Spur Strains of McIntosh Discovered in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

The discovery in 1964, 1967, 1968 and 1969 of a number of spur-type mutations of 'McIntosh' provides a selection of strains for a grower wishing to plant a compact form of this cultivar. While some of the strains could have originated from a common bud stick, it is equally certain that, because of striking inherent differences, others are quite unrelated. Taking all factors known to the author into account, it is considered likely that each strain represents a separate mutation.

All strains are characterized, in greater or less degree, by compact growth habit, with reduced distances between nodes, limited side branching on shoots, and heavy development of fruit spurs. All sports have a more stiff, upright, growth habit than regular 'McIntosh', and none is prone to the 'blind wood condition so common with the parent cultivar. These sports, in general, are considered to have a higher vigor level than spur strains of 'Golden Delicious' or 'Delicious'. Leaf color is deeper green than with 'McIntosh', and observations with several strains suggest a marked degree of resistance to powdery mildew infection. All strains, with one exception, are reported to be sports of the 'Summerland Red McIntosh', and all but one are blush color strains, similar to 'Summerland Red'.