
een 



STOKES FOUNDATION STOCK 
GEM 
Heavy yield. Easy to pick. Cannery type. 
Gem, an introduction of the New York State Experi- 
ment Station 1947. This variety was developed by 
Professor W. T. Tapley from a Bounty x Stokesdale 
cross. It holds the uniform color gene factors of Bounty, 
and the profuse setting habits of our Stokesdale. The 
plant is extremely dwarf in habit. Because of that at 
least two thousand pounds 5-10-10 fertilizer should be 
applied per acre. Crops of 25 to 30 ton per acre are 
not uncommon. It is doubtful if we have ever seen such a 
profuse bearer as Gem. We do not recommend it for 
sandy loam soils. It is sometimes susceptible to Early 
Blight and should be sprayed. 
Under well balanced conditions of soil, temperature 
and rain fall, this variety produces an almost solid layer 
of fruit three to four feet wide in the row. In fact, 
almost comparable to a red carpet. It is remarkably 
successful in New York State. Will without doubt be 
repeated in other areas. 
Fruit Size—lInheritance is a vital factor. There is a 
wide spread between strains and between varieties. 
But it must be remembered that a tomato is 96% 
water. Long drought reduces size, and high tempera- 
tures ripen fruit prematurely. Moderate and well timed 
irrigation will increase size and yield. There is a direct 
correlation between the number of fruit set, and the 
size of fruit. 
Gem has succeeded admirably as a New York State cannery type. 
It is a prodigious bearer. Foliage restricted. Feed heavily. 
Photo courtesy New York State Exp. Station. 
