WHO CAN RESIST APPLE AS MISSOURI'S FRUIT?

To date, Missouri has 17 state symbols, but a fruit isn't among them. State Rep. Patrick Naeger of Perryville wants to make the apple the official fruit of Missouri.

It's a logical choice: In 1997, the state produced 39 million pounds of commercial apples, making apples the state's top fruit crop just ahead of peaches. And in 1995, the most recent year that has been tallied, Missouri ranked 22nd among states in apple production.

Inspired by a group of eighth-graders in his hometown, the Perryville Republican has filed a bill to make the apple Missouri's official fruit. The students have been involved with the measure since it was suggested and are maintaining close watch on it. They're hoping it is adopted by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor.

It is rare to see youngsters take such an active interest in the legislative process. Regardless of the apple's virtues as a state fruit, it is a virtuous undertaking by the Perryville eighth-graders.