(Malus domestica)
The good old McIntosh apple is one of Canada’s magnificent success stories. Freshly harvested they have that wonderful ‘snap’ of autumn. The original McIntosh has also proven to be a great parent. The Novamac apple is one of it’s offspring. Developed by the prolific apple breeder, Dr. A.D. Crowe of the Canada Department of Agriculture, Kentville, Nova Scotia in 1978, it is currently grown as an organic crop because these crisp, firm apples are scab resistant and also resistant to cedar apple rust.
Growing vigorously, its new branches tend to divide halfway through the growing season which leads to weakened limbs, requiring corrective pruning. The fruits have a tendency to drop pre-harvest (mid September), with wood that breaks easily. It is susceptible to quince rust and frog eye leaf spot. Nova Macs are fairly small with a red hue. While tasting similar to McIntosh apples, they are not yet of the same consistent quality but they’re productive and easy to store.
With files from Charlie Embree’s 100 Apples and 100 Pears: A Collection of Characteristics for 100 Apples and 100 Pears.
