Farmers Independent

Breaking into the "accepted" circle is more difficult for new varieties of plums and other horticultural fruits than for society "peaches." In fact, every new fruit is considered a "lemon" until it has demonstrated its ability to measure up to the strict requirements of the fruit breeders and to withstand varied conditions.

Accordingly, more than 30 new varieties of raspberries, plums, pears and apples are being sent out by the fruit breeders of the University of Minnesota division of horticulture for trial at about 20 different experiment stations in the United States and Canada and in Alaska, Poland, Russia and New Zealand.

Among these new varieties are several seedlings that have been originated at the University Fruit Breeding Farm. Some have been obtained from other stations and have shown promise in Minnesota. States that have received one or more of the new varieties include North Dakota, Michigan, New Jersey, No. Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Washington.

In addition, there are approximately 50 fruit growers and nurseries in Minnesota and nearby states who are cooperating with the University Farm horticulturists in testing out these new fruits.

The advantages of having tests made at outside stations are several, says W. G. Brierly, who is in charge of the distribution. The judgments of other scientists regarding the new varieties are secured; the widely different soil and climatic conditions under which the fruits are tried out afford worthwhile data as to their adaptability and range of usefulness, and the number of trials per year is increased, thereby speeding up the process of testing.