matures in mid season from searly to mid September. The skin is orange-yellow, fully striped and overlaid with red with corky lenticels, and covered with a medium purplish bloom. The flesh is yellow, crisp, tender juicy and mildly acid. It is very good for fresh eating and cooking, especially sauce..

Originated at Valley River, Manitoba, by W. J. Boughen. The tree is semi dwarfing, rounded, precocious, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 1, and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 3 cm (13@) in diameter, round conic, ribbed, and matures in late August to early September. The skin is golden yellow, striped and splashed with dull red. The flesh is yellow, melting sub acid, and mild tasting. It is only fair for fresh eating and culinary uses. Note: this cultivar is fair to good for top working midseason cultivars.

Originated at the Experimental Station, Brookings, South Dakota in 1897, from seed obtained from Russia, and introduced in 1917. The tree is vigorous, narrowly upright, spreading somewhat with age, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 1, and susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is small, 3 cm (1 2 ") in diameter, ovate to oblong conic, with a pointed basin, and matures in late August early September. The skin is yellow base, heavily or totally washed with scarlet and covered with a heavy bluish bloom. The flesh is creamy to yellow, crisp, juicy, acid, aromatic, and somewhat astringent. It is only fair for fresh eating and canning, very good for jelly and good for juicing. It bruises easily, and does not keep well. It is valuable mostly as an ornamental because of its large pinkish-white blossoms and colourful fruit.

Originated at Excelsior, Minnesota by Peter M. Gideon, and introduced about 1885. The tree is vigorous, wide spreading, and is annually productive. It is hardy to Zone b, and moderately resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, oblate and matures in late August to mid September. The skin is thin but tough, yellowish white and overlaid with a bright pinkish red. The flesh is yellow, tinged with red, crisp, juicy, briskly subacid but pleasant, and has a small compact core. It is fair to good for fresh eating and jelly, and excellent for canning. Note: This cultivar is no longer readily available.

Heyer 6: ( Parentage unknown )

Originated at Neville, Saskatchewan by Adolph Heyer, but never officially released for commerce. The tree is semi dwarf, upright rounded, with excellent branching habit and strong crotches. It is hardy o Zone 2a, and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is large 4.5 - 5.0 cm (1 3/4 - 2" ) in diameter, and matures in mid September. The skin is yellow with a red blush to completely bright red. It is good for fresh eating Note; This cultivar is excellent for top working mid season cultivars, and has on occasion been sold as Hewer 20.

Originated at the Experimental Farm, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, by ??? and released in 1910. The tree is moderately vigorous, very spreading, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 1, and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 3.5 cm (1 2" ) in diameter, round oblate, irregular in shape, and matures in late August early September. The skin is medium thick, pale yellow and washed almost completely with crimson or dull red. The flesh is yellow, crisp, tender, acid and slightly astringent. It is only fair for fresh eating, but good for jelly and canning, and stores for a few weeks.

Originated at Boughen=s Nursery, Valley River, Manitoba, and introduced in 1937. The tree is vigorous, and hardy. The fruit is small to medium, 4.0 cm (1 2 A ) in diameter, round conic ,and matures in mid September. The skin is pale yellow with a red blush. The flesh is yellow, coarse sub-acid and somewhat astringent . Ii is fair for fresh eating, and good for canning.

Originated with the Experimental Farm at Indian Head, Saskatchewan, Agriculture Canada, and introduced in 1936. The tree is moderately vigorous with excellent growth habit, a heavy bearer and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 2a, and is highly resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 4.5 cm ((13/4") in diameter, round oblate, and matures in late August to early September. The skin is light yellow, streaked and blushed medium red. The flesh is light yellow, very mild, and extremely sweet. It is good for fresh eating, but poor for culinary purposes, and it stores for only a short period..

Originated with the Rosthern Experimental Farm, Saskatchewan, Agriculture Canada, selected in 1936 and tested under this name but never officially released for commerce. The tree is vigorous, upright and spreading, and moderately productive. It is hardy to Zone 2a, and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size 4.5 cm - 5.0 (1 3/4-2" ) in diameter, oblate, and matures in mid September. The skin is greenish-yellow with striped red or almost completely washed red. The flesh is white, fine textured, pleasant but somewhat astringent. It is good for fresh eating, good for cooking and stores well for 8 weeks. This is the description of the original cultivar which is now difficult to find.

Rosybrook: ( >Trail= X >Rescue= )

Originated with the Alberta Horticulture research Centre, Brooks Alberta, selected as 15C-15-29 in 1969, tested as BA 29, and introduced in 1981. The tree is moderately vigorous, round headed, and annually productive. It is hardy to Zone 2a, and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium large, 4-5 cm (1 2- 2") in diameter, round and irregular, log stemmed, and matures in early to mid September. The skin is pale yellowish green, with a red blush or mostly covered with red. The flesh is creamy white, fine textured, crisp, subacid but sweet, with no astringency. It is very good for fresh eating, cooking, and canning, and stores for 9-10 weeks.

Discovered br W. Shafer, Poplar Point, Manitoba, and introduced by the Morden Research Station in 1963. The tree is moderately vigorous, upright branching habit. It is hardy to Zone b, but susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 4.5 cm (1 3/4") in diameter, oblate, and matures in early September. The skin is bright yellow, blushed to mostly washed with bright red. The flesh is yellow, crisp, tender but slightly coarse, very juicy, and sweet with a pleasant flavour..

It is good for fresh eating, and sauce, and stores for a short while..

Originated at the Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Agriculture Canada, by and introduced in 1911. The tree is vigorous, rounded to upright with good branching habit. It is hardy to Zone b but requires protection, moderately resistant to fire blight, but prone to trunk cracking, sunscald, and cankers especially during the training phase. The fruit is 4.0- 5.0 cm (1 3/4 -2") in diameter, round or slightly oblate with a small core and matures in early to mid September. The skin is pale yellow, washed and striped several shades of orange red. The flesh is yellowish, firm, crisp, very juicy, briskly, subacid, but not astringent.. It is excellent for fresh eating, excellent for cooking, canning, juicing, and apple butter.

Originated with the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, by Dr. C. R. Use,

for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, tested and selected, at the Beaverlodge Research Station by R. E. Harris, and introduced in 1973. The tree is vigorous, upright spreading, precocious, annually productive and a heavy bearer. It is hardy to Zone 1, and highly resistant to fire blight. The fruit is 4.0-4.5 cm (1 3/4") in diameter, near round or slightly round oblate, and matures in late August to early September. The skin is thin, yellow blushed or overlaid with brownish red. The flesh is golden yellow, crisp, sub acid, and juicy with a pleasant and slightly nutty flavour. It is excellent for fresh eating, cooking, canning, and fair to good for juicing.

Originated at the Rosthern Experimental Farm, Saskatchewan, Agriculture Canada, selected in 1935, tested as Rosthern #2, and introduced in 1936. The tree is vigorous, upright spreading, round topped, with excellent wide-angled branching. It is hardy to Zone 1, and resistant to firelight. The fruit is medium size, 4.0-4.5 cm (1 2" ) in diameter, round oblate, and matures in late September to early October. The skin is yellow and washed with crimson. The flesh is yellow, crisp, acid, but pleasant. It is excellent for canning and jelly, and good for juicing. Note: The main use for this cultivar today is as a stembuilder for top working.

Originated at the University of Minnesota, Excelsior, selected in 1921, tested as Minn. 240, and introduced in 1946. The tree is vigorous, spreading, broad with a flattened top, strong branching habit with wide crotches. It is hardy to zone b, but somewhat susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is large, 5 cm (2") in diameter, oblate, slightly ribbed and conic at the base, with a long slender stem, a deep and wide stem cavity and basin with a closed calyx, and matures in mid to late September. The skin is yellow base, often russetted, and striped and overlaid with light red and bronze red stripes, The flesh is yellow, firm, fine-textured, crisp, juicy, sub-acid with a sweet, spicy to nutty but pleasant flavour. It is very good to excellent for fresh eating, and very good for cooking, canning, sauce, and stores for at least 6 weeks.

Originated at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Agriculture Canada, by Dr. Charles Saunders, . The tree is very vigorous, tall, and rounded, very productive. It is hardy to Zone 1, and resistant to fire blight. The fruit is 3.5 cm (1 1/4 - 1 2" ) in diameter, near round to conic, ribbed, and matures in late September. The skin is thick, pale green and well washed and striped with deep red.. The flesh is yellowish, fine, acid and astringent. It is poor for fresh eating, and only fair for canning, and stores for 5 weeks. Resistant to fire blight and very hardy. Note: Columbia seedlings are vigorous , even, very hardy and therefore excellent for rootstock, which is its only use today.

Originated at Valley River, Manitoba, by W. J Boughen, and introduced in 1930. The tree is very vigorous, round topped, with a very strong framework, strong crotches, and excellent branching habit. It is hardy to Zone 2a, and highly resistant to fire blight. The fruit is small to medium size, 4 cm (1 5/8") ) in diameter, oblate, (almost bell shaped with a shallow stem cavity, flat bottom and shallow basin), somewhat blocky and ribbed, and matures in early October. The skin is light green covered totally with dark red, and a moderate bloom. The flesh is yellow, crisp, sweet, nutty-flavoured, and somewhat astringent. It is fair for fresh eating, excellent for jelly and canning and fair to good for juicing. Note: This cultivar has excellent strong branches, wide crotches, and is disease resistant, and therefore exceptional as a stembuilder for top working.

Originated with the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Manitoba, selected and tested as Morden 352, and introduced in 1952. The tree is moderately vigorous, broadly upright, round-headed, annually productive, with strong wide-angled branches. It is hardy to Zone b, and moderately resistant to fire blight. The fruit is medium size, 4.5 cm (1 3/4") in diameter, oblong oblate, log stemmed, with shallow stem cavity and basin, and matures in late September to early October. The skin is creamy yellow, completely covered with crimson and later maroon, and covered with a medium bluish bloom. The flesh is yellow and tinged with red, very firm, very crisp, very juicy, somewhat tart but very sweet. It is very good for fresh eating ( better with storage), excellent for cooking and canning, and superb for juicing. It has excellent storage capability for up to 27 weeks.