Twelve sample trees randomly selected in the spring of each year from the middle two rows of each experimental plot, excluding 20 trees from each end of the sample row, were used for all evaluations that season.Due to problems with fruit russeting and market demand for newer cultivars, every other tree was top-grafted in 1999 from 'Golden Delicious' to 'Galaxy Gala',with the remaining half grafted in 2000. The rootstock remained EMLA.9,with 'Golden Delicious' as an interstock for each tree.