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9 Seedlings–Varieties Apple varieties do not come true from seed. A seed from a Jonathan apple will not grow into a tree-bearing Jonathan apple. Germinated apple seeds result in seedling trees. Seedling trees with exceptional qualities and desirable fruit are selected and named. They are then produced asexually by grafting on to apple roots or root stocks. Seedling finds are frequently called “gift of God varieties.” Varieties are a subject of conversation. Many such seedling finds originated in Arkansas. Most had local adaptation and adherents; few survived the test of the market. The most famous or well-known is the Arkansas Black, probably a seedling from a Winesap apple. It was discovered on the (orchardist and nurseryman’s) farm of Mr. Braithwaite north of Bentonville about 1870. This is the original homestead as it is today; it is on the National Historic Register. [slide] The Arkansaw or Mammoth Black Twig was discovered as a seedling find near Rheas Mill between 1833 and 1840. On the list is a variety named Coffelt. Last fall a woman from Rogers came to my apple shed and introduced me to a frail elderly woman whose name is Gloria Moore. Her grandfather was Mr. Coffelt. In all, over fifty seedlings were given names in Arkansas. Future Arkansas original apples will emerge from the Experiment Station breeding program which started in 1966. Selection is based on fruit color, texture, flavor, durability, market use and harvest season. Arkansas Charm is already licensed in France. Arkansas #50 is being evaluated at Clarksville, Arkansas, as well as in the Rhone Valley as pictured here – Spain. [slide] AA #62 was selected in 1973. This selection holds great promise as a Golden Delicious replacement in Arkansas. It is now in commercial tests and designated for release as Stellar. Fate Today The earliest attempt at cultivar improvement occurred near Cane Hill around the turn of the twentieth century. The president of Stark Bros. Nursery would come to Cane Hill for health reasons. While there, he worked with a Mr. Cole who had purchased the original J. B. Russell Nursery. Here attempts were made to improve Ben Davis quality by cross-breeding. Pipe line selections. From 1880 to 1930 Ben Davis was the apple of choice in Arkansas orchards. Its origin is uncertain, probably Tennessee or Kentucky. It was brought to Arkansas by settlers