There are three grape varieties originating from the USA, named after the Roman philosopher Seneca (4-65), the teacher of Emperor Nero (37-68). These are new varieties:
The white grape variety (also New York 10513 and NY 10513) is an interspecific new variety between Lignan Blanc (Luglienga Bianca) x Ontario. It contains genes from Vitis labrusca and Vitis vinifera. The hybrid was crossed in 1917 at the Vine Breeding Institute of Cornell University in Geneva ( New York State). The early-maturing, frost-hardy variety is susceptible to powdery mildew; the berries have a foxtone. It was a crossing partner of the two new varieties St. Croix, Vanessa and Vincent. The variety is widespread in the northeast of the USA and in Canada, where it is used as a winepress and table grape. However, no stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson statistics).
This red grape variety is an open-pollinated seedling of the Hartford variety. It contains at least genes of Vitis labrusca and Vitis vinifera. The hybrid was discovered and selected in 1867 by the private breeder R. Simpson. No stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson statistics).
The white grape variety (with reddish berries) is an interspecific cross between unknown varieties of the species Vitis labrusca x Vitis vinifera. The hybrid was discovered and selected in the USA in 1892 by the private breeder John Burr. No stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson statistics).
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
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