Parkland

(Rescue X Red Melba)

Originated at the Morden Research Station, Agriculture Canada, by Dr. C. R. Ure for the Prairie Fruit Breeding Cooperative, selected as 51-101-1 at Lacombe, tested as PF 26, and released in 1979. The tree is semi-vigorous, compact, upright spreading with a tendency to biennial bearing. It is hardy to zone 2a, and susceptible to fire blight. The fruit is medium to large size, 6-7 cm (2.5 - 3.5") in diameter, round oblate, regular, and matures in early to mid September. The flesh is greenish-yellow base, with 2- 40% washed and striped with red. The flesh is creamy white tinged with green, moderately acidic but pleasant. It is good for fresh eating and cooking and stores for up to 8 weeks. Note: To counter the biennial bearing habit regular annual pruning and fruit thinning is required. They are also prone to falling off the tree when hit with a lawn mower. Our tree had pretty severe dieback in 2013 after a brutal spring, but has come back. I have planted another on different rootstock so will evaluate its hardiness.