the Empire apple - the most successful apple variety ever released by Cornell University's Agricultural Experiment Station, in Geneva, NY.
by Linda McCandless
Geneva, NY - This is the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the Empire apple - the most successful apple variety ever released by Cornell University's Agricultural Experiment Station, in Geneva, NY.
"Empire, a cross between a McIntosh and Red Delicious, is a medium-sized, attractive, dark red apple, of excellent eating quality," said retired Station pomologist Roger D. Way, who was responsible for Empire's release in 1966. In the orchard, Empire trees are highly productive and grower-friendly, said Way. Empire consistently outyields Red Delicious and is even better than McIntosh as far as marketable yield is concerned. Empire is a very suitable variety for high-density apple orchards and stores well.
"It can take 15 to 20 years for a new introduction to gain wide acceptance among commercial growers and consumers," said Susan K. Brown, the current director of the 
Experiment Station's apple breeding program. She released the station's newest apple, Fortune, last January. "Empire is an excellent example of just how worthwhile these introductions can be in the long term," Brown said. Fortune, a firm, juicy apple with a sprightly, spicy flavor, is good for fresh eating, pies, and sauce, and will be available in limited quantities at local supermarkets this fall.
Empire apple production in New York has increased at an "unparalleled rate" since the variety's introduction in 1966. "It is arguably the most successful apple variety ever released by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station," said Ken Silsby, fruit extension specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, in an article on "Tree Fruits" in the August issue of American Agriculturist.
According to Silsby, Empire has gained a wide acceptance for a number of reasons. It is productive under a wide range of planting systems; it is 
harvested during the gap between McIntosh and Delicious; it is resistant to preharvest fruit drop and storage scald; it has low susceptibility to fire blight; and it has outstanding fruit quality for color, firmness, and storage.
New York growers currently produce half of the total U.S. Empire crop, which amounts to 95 million lbs. or 2.5 million bushels. Empire is one of five prominent commercial varieties that have been released by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY, during its 116-year history of service to New York State agriculture. The other four are Cortland, Jonagold, Macoun, and Jonamac. In 1995, these varieties accounted for roughly one-fifth of New York's 1.1. billion pounds of production - about 215 million pounds, or 5 million bushels.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of both Empire and Fortune are available in color and B&W.
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