Dolpo

Origin and History

Dolpo was received as seed from the Imperial Botanical Garden in Leningrad, USSR, and introduced as a seedling in 1917. The variety is identical with Alexis. It has been maintained at multiple USDA reporting stations including the Agricultural Experiment Station at College Station, South Dakota; the Northern Great Plains Field Station in Mandan, North Dakota; and Iowa State University's Agricultural Experiment Station in Ames, Iowa.

Tree

Very vigorous and strong with well-spaced scaffold branches. The wood is notably hard, making grafting difficult, though seedlings make good rootstock. The variety is very resistant to blight and scab. Early and alternate bearer, very productive. Tree has ornamental qualities.

Fruit

Form and Size: Long-conical, small fruit, approximately 1 inch in diameter. One account describes the fruit as round to slightly oblong.

Skin: Brilliant red; another account specifies 100% dark red.

Flesh and Flavor: Light yellow flesh. Flavor is slightly acid and astringent. Excellent for jelly.

Stem, Cavity, Calyx, and Basin: Not described in source.

Core and Seeds: Not described in source.

Season

Early September; reported to drop freely when ripe. One account specifies middle September.

Uses

Excellent for jelly making. Ornamental qualities noted.

Other

The variety shows promise as a parent for breeding. Very resistant to blight and scab.