Apple (Malus domestica) AURIU DE BISTRIȚA

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Auriu de Bistrița'

Romanian variety "Gold of Bistrița" with large fruits and good resistance.

'Auriu de Bistrița' is a quality Romanian apple variety bred at the SCDP Bistrița station. It is a descendant of the well-known varieties 'Golden Delicious' and 'Parmain d’or'. It is valued for its large, golden-yellow fruits with excellent taste, high yield, and tolerance to major fungal diseases.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Large fruits (170 – 200 g) with an attractive pink blush.
• Tolerance to Scab and Powdery Mildew.
• Late flowering (protection against frosts).
• High yield (up to 20 t/ha).
• Good storage life (until January).

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: SCDP Bistrița (authors I. Ivan, N. Minoiu, T. Palaghianu)
• Parentage: 'Golden Delicious' × 'Parmain d’or'
• Registration: 1991
• Synonyms: BN 5/37

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium to strong.
• Bearing: Bears fruit predominantly on short and medium-length wood. High productivity.
• Suitability: Also recommended for intensive orchards (on M26, MM106 rootstocks).

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large, 170 – 200 g.
• Shape and Color: Round, symmetrical. The skin is golden-yellow, with a pink blush on the sunny side.
• Flesh: Yellow, firm, juicy.
• Taste: Very good, sweet, slightly acidic, with a pleasant aroma.
• Usage: Primarily for fresh consumption.

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: The variety is tolerant to Scab and Powdery Mildew.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-sterile. Suitable pollinators: 'Florina', 'Jonathan', 'Golden Delicious'.
• Flowering: Late, reducing the risk of damage by spring frosts.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-early, first half of September.
• Storage: Good, fruits last until January.