IF you have read any of my columns over the last 10 years, you know the strong emphasis I place on properly choosing the best cultivar for your location, growing conditions, ripening season, and market.I wonder, though, when you are considering planting an orchard to a new apple, pear, cherry, or peach cultivar, what are the primary criteria that you use to make this decision? Isresistance to disease on the list? How is the decision impacted if the fruit are destined for the conventional versus organic fresh market? How is the decision impacted if the fruit are destined for local retail markets versus national or even international wholesale markets (e.g., wherepesticide residue levels are a significant concern for importers)? What if the fruit will be used primarily or secondarily for value-added products (i.e., fresh cut, canned, brined, frozen, or made into cider, sauce, pie filling, or baby food)?
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