Mcpike


(Labrusca)



McPike is noteworthy because of the large size of the berries and

bunches. It is very similar to its parent, Worden, differing in

having fewer but larger berries, grapes not as high in flavor and

fewer and smaller seeds. Because of the thin, tender skin, the berries

crack badly. The grapes shell more or less, and the vines are less

productive than those of Worden. The faults named debar it from
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becoming a commercial grape and it is not high enough in quality to

make it of value for the amateur. This variety originated with H. G.

McPike, Alton, Illinois, from seed of Worden planted in 1890.



Vine vigorous, hardy, very productive. Canes of medium length,

dull reddish-brown; nodes enlarged, flattened; internodes very

short; tendrils continuous, bifid or trifid. Leaves large, thick;

upper surface light green, dull, rugose; lower surface

grayish-white, heavily pubescent; leaf entire with terminus acute;

petiolar sinus deep; basal and lateral sinuses lacking. Flowers

nearly self-fertile.



Fruit mid-season, keeps well. Clusters variable in size, broad,

irregularly tapering, usually not shouldered; pedicel long, thick,

smooth; brush long, slender, green with brown tinge. Berries

unusually large, round, purplish-black with heavy bloom, firm;

skin cracks, adherent to pulp, astringent; flesh pale green,

translucent, juicy, tender, stringy, vinous; fair to good. Seeds

adherent, one to four, short, broad, blunt, plump, light brown.



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