Apple tree EarleeGrannee strain

Abstract

The presently described apple tree originated as a genetic bud sport on a Summerland strain of non-spur, unpatented, Granny Smith apple tree in the Calvin L. Cooper orchard located near Brewster, Wash. The new variety of apple tree is somewhat more compact in structure than is its parent, but otherwise is generally similar to the latter with respect to trunk, branches, leaves and flowers. However, its fruit is uniquely characterized by its property of maturing early, i.e. up to 14 days earlier than the fruit of its parent regular Granny Smith variety. This property is evidenced by early loss of the characteristic white spots from its skin, and in particular by early and substantial rise in soluble solids content and early, rapid, and substantial drop in total acidity. It also is noticeably lighter in color.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of Granny Smith apple tree substantially as herein shown and described, characterized by its compact form and by the early maturing of its fruit with respect to the whiteness of its flesh, the loss of the characteristic (to Granny Smith apples) white spots from its skin, the development of skin of a lighter green color, and, in particular, by early and substantial rise in soluble solids content and early, rapid and substantial drop in total acidity.