Apple tree (Malus domestica) DOCH MELBY

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Doch Melby' (Дочь Мельбы)

A Russian summer variety with very high frost resistance and scab resistance.

'Doch Melby' (meaning "Daughter of Melba") is a Russian late summer apple variety that originated as a seedling of the ‘Melba’ variety. It is valued for its very high frost resistance, high resistance to scab, and the production of large, attractive fruits with an aromatic flavour.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Very high frost resistance (down to -35 °C), also suitable for northern regions.
• High resistance to scab.
• Large, attractive fruits.
• Aromatic flavour.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia (Leningrad region)
• Institution: Pavlovsk Experimental Station of VIR
• Origin: Seedling of the ‘Melba’ variety

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Medium-vigorous, grows to a height of 3 m.
• Crown: Compact.
• Leaves: Light green.
• Flowering: The flowers are large, pink-white, sometimes with a purple tint.
• Pollination: It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Large, with an average weight of 130 g.
• Shape and colour: Round. Light green to light yellow, almost entirely covered with a red blush, stripes, and dots.
• Flesh: White, juicy.
• Flavour: Aromatic.
• Use: Versatile.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Very high (down to -35 °C).
• Disease resistance: High resistance to scab.
• Requirements: Requires fertile, well-drained soil. Does not tolerate a high water table.

Cultivation Recommendations

• A pollinator is recommended, for example, ‘Melba’.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late summer to early autumn.
• Storability: Short.
• Yield: Good, approximately 35 kg per tree.
• Entry into bearing: 3rd to 4th year after planting.