Dwarf McIntosh apple tree

Abstract

A new and distinct spur-type variety of McIntosh apple tree is provided which exhibits an extreme degree of dwarfness. The new variety was produced as a single limb mutation in a fifty year old standard McIntosh apple tree. The tree possesses an extremely compact, strong and rigid structure and bears fruit which is less intense in color than other spur-type McIntosh apple tree strains such as the Gatzke strain (non-patented), the Greenslade strain (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,982), and the Raikes strain (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,390).

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of apple tree of the spur-type which is a mutation of a standard McIntosh apple tree substantially as shown and described, characterized by an extreme degree of dwarfness; limbs of unusual strength and rigidity; and when compared to the McIntosh apple tree -- Gatzke strain (non-patented), the McIntosh apple tree -- Greenslade strain (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,982) and the McIntosh apple tree -- Raikes strain (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,390) possesses (a) a more upright growth habit, (b) thicker and greener leaves, (c) shorter and heavier fruiting spurs which are more closely spaced and more numerous per linear foot, (d) a shorter internodal spacing between leaves which is more heavily calipered, (e) shoots of greater thickness, (f) a fruit color which is less intense, and (g) a fruit shape which is slightly more oblate with a shorter and thicker stem.