Origin of New York E-6 Apple

Abstract

In my article entitled "Apple Varieties of Outstanding Flavor", in the September 1960 issue of Fruit Varieties and Horticultural Digest, the variety New York E-6 is mentioned. This is one of the three varieties chosen for late winter. It is a fruit selection which has been described by Leo Klein, who is in charge of the apple breeding program at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. It seems to me of interest to add that New York E-6 was originally selected even before it had fruited-in fact, when the seedling was only a few weeks old-because of its triploid genetic make-up. This was done by Dr. John Einset, of the same Station, in connection with a cytological study he was making of the prQgeny of diploid parents. This fascinating example of modern genetics can best be described in Mr. Klein's own words, which are as follows:

"Dr. Einset was trying to determine the incidence of triploids resulting from diploid parents and, as I recall, he discovered three or four triploids in the'Red Spy × Golden Delicious progeny. Of these three or four, two have been selected as having sufficient merit to warrant further testing. These are E-6 and E-36, the latter an early Spy type, maturing about with McIntosh. Triploids developed in this way are more likely to be worthwhile seedlings than their diploid sibs for the simple reason that the complete chromosomal complement of the female parent (Red Spy) is transmitted intact, without any resegregation, whereas triploids developed from the tetraploid-diploid crosses are much more variable because resegregation has occurred."—R. A. Nitchke, Birmingham, Michigan.