Joubert, T. G. la G.
This new mutant is not jointleas in the true sense, because the normal pedical joint with the characteristic swelling is present, but the abscission layer is absent in the mature stage. The joints separate normally at flowering time and even while fruits are still small, but as soon as the fruit reach a fair stage of enlargment the abscission layer disappears. It appears as if woody tissue develops instead of a corky layer at the joint. Fruits separate easily and cleanly at the juncture with the calyx. In all cases examined this condition is associated with leafiness.
This mutant was first encountered in one of our selections (1260-1). The two parents of this cross, Riverside selection and Sunneva both separate easily at the joint. An examination of different commercial varieties and breeding lines showed noticeable differences in the ease with which fruits separate at the joint. It in still rather premature to say whether this new gene behaves as a monogenic recessive; however, different crosses have been made and the results will be available shortly.