WAPANUKA.
(Labrusca, Riparia, Vinifera, Bourquiniana.)
1. Tex. Sta. Bul., 56:280. 1900. 2. Rural N. Y., 60:637. 1901. 3. Ib., 62:790. 1903. 4. Iowa Hort. Soc. Rpt., 1904:228. 5. Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt., 1904:305. 6. Ill. Hort. Soc. Rpt., 1905:302.
Though there are many qualities to commend Wapanuka, yet it is not as popular in the North as was expected it would become at the time of its introduction. The chief reason for its failure is that it does not ship well, seemingly a prime requisite for a commercial grape in New York, though the markets are seldom far distant. It is probable, too, that the flavor is not quite as high in this latitude as in the South, or it may be that the grapes with which we compare it here are better flavored than in the South. At any rate it does not have the comparatively high quality in New York that it is reported to have elsewhere, being too insipid. There is a tendency, too, for the grapes to shatter. The fruits when well grown are attractive and the quality is from fair to good. Wapanuka is worthy a trial in commercial vineyards; and because of the handsome appearance and distinct flavor of the fruit it deserves a place in the garden.
Munson of Texas, originated Wapanuka from seed of Rommel fertilized by Brilliant. It was introduced by the originator in the fall of 1898.
Vine vigorous, usually hardy, productive. Canes medium to short, intermediate in number and size, dark reddish-brown, often with ash-gray tinge; tendrils continuous, bifid to trifid. Leaves large, moderately light green, somewhat rugose on older leaves; lower surface dull green tinged with bronze, pubescent. Flowers fertile or nearly so, open before mid-season; stamens upright. Fruit ripens about with Concord, does not keep well. Clusters intermediate in size, long to medium, frequently with a long-peduncled single shoulder, compact. Berries large, roundish, very pale yellowish-green, covered with thin gray bloom, with a tendency to shatter, soft. Skin covered with few, small, dark dots, very thin and tender. Flesh unusually pale green, tender, somewhat foxy, sweet and mild, good in quality. Seeds separate easily from the pulp, intermediate in size, broad, distinctly notched, short.
WHITE IMPERIAL.
(Vinifera, Labrusca, Bourquiniana.)
1. Mo. Hort. Soc. Rpt., 1883:78. 2. Ib., 1892:270. 3. Bush. Cat., 1894:186. 4. Va. Sta. Bul., 94:142. 1898. 5. Mich. Sta. Bul., 169:177. 1899. 6. Ga. Sta. Bul., 53:50. 1901.
White Imperial is one of Stayman’s[213] numerous productions. The originator thought it one of the most valuable, if not the most valuable, of his white grapes. As the variety grows in the Station vineyard the fruit is neither especially attractive in appearance nor of very high quality though better in the latter respect than the average. White Imperial is one of a somewhat large number of offspring of Dutchess now known to viticulture in which the good qualities of the parent have been transmitted in a large measure to the progeny. White Beauty, described in the next chapter, is of the same parentage and is similar in general characters of vine and fruit, though berries and bunches are a little larger and the vines a little more vigorous. White Imperial was introduced with great expectations in the West, but, especially in the vineyards of Missouri, while still grown somewhat is not holding its own with better known grapes of its class.
White Imperial was produced by Dr. J. Stayman of Leavenworth, Kansas, from seed of Dutchess. The variety was introduced about twenty-five years ago by Stayman & Black.