Many years ago in Young (NSW), S.A. Thornell developed a cherry and named it after his son.
Rons Seedling is a good eating dark cherry that is grown in many regions in Australia.
Nearly four decades ago ‘virus’ was a dirty word in the cherry industry and a push for virus-free rootstocks and scions began.
In New South Wales the two major varieties grown at the time, Rons Seedling and Supreme, were to be cleaned of viruses using the resources of the state Department of Agriculture. The project was known as the Rons and Supreme Project (RASP).
Over time, virus-free scion wood became available to all nurseries, and virus-free Rons and Supreme became widely planted.
Tale of two Rons
It is my observation that sometimes the original Rons Seedling had better qualities than the newcomer, especially in terms of flavour and size.
We have come so far down the track that I wonder, do the nurseries differentiate between the two Rons? And if an order comes in, which scion is grafted onto the rootstock these days—or do they even know there is a difference?
Is the original strain still being planted in Young these days?
In my experience, the virus-free strain seems to develop some inferior and different quality traits on Colt rootstock. On the other hand, looking at Rons Seedling (virus-free) on Mazzard rootstock with other orchardists at Prosser in 1996, it seemed like another improved variety altogether.
Current status
The purpose in raising this issue is to determine the current status of Rons Seedling, and the virus-free strain of Rons; and what is happening with both today.
Of course I could ask nurseries directly, but it would be a good thing if growers spoke about it.
It might be a good subject to discuss while at the bar during the Cherry Growers of Australia conference in Canberra the first week of August.
See Ken's article in Tree Fruit, July 2013
