LIBERTY, a new disease resistant apple

Abstract

At first, the objective of this project was resistance to apple scab only, but it soon became clear that when apples were grown without any chemical disease control, the other major diseases (cedar apple rust, fire blight, and mildew) could be more serious. Thus, the objectives were broadened to include resistance to these diseases as well. In 'Liberty,' we have an apple that has a measure of resistance to all four of these diseases. Our experience so far is that it can be grown without any fungicidal sprays. Since it is not resistant to insect, however, spraying or other means of insect control must still be used.