July, 1998
Rocky Meadow Orchard and Nursery of New Salisbury, Ind. has released
its newly patented cultivar Big Red Gala. Propagation and distribution rights
have been assigned to Protree Nurseries of Brentwood, Calif.
The new apple is a limb sport discovered in 1992 by Tina Fackler, daughter
of Rocky Meadow owner Ed Fackler. As the name indicates, Big Red Gala is
30-40% larger than other strains. It has a medium-red blush. Harvest dates
and times are similar to other strains.
Most evaluation of the tree has been done at Rocky Meadow, located in southern
Indiana, and in central California, according to Ed Fackler. More recent
plantings have been established in Ohio, Michigan, New York, Virginia, Georgia
and Washington, primarily in commercial production orchards.
Big Red Gala trees have been planted in test plots at Purdue University,
the University of Kentucky, Ohio State University, Michigan State University
and the University of Massachusetts. Purdue's Jules Janick is looking at
the apple in an effort to ascertain possible changes in genetic makeup.
Initial tests indicate that it has retained Gala's diploid characteristics.
Flesh density for Big Red Gala is much greater than regular Gala apples.
The typical weight of the fruit is 380 grams as compared to 20 grams for
regular strains.
Protree is licensed to propagate the tree in France, Germany and Italy and
will soon be licensed in Chile. Rocky Meadow has also retained propagation
rights, and limited quantities of trees are available for 1999 planting.
Call Ed or Tina Fackler at (812) 347-2213 or Richard Chevez of Protree at
(800) 634-1671.
The Great Lakes Fruit Growers
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