Ashmead's Kernel is a
triploid
Polyploidy is a condition in which the cells of an organism have more than one pair of ( homologous) chromosomes. Most species whose cells have nuclei (eukaryotes) are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes, where each set contains ...
cultivar
A cultivar is a type of cultivated plant that people have selected for desired traits and when propagated retain those traits. Methods used to propagate cultivars include: division, root and stem cuttings, offsets, grafting, tissue culture ...
of
apple
An apple is an edible fruit produced by an apple tree (''Malus domestica''). Apple trees are cultivated worldwide and are the most widely grown species in the genus ''Malus''. The tree originated in Central Asia, where its wild ancestor, ' ...
. Traditionally, Ashmead's Kernel was thought to be diploid but a poor pollinator.
Origin
Ashmead's Kernel is often reported as having been raised by Dr Ashmead in Gloucester, England in the 18th century. However, Christine Leighton of the Gloucestershire Orchard Group suggests that the originator may have been William Ashmead, a lawyer who died in 1782.
Description
Growing
This dessert apple is of medium size, on average 83mm
in diameter on vigorous
rootstock
A rootstock is part of a plant, often an underground part, from which new above-ground growth can be produced. It could also be described as a stem with a well developed root system, to which a bud from another plant is grafted. It can refer to a ...
and has a flat round shape. The base colour of the apple is greenish yellow, yet has a dull russet colour all over; sometimes there are brownish red stripes. When first cut open, the flesh is white, then it soon develops a brown tint.
Ashmead's Kernel makes a good apple juice because of its sweet sharp flavour.
Culture
Produces an upright spreading tree, that generally crops well, though on exposed sites it can be irregular.
It is a cultivar that is susceptible to
bitter pit
Bitter pit is a disorder in apple fruits, now believed to be induced by calcium deficiency. It occurs less commonly in pears.
The disease was probably first reported in Germany where it was known as ''Stippen''.J ...
, and
fire blight
Fire blight, also written fireblight, is a contagious disease affecting apples, pears, and some other members of the family Rosaceae. It is a serious concern to apple and pear producers. Under optimal conditions, it can destroy an entire orchard ...
.
The fruit is generally picked in late October
for use between December and February.
References
*
*Smith, M. W. G., ''National Apple Register of the United Kingdom''
*Hogg, R., and Bull, H. G., ''Herefordshire Pomona''
{{Apples, state=collapsed
Apple cultivars
British apples
