The New York State Fruit Testing Cooperative Association—60 Years of New Fruit Varieties

Abstract

Sixty years ago the New York State Fruit Testing Cooperative Association, Geneva, N.Y. was incorporated. The purpose of this non-profit organization was to provide an efficient means of getting new varieties from the fruit breeding program of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station at Geneva introduced into the fruit growing trade. Another objective was to get a wider test and quicker evaluation for promising new selections and new varieties. Healthy, true-to-name fruit trees of new and promising varieties were made available to growers who in turn were encouraged to report on the performance of these fruit varieties under their conditions. These remain in the basic purposes of the Fruit Testing Association today. The aims have been broadened to encompass new pomological technology such as special rootstocks and virus-free material.