A Nationwide Project in Fruit Variety Appraisal

Abstract

The evaluation of fruit varieties has long been a neglected project. The chief lack has been a coordinated or national plan for making an appraisal or comparison of varieties which would be of value to fruit growers and nurseryman. The result of this situation is to make a guessing contest of both nursery propagation and orchard planting. Each propagator tries to guess for a few years ahead, the demands of the fruit growers. At the same time the growers will be guessing as to what the consumer demand is likely to be several more years hence. Into both of these choices should go the advice of scientific pomologists and the experience of the fruit growers themselves. The lack of reliable recommendations has always been the handicap of most systematic horticulturists because of inadequate testing facilities. The most reliable evaluation of varieties necessitates the development of well conceived test plantings, a carefully prepared score card, and a wealth of observational experience. Out of these should come an unbiased appraisal or comparison of those fruit varieties which are old enough to have fruited several years.