Mutation of Summerland Red McIntosh apple tree

Abstract

The new variety is a whole tree bud mutation of the Summerland Red McIntosh apple tree (non-patented) which was discovered in my orchard at Oyama, British Columbia, Canada. This variety is of the spur-type, possesses a vigorous compact more upright growth habit, and heavily bears fruit on a consistent basis which is of a more intense solid red color. It possesses more fruiting spurs per linear foot than the McIntosh apple tree -- Gatzke strain (non-patented) and less fruiting spurs per linear foot than the McIntosh apple tree -- Greenslade strain (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,982) and the McIntosh apple tree -- Raikes strain (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,390). Additionally, its propensity to form shoots (i.e. vegetative growth) is different (as described) than that of the McIntosh apple tree -- Gatzke strain, the McIntosh apple tree -- Greenslade strain and the McIntosh apple tree -- Raikes strain.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of apple tree of the spur-type which is a whole tree mutation of the Summerland Red McIntosh apple tree (non-patented) substantially as shown and described, characterized by a vigorous compact more upright growth habit with only a slightly spreading tendency, the ability to heavily bear fruit which is of a more intense red color, large dark green leaves, more fruiting spurs per linear foot than the McIntosh apple tree -- Gatzke strain (non-patented), less fruiting spurs per linear foot than the McIntosh apple tree -- Greenslade strain (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,982) and the McIntosh apple tree -- Raikes strain (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,390), the propensity to form when three years of age significantly less shoots on two year old branches than the McIntosh apple tree -- Gatzke strain (non-patented) and the McIntosh apple tree -- Greenslade strain (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,982), the propensity to form when three years of age more shoots on two year old branches than the McIntosh apple tree -- Raikes strain (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,390), and the propensity to form after three years of age generally less shoots than the McIntosh apple tree -- Gatzke strain (non-patented).