The Genetic Lineage of State Fair Apples

State Fair apples, scientifically classified as Malus domestica, have roots tracing back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. This variety originated in Excelsior, Minnesota, and was developed by the University of Minnesota in 1979. However, to fully understand the genetic history of State Fair, we must delve into the parentage of the two parents that contributed to this esteemed apple variety—MANTET and ORIOLE.

The Parentage of MANTET

MANTET is a hybrid of McIntosh and Tetofsky, whose lineage can be traced back to the 19th century.

Mantet's Legacy

Mantet first appeared in the 1930s, in the province of Manitoba, Canada. Its development is a fascinating study in the evolution of apple breeding. The McIntosh, one of the parents of Mantet, is a well-known Canadian variety, developed in the St. Lawrence Valley by John McIntosh in the early 1820s. A probable parent of McIntosh, the Fameuse, originated in Quebec, Canada, in the 18th century. The other parent of Mantet, Tetofsky, is intriguing as its parentage remains unknown, but it was introduced in Russia in 1835, making it a mysterious addition to the apple breeding lineage.

The ORIOLE Connection

The other parent, ORIOLE, is a more recent addition to the apple gene pool, developed by the University of Minnesota in 1949, with origins in Minnesota, United States.

The ORIOLE Hybrid

ORIOLE is the result of a unique cross between Yellow Transparent, an ancient Russian variety with origins before 1870, and the Liveland Raspberry, a hybrid with uncertain parentage that was introduced in Livonia (now in Estonia and Latvia) in 1883.

Ancestral Tree

When connecting the dots, the ancestry of State Fair apples involves an intricate web of genetic heritage. The McIntosh, with its roots in North Georgia and North America, through Fameuse and Detroit Red, and the Tetofsky from Russia, contribute to the genetic diversity of MANTET. ORIOLE, carrying the legacy of Yellow Transparent and the enigmatic Liveland Raspberry, adds another layer of complexity to this lineage. Together, these apples form a unique lineage that has been meticulously bred to produce the State Fair apple.

Though much of the history before the 18th century remains a mystery, the State Fair apple stands as a testament to the advancements in apple breeding and genetics. Its development by the University of Minnesota, through MANTET and ORIOLE, represents a focused effort to create an apple variety that not only meets the culinary demands of consumers but also reflects the rich genetic history of apple breeding.

In conclusion, the State Fair apple is a fascinating product of genetic engineering and breeding. Understanding its lineage helps us appreciate the complexity and care that goes into creating such a distinguished apple variety. Whether for commercial production or individual enjoyment, the State Fair apple’s heritage adds a layer of depth and richness to the story of this beloved fruit.