This is an example of a grafting success story. In this case the “take” of the scionwood on the tree in this photo looks very good after two years. A couple of bark grafts were placed on a youngish, multi-stemmed tree, primarily as a holding unit. That isn’t a bad…
Dear reader: If you have discovered a new apple, please record it here along with as much info that you have about it. If you have more details about varieties already listed, please add that, too. There is a second page to this sheet with some naming suggestions for naming…
What is a “Rootstock Blowout”? Almost all named varieties of apple and crab apple seedlings are grafted, with a named variety grafted on top of a rootstock variety known for various beneficial characteristics. These characteristics might be drought resistance, dwarfing or semi-dwarfing of the tree, cold hardiness, and so forth….
—Jack Kertesz, Fall 2020 1 Sketchy notes for a sketchy little confused crab apple, on an unintentional fruit finding foray. Considerable coddling moth damage on these, I found only a few unblemished. How do you record your finds? 2 Below is another Bangor crab apple blowout. These apples were abundant…
—October, 2020 Two new seedling finds at a Motel 6 in Bangor. Both raised by crabs that were neglected. Extremely tangled base of red variety leaves me questioning how these things can survive. Flavor is pretty sweet, some water core and coddling moth damage but nothing that I wouldn’t appreciate…
…and the “Intrastate” Connections That Have Kept It Alive —by Jack Kertesz, November 2020 This is not a story of the discovery of some ancient apple variety, nor is it the story of one that will alter the course of future plant breeding. It is the story of a chance…
—by Jack Kertesz, submitted March 2020 Evidence exists of deliberate nut tree planting efforts, primarily directed by a few individuals, some of which have occasionally spread to outlying communities. The remaining trees or stands could provide valuable genetic material and a realistic glimpse at the potential for these tree crops…
by Jack Kertesz One could name this “Cascade” crab, but it’s real name still remains a mystery. This is the “Waterville P.O.” crab. It generated some interest at Great Maine Apple Day. The flavor is unique, perhaps a bit winey. They are a delight to snack on and rather large…
A Casual Hobby With Fruitful Rewards —by Jack Kertesz & Laura Sieger Do you like: plants? intrigue? history? adventure? Then you may want to join the ranks of amateur fruit explorers literally “beating the bushes” in pursuit of what’s out there. DO I NEED A BACKGROUND IN BOTANY? It could…
—by Jack Kertesz, March 2018 If you came to the SCIONWOOD EXCHANGE intrigued by old varieties . . . . . . take a moment and think about this. In this room is evidence of a Pomological past, maintained for the present and likely preserved for the future. Some of…
