Good Fruit Grower

December 2015

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www.goodfruit.com Good Fruit Grower DECEMBER 2015 81 orchardist, Doug Shefelbine, who highly recommended getting involved in an organization that encouraged developing new varieties. "It's an organization of fruits and nuts interested in fruits and nuts," Nystrom joked, referring to the North American Fruit Explorers. Shefelbine said that he always recommends fellow orchardists to get involved in the organization because of its value to the industry. "This is a good organization and one that you can learn so much from," said Shefelbine, owner and operator of Shefelbine Orchard and Pumpkin Patch in Holmen, Wisconsin. He said finding new varieties takes time and patience because, for every 10,000 seeds, you may come up with one exceptional variety. Through the encouragement of the organization, Nystrom followed advice to plant many seeds and see what grew. Since the beginning he has used the open pollination method, which he's had good luck with, as evidenced by the growing popularity and buzz around his SugarBee apple, which came from an open-polli- nated Honeycrisp tree. Today, SugarBee has worldwide propagation rights held by Regal Fruit International and is licensed to Chelan Fruit Cooperative in Washington to produce the variety in the United States. Mac Riggan, director of marketing at Chelan Fresh, said that in the testing phase of the commercial devel- opment of the variety it is delivering a consistent eating experience. In particular, each apple is crispy every time, which is a key attribute to the success or failure of a vari- ety. He said that it also maintains its flavor and stores well, which is not always the norm with other favorite varieties. And as for post-harvest issues like bitter pit, it hasn't been seen, he said. At this time Chelan is mainly in the process of growing trees to grow wood to create more trees for orchards. Trees are being planted as they become available. The first fruit will likely be introduced to the retail market on a limited basis in 2019. "It's a good apple and is good for our industry," Riggan said. Nystrom likes the SugarBee for its milder, sweeter flavor and amazing texture, all components he believes are determining factors to what turns a good apple into an amazing apple. Yet, SugarBee isn't the be-all, end-all apple for Nystrom. He prefers a tarter apple. He's looking for a better flavored tart apple than a Red Haralson. He continues to plant and care for new seedlings— anywhere from 200 to 300 on average annually—in search of the apple that will suit his taste buds and appeal to the masses. And, he may just be on to the next best thing aside from Red Haralson. Nystrom said he's developed a vari- ety that has a nicer finish and a fabulous flavor. It is in the testing phase and a final decision to develop the variety commercially is in the works. "New variety development is very exciting and sat- isfying," Nystrom said. "There's a lot going on here." • Andrea Nelson is a freelance writer based in Webster, Minnesota. "Only God creates it; I found it. I plant the seeds and take care of them." —Chuck Nystrom HARVEST RENTALS ON SALE NOW! Do great things with Kubota's L and M Series tractors. Offer ends 12/31/15. $ 0 Down, 0 % Financing for 72 Months * A.P.R. CALIFORNIA 509-952-9488 PASCO 509-544-6678 WALLA WALLA 509-839-2066 UNION GAP 509-248-8411 GEORGE 509-785-2595 CLE ELUM 509-674-4544 MATTAWA 509-785-2595 SUNNYSIDE 509-839-2066 *$0 down, 0% A.P.R. fi nancing for up to 72 months on purchases of new Kubota L (excluding L39/L45) and M (excluding M59), MX, M5660/6060/7060, M5 and M6 Series equipment available to qualifi ed purchasers from participating dealers' Dealer Participation Required. Example: A 72-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 72 payments of $13.89 per $1,000 fi nanced. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate fi nancing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 12/31/2015. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown. . See Your Nearest BLUELINE EQUIPMENT DEALER SPECIAL DISCOUNTS HUGE SAVINGS !

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