Apple tree (Malus domestica) BELORUSSKOE SLADKOE

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Belorusskoe sladkoe'

A Belarusian winter variety with immunity to scab and a very sweet taste.

'Belorusskoe sladkoe' (Белорусское Сладкое) is a Belarusian winter apple variety, valued for its immunity to scab (Vf gene), very early entry into bearing, and high, regular yield. It produces large fruits with a good, very sweet taste and good storability. It is also characterized by high frost resistance.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Immunity to scab.
• Very early entry into bearing.
• High and regular yield.
• Sweet taste of the fruits.
• High frost resistance.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Belarus
• Breeders: G. K. Kovalenko, D. V. Grakovich, V. M. Evdokimenko, G. M. Marudo
• Institution: Institute for Fruit Growing of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus
• Crossing: Originated from the crossing of forms BM 41497 × K BM F2.
• Registration: In Belarus since 2005, in Russia since 2006.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Medium-vigorous, fast-growing, reaches a height of 3 m.
• Crown: Globular, sparse.
• Pollination: It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Large, with an average weight of 170 – 180 g.
• Shape and colour: Round, slightly ribbed. Light yellow, most of the surface is covered with a diffuse red blush.
• Skin: Smooth, greasy, medium-thick.
• Flesh: Greenish to white, medium firm, juicy, fine-grained, crisp.
• Flavour: Good, very sweet, with a medium aroma (rating 4.1/5).
• Use: Versatile, especially for fresh consumption.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: High.
• Disease resistance: Thanks to the Vf gene (Rvi6), it is immune to scab.

Cultivation Recommendations

• To ensure a harvest, it is essential to plant another apple variety nearby as a pollinator.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid to second half of September.
• Storability: Good, from October to early February.
• Yield: High and regular, up to 50 kg from a 5-year-old tree.
• Entry into bearing: Very early, 2nd to 3rd year after planting.
• Transportability: Good.