Orig. in Urbana, Ill., by the Purdue, Rutgers, and Illinois (PRI) cooperative breeding program. Introd. in 1987 by S.S. Korban, J. Janick, E.B. Williams, and F.H. Emerson. USPP 5584; 3 Dec. 1985. Assigned to Newark Nurseries, Hartford, Mich. NJ 123249 × PRI1235-100; cross made in 1967. Pedigree includes Melba, Red Rome, Jonathan, Wealthy, Starr, Rome Beauty, and Malus floribunda 821. Selected in 1976; tested as Co-op 21; named in honor of retired breeder D.F. Dayton. <b>Fruit:</b> medium-large, 75 mm in diam.; roundish to slightly oblate; 90% of surface bright medium red; smooth, very glossy and attractive; flesh pale yellow, fine-grained, firm, crisp, juicy; flavor mildly subacid; quality very good; a summer dessert apple ripening 4 weeks before Delicious; in 1 °C storage, retains quality up to 4 weeks. <b>Tree:</b> moderately upright and vigorous; field immune to apple scab; moderately resistant to powdery mildew and fire blight; fruit hang on the tree 2 weeks after ripe without losing firmness or dessert quality.