Origin: in Geneva, N.Y. Introd. in 1973 by George D. Oberle, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. & State Univ., Agr. Expt. Sta. Parentage unknown. Seed sent to New York State, Agr. Expt. Sta. (NYS, AES), in 1928 by a Mr. Marks, from an area near the Hudson River, for identification; seed planted and germinated by Richard Wellington, NYS, AES, and tested as Marks l; selected in 1940 by George D. Oberle then of NYS, AES, and tested by him in Virginia since 1948. Tree: size average or below; upright with profuse branching; moderate vigor and productivity; shows more tolerance to fire blight than most P. communis types; recommended for cooler areas of Virginia. Fruit: small; ovate, short pyriform; skin olive green to yellowish ground color, unattractive, smooth to slightly russeted; flesh creamy white, tender, juicy, very few grit cells, flavor and quality good, flesh qualities resemble Sheldon; ripens 1 Sept. or 1 week before Seckel.
Home