VESPER 



(NJ 157) 



Vesper is a selection of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station which 

 has had five years of single plot observations and four years of replicated testing 

 as NJ 157. It is the result of a cross between Utah Shipper and Jerseybelle. It ripens 

 very late, somewhat later than Jerseybelle but before Redstar. Reports from where 

 it has been grown indicate that it has been the most productive of all the selections 

 or varieties during the time it has been in replicated plots. It has a longer harvest 

 season than Jerseybelle and extends well into the Redstar season. 



The fruit is of a rich red color, with a beautiful gloss if harvested at the proper 

 stage of maturity. The berries are very large but the primary fruits are furrowed. 

 The later fruits are smooth but it certainly does not have the over-all smoothness 

 and uniformity of Jerseybelle. The cap is large and showy and the seeds are raised 

 and attractive as in Jerseybelle. (See color picture, inside front cover.) 



The quality of Vesper is generally considered to be better than that of Jersey- 

 belle but not as good as Sparkle. Reports indicate it is commercially firm in all 

 areas where Jerseybelle is grown, but it lacks the necessary firmness for commercial 

 shipment in North Carolina. In 1962 Vesper ripened very rapidly and appeared 

 softer than in previous years of testing. In addition, irregular ripening was a factor 

 for the first time. 



The plants of Vesper are of medium size and make runners very freely — much more freely 

 than Jerseybelle. Reports from North Carolina indicate that leaf diseases have been a problem 

 but this can be overcome by dusting or spraying with copper or some other fungicide at the 

 proper time. Probably the most serious limitation of Vesper -will be the fact that it is not resistant 

 to either red stele or verticilium wilt. Obviously it should not be planted where these diseases 

 have been a problem. 



We have a moderate supply of beautiful well-rooted Vesper plants and it is certainly worthy 

 of trial in all the territory where Jerseybelle has been successful as well as adjacent areas. 

 Price list page 32. 



AMBROSIA 



Ambrosia is a good very late variety that 

 makes a strong, vigorous growth, somewhat 

 susceptible to leaf spot. It produces heavy 

 crops of large, attractive, light-colored berries, 

 resembling Big Joe very much in size and 



appearance. The guality is only fair unless 

 eaten with sugar. Because of the late ripening 

 season Ambrosia berries usually sell well. 

 Because of its late blooming season you 

 always have berries to sell. Price list page 32. 



21 



