Taxon ID: 10
Usage Facet: class=edible; edible_score=1.0; ornamental_score=0.0; inferred_from_taxon=yes
Relationships: 1 | Linked Entities (visible): 1 | Evidence claims: 38 | History events: 1 | Catalog issue offerings: 0
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Evidence Badge: supported | claims=38 | sources=8 | contradictions=0
Claim Types: recommendation_context:9, taxon_context:3, culinary_use:2, description_snippet:2, flavor_profile:2, fruit_color:2, fruit_size:2, growth_habit:2, productivity:2, breeder_reference:1, breeding_cross:1, keeping_quality:1, release_year_reference:1, source_reference_abbreviation:1 | Open evidence summary JSON | Open citation drawer JSON
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Beta appears in this packet in two different fruit contexts, and the sources do not support treating it as one settled identity. South Dakota extension sources describe Beta as a grape that is vigorous, productive, hardy throughout South Dakota without winter protection, and especially useful for jelly and grape juice. [S1] [S2] A 1979 South Dakota nursery list also shows Beta widely offered by nurseries in the state. [S3]
Other prairie sources use the name Beta for a Prunus fruit. A Canadian prairie index lists Beta as an Opata seedling from the University of Saskatchewan with a 1960 year reference. [S4] Saskatchewan plum and cherry plum tables describe that Beta fruit as about 1 inch across, dark purple, with thick tough skin, green juicy flesh, sweet flavor, and good dessert quality. [S6] Another prairie fruit table gives it reddish blue skin and greenish flesh. [S4]
The grape record is the clearest horticultural account in the packet. It presents Beta as a hardy South Dakota variety valued more for processing than for fresh eating, especially for jelly and juice. [S1] [S2] The nursery listing suggests it was in real commercial circulation in the state by the late 1970s. [S3]
The Prunus record points to a different Beta in the prairie breeding stream around Opata and related hybrid plums. If that record belongs to the same name, it should be treated as a separate cultivar, not folded into the grape account. [S4] [S6]
Sources also disagree on regional performance. South Dakota sources say Beta is hardy throughout the state without winter protection. [S1] [S2] A Saskatchewan bulletin says varieties including Beta had been tested mainly in Zones 4 and 5 and showed moderate to severe winter injury. [S6] That conflict may reflect different fruits sharing the same name, different climates, or both.
Summary source basis
This summary currently draws chiefly from hortfacts_1976_3.pdf, with 10 additional supporting sources linked below.
Featured source descriptions
“Available from nursery listings 1, 2, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27, 32, and 33.”
— [10]
“Tested primarily in Zones 4 and 5, where it showed moderate to severe winter injury.”
— [12]
“Hardy throughout South Dakota without winter protection.”
— [9]
“Productive.”
— [9]
Direct parent cultivars
Parentage claim text
Derived or downstream cultivar links
Source-story quotations
Taxonomy context: No family-tree context surfaced yet.
Related cultivars mentioned in source context
Zone assertions are structured rows. Hardiness claim text appears in evidence claims and page-linked citations.
| Zone Min | Zone Max | Zone Text | Assertion Type | Outcome | Location | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| narrative_observation | mentioned | South Dakota | 0.76 |
No linked media assets.
| Document | Title/URL | Rights | Claims | Relationships | History Events | Pages | Snippets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105 | Hardy fruits for Northern planting, trees, shrubs, 1937 | unknown | 10 | 0 | 0 | p14 | Needs no winter protection.; Chiefly used for jelly and grape juice.; May be grown on fences, over a building, or in a windmill tower; for heavy production it should be trained on trellises and cultivated.; Recommended a |
| 103 | PERENNIALS - The Northwest Nursery Co. | unknown | 8 | 0 | 0 | p10 p20 | It is said to mark the beginning of successful grape culture in the north.; The catalog recommends the general planting of this variety.; It is also described as of good size.; Its hardiness is attributed to a strong inf |
| 109 | University of Saskatchewan fruit introductions 1959-1960 | unknown | 6 | 0 | 0 | p8 | Fruit described as very mildly acid and of good quality.; Flesh described as moderately firm; freestone.; Fruit described as slightly oval, with thin reddish blue skin and greenish flesh.; Year introduced: 1960. |
| 106 | Daniels planting guide, 1950 | unknown | 4 | 0 | 0 | p29 | Presented in the Daniels Quality Grapes section.; A great favorite for jellies and wines.; A very heavy producer.; Described as about half way between Concord and the wild grape in both size and quality. |
| 143 | Recommended fruit Varieties | unknown | 4 | 0 | 0 | p4 | The grapes section notes that the University of Saskatchewan is breeding grapes, but more time is needed to develop hardy varieties.; Listed in the grapes section, which has an early September harvest estimate.; Cherry p |
| 2 | South Dakota Fruit Garden (visual sample pages 9-11) | public_domain | 3 | 0 | 0 | p2 | is very desirable for all and grape juice.; vigorous, productive and hardy throughout South Dakota without winter protection; {"claims": [{"claim_text": "vigorous, productive and hardy throughout South Dakota without win |
| 12 | Northern Plant Novelties for 1945 | unknown | 1 | 1 | 1 | n/a | Merrimac x Beta; relationship: cross_parent; history: Merrimac x Beta |
| 14 | A Study of Northwestern Apples | unknown | 2 | 0 | 0 | p19 | Trial districts indicated as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11 (OCR-corrupted numerals in source, normalized to this range).; Beta is listed as a grape trial cultivar. |
| Document | Page | Claim Type | Claim | Quote | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 143 | p4 | breeder_reference | The grapes section notes that the University of Saskatchewan is breeding grapes, but more time is needed to develop hardy varieties. | Valiant, Beta: The Uof SK is breeding grapes but more time is needed to develop hardy varieties. | page_block:0.90 |
| 143 | p4 | recommendation_context | Listed in the grapes section, which has an early September harvest estimate. | Valiant, Beta: The Uof SK is breeding grapes but more time is needed to develop hardy varieties. | page_block:0.90 |
| 143 | p4 | recommendation_context | Cherry plums are shown with a mid-August harvest estimate. | Green-Fleshed: Opata, Beta | page_block:0.90 |
| 143 | p4 | fruit_color | Listed as a green-fleshed cherry plum. | Green-Fleshed: Opata, Beta | page_block:0.90 |
| 105 | p14 | entry_hardiness_observation | Needs no winter protection. | BETA. The most widely grown and probably the most profitable Grape grown in the Northwest. | page_block:0.90 |
| 105 | p14 | culinary_use | Chiefly used for jelly and grape juice. | BETA. The most widely grown and probably the most profitable Grape grown in the Northwest. | page_block:0.90 |
| 105 | p14 | growth_habit | May be grown on fences, over a building, or in a windmill tower; for heavy production it should be trained on trellises and cultivated. | BETA. The most widely grown and probably the most profitable Grape grown in the Northwest. | page_block:0.90 |
| 105 | p14 | recommendation_context | Recommended as an essential home-garden grape and as a profitable commercial grape. | BETA. The most widely grown and probably the most profitable Grape grown in the Northwest. | page_block:0.90 |
| 105 | p14 | recommendation_context | Ripens so early that it can be grown far North. | BETA. The most widely grown and probably the most profitable Grape grown in the Northwest. | page_block:0.90 |
| 105 | p14 | flavor_profile | Fruit is described as extra good quality for juice and jelly. | BETA. The most widely grown and probably the most profitable Grape grown in the Northwest. | page_block:0.90 |
| 105 | p14 | fruit_size | Produces medium-size black fruit. | BETA. The most widely grown and probably the most profitable Grape grown in the Northwest. | page_block:0.90 |
| 105 | p14 | entry_hardiness_observation | Hardy as the wild grape and able to withstand severe northern winters without protection. | BETA. The most widely grown and probably the most profitable Grape grown in the Northwest. | page_block:0.90 |
| 105 | p14 | productivity | Aheavy annual bearer that produces enormous crops. | BETA. The most widely grown and probably the most profitable Grape grown in the Northwest. | page_block:0.90 |
| 105 | p14 | entry_location | Described as the most widely grown grape in the Northwest. | BETA. The most widely grown and probably the most profitable Grape grown in the Northwest. | page_block:0.90 |
| 103 | p20 | description_snippet | It is said to mark the beginning of successful grape culture in the north. | The introduction of the Beta grape has made it perfectly practical for every one to enjoy good grapes of the own growing. | page_block:0.90 |
| 103 | p20 | recommendation_context | The catalog recommends the general planting of this variety. | The introduction of the Beta grape has made it perfectly practical for every one to enjoy good grapes of the own growing. | page_block:0.90 |
| 103 | p20 | fruit_size | It is also described as of good size. | The introduction of the Beta grape has made it perfectly practical for every one to enjoy good grapes of the own growing. | page_block:0.90 |
| 103 | p20 | taxon_context | Its hardiness is attributed to a strong infusion of the blood of the wild grape. | The introduction of the Beta grape has made it perfectly practical for every one to enjoy good grapes of the own growing. | page_block:0.90 |
| 103 | p20 | entry_hardiness_observation | The Beta is described as perfectly hardy and adapted to the local climate. | The introduction of the Beta grape has made it perfectly practical for every one to enjoy good grapes of the own growing. | page_block:0.90 |
| 103 | p20 | recommendation_context | The introduction of the Beta grape is presented as making home grape growing practical in this region. | The introduction of the Beta grape has made it perfectly practical for every one to enjoy good grapes of the own growing. | page_block:0.90 |
| 103 | p10 | recommendation_context | Included in a list of hardy fruits now available in the Northwest. | Besides this we have now the Beta Grape | page_block:0.90 |
| 103 | p10 | taxon_context | Identified as a grape. | Besides this we have now the Beta Grape | page_block:0.90 |
| 14 | p19 | entry_location | Trial districts indicated as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11 (OCR-corrupted numerals in source, normalized to this range). | GRAPES. ... For trial: Janesville, Beta. | page_block:0.90 |
| 14 | p19 | recommendation_context | Beta is listed as a grape trial cultivar. | GRAPES. ... For trial: Janesville, Beta. | page_block:0.90 |
| 109 | p8 | flavor_profile | Fruit described as very mildly acid and of good quality. | C59-352 (C58-122) Beta Opata open pollinations 1960 Slightly oval, skin reddish blue and thin, flesh greenish, moderately firm, very mildly acid, freestone, good quality. | page_block:0.90 |
| 109 | p8 | keeping_quality | Flesh described as moderately firm; freestone. | C59-352 (C58-122) Beta Opata open pollinations 1960 Slightly oval, skin reddish blue and thin, flesh greenish, moderately firm, very mildly acid, freestone, good quality. | page_block:0.90 |
| 109 | p8 | fruit_color | Fruit described as slightly oval, with thin reddish blue skin and greenish flesh. | C59-352 (C58-122) Beta Opata open pollinations 1960 Slightly oval, skin reddish blue and thin, flesh greenish, moderately firm, very mildly acid, freestone, good quality. | page_block:0.90 |
| 109 | p8 | release_year_reference | Year introduced: 1960. | C59-352 (C58-122) Beta Opata open pollinations 1960 Slightly oval, skin reddish blue and thin, flesh greenish, moderately firm, very mildly acid, freestone, good quality. | page_block:0.90 |
| 109 | p8 | entry_pedigree | Parentage listed as Opata open pollinations. | C59-352 (C58-122) Beta Opata open pollinations 1960 Slightly oval, skin reddish blue and thin, flesh greenish, moderately firm, very mildly acid, freestone, good quality. | page_block:0.90 |
| 109 | p8 | source_reference_abbreviation | Introduction number C59-352; parenthetical reference shown as (C58-122). | C59-352 (C58-122) Beta Opata open pollinations 1960 Slightly oval, skin reddish blue and thin, flesh greenish, moderately firm, very mildly acid, freestone, good quality. | page_block:0.90 |
| 106 | p29 | taxon_context | Presented in the Daniels Quality Grapes section. | BETA - About half way between the Concord and the wild grape in both size and quality and is a very heavy producer. Agreat favorite for jellies and wines. | page_block:0.90 |
| 106 | p29 | culinary_use | Agreat favorite for jellies and wines. | BETA - About half way between the Concord and the wild grape in both size and quality and is a very heavy producer. Agreat favorite for jellies and wines. | page_block:0.90 |
| 106 | p29 | productivity | Avery heavy producer. | BETA - About half way between the Concord and the wild grape in both size and quality and is a very heavy producer. Agreat favorite for jellies and wines. | page_block:0.90 |
| 106 | p29 | description_snippet | Described as about half way between Concord and the wild grape in both size and quality. | BETA - About half way between the Concord and the wild grape in both size and quality and is a very heavy producer. Agreat favorite for jellies and wines. | page_block:0.90 |
| 2 | p2 | recommendation_context | is very desirable for all and grape juice. | The beta, vigorous, productive and hardy throughout South Dakota without winter protection, is very desirable for all and grape juice. | visual_page_probe:0.90 |
| 2 | p2 | growth_habit | vigorous, productive and hardy throughout South Dakota without winter protection | The beta, vigorous, productive and hardy throughout South Dakota without winter protection, is very desirable for all and grape juice. | visual_page_probe:0.90 |
| 2 | p2 | structured_entry_json | {"claims": [{"claim_text": "vigorous, productive and hardy throughout South Dakota without winter protection", "claim_type": "growth_habit"}, {"claim_text": "is very desirable for | The beta, vigorous, productive and hardy throughout South Dakota without winter protection, is very desirable for all and grape juice. | visual_page_probe:0.90 |
| Year | Nursery | Catalog Issue | Relation |
|---|---|---|---|
| No catalog issue offerings linked. | |||
| Relation | Type | ID | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| cross_parent | cultivar | 211 | Merrimac |
| Type | Claim | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| breeder_reference | The grapes section notes that the University of Saskatchewan is breeding grapes, but more time is needed to develop hardy varieties. | 0.84 |
| recommendation_context | Listed in the grapes section, which has an early September harvest estimate. | 0.94 |
| recommendation_context | Cherry plums are shown with a mid-August harvest estimate. | 0.94 |
| fruit_color | Listed as a green-fleshed cherry plum. | 0.98 |
| entry_hardiness_observation | Needs no winter protection. | 0.99 |
| culinary_use | Chiefly used for jelly and grape juice. | 0.98 |
| growth_habit | May be grown on fences, over a building, or in a windmill tower; for heavy production it should be trained on trellises and cultivated. | 0.94 |
| recommendation_context | Recommended as an essential home-garden grape and as a profitable commercial grape. | 0.96 |
| recommendation_context | Ripens so early that it can be grown far North. | 0.98 |
| flavor_profile | Fruit is described as extra good quality for juice and jelly. | 0.95 |
| fruit_size | Produces medium-size black fruit. | 0.96 |
| entry_hardiness_observation | Hardy as the wild grape and able to withstand severe northern winters without protection. | 0.99 |
| productivity | A heavy annual bearer that produces enormous crops. | 0.98 |
| entry_location | Described as the most widely grown grape in the Northwest. | 0.98 |
| description_snippet | It is said to mark the beginning of successful grape culture in the north. | 0.95 |
| recommendation_context | The catalog recommends the general planting of this variety. | 0.97 |
| fruit_size | It is also described as of good size. | 0.90 |
| taxon_context | Its hardiness is attributed to a strong infusion of the blood of the wild grape. | 0.94 |
| entry_hardiness_observation | The Beta is described as perfectly hardy and adapted to the local climate. | 0.98 |
| recommendation_context | The introduction of the Beta grape is presented as making home grape growing practical in this region. | 0.95 |
| recommendation_context | Included in a list of hardy fruits now available in the Northwest. | 0.92 |
| taxon_context | Identified as a grape. | 0.96 |
| entry_location | Trial districts indicated as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11 (OCR-corrupted numerals in source, normalized to this range). | 0.87 |
| recommendation_context | Beta is listed as a grape trial cultivar. | 0.95 |
| flavor_profile | Fruit described as very mildly acid and of good quality. | 0.98 |
| keeping_quality | Flesh described as moderately firm; freestone. | 0.98 |
| fruit_color | Fruit described as slightly oval, with thin reddish blue skin and greenish flesh. | 0.98 |
| release_year_reference | Year introduced: 1960. | 0.99 |
| entry_pedigree | Parentage listed as Opata open pollinations. | 0.99 |
| source_reference_abbreviation | Introduction number C59-352; parenthetical reference shown as (C58-122). | 0.97 |
| taxon_context | Presented in the Daniels Quality Grapes section. | 0.93 |
| culinary_use | A great favorite for jellies and wines. | 0.98 |
| productivity | A very heavy producer. | 0.98 |
| description_snippet | Described as about half way between Concord and the wild grape in both size and quality. | 0.96 |
| breeding_cross | Merrimac x Beta | 0.65 |
| recommendation_context | is very desirable for all and grape juice. | 0.93 |
| growth_habit | vigorous, productive and hardy throughout South Dakota without winter protection | 0.93 |
| structured_entry_json | {"claims": [{"claim_text": "vigorous, productive and hardy throughout South Dakota without winter protection", "claim_type": "growth_habit"}, {"claim_text": "is very desirable for all and grape juice.", "claim_type": "re | 0.94 |
| ID | Type | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 182 | cross_event | 1945 | Merrimac x Beta |