Cornell University licenses industry group to market 2 new patented apple varieties

Cornell University releases 2 new apple varieties

GENEVA, N.Y. — Move over Honeycrisp, there’s a new apple in the basket.

Cornell University has licensed a new industry group, New York State Apple Growers, to grow and market two new, patented apple varieties developed by Susan Brown at Cornell’s Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva.

The varieties, under development for 14 years, are Cornell’s 65th and 66th apple releases. One recalls the juicy snap of its Honeycrisp parent, but the trees produce more reliably and the fruit stores well. The second is suited for baking or fresh use and has a higher level of vitamin C.

Their formal names will be announced in the fall.

The new agreement is a first for Cornell’s apple-breeding program and will speed commercialization while bringing royalty income to Cornell.