Apple tree (Malus domestica) INESE

Columnar Apple (Malus domestica) 'Inese'

The first Latvian columnar variety immune to scab.

'Inese' is a groundbreaking Latvian columnar variety, the first in Latvia to combine columnar growth with complete immunity to scab. It is ideal for organic cultivation without chemicals. It is characterized by its short, compact, and very decorative growth. The fruits are large, an attractive dark red color, with crisp, juicy, and sweet flesh that has a taste reminiscent of pears. The variety comes into bearing very early, is exceptionally productive, and its fruits store well into the winter.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Immunity to scab (Vf/Rvi6 gene): Ideal for organic growing without sprays.
• Short, compact, and decorative growth: Perfect for small gardens, patios, and balconies.
• Interesting pear-like taste: The fruits are sweet, crisp, and juicy.
• Very early entry into bearing and extreme productivity.
• Large, attractive dark red fruits.
• Good storability until January/February.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Latvia, Pūre
• Breeder: Bred from the crosses of Rūdolfs Dumbravs
• Year of registration: 2011

Variety Characteristics

Tree

Growth is columnar, short, compact, and very decorative. It comes into bearing very early and is exceptionally productive, therefore it requires essential fruit thinning in June to ensure the fruits are large and beautiful and to maintain regular bearing. It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size: Large.
• Color: Dark red, with a waxy coating and a slight bloom.
• Flesh: White, medium-firm, fine-grained, juicy, and crisp.
• Taste: Sweet with low acidity, pleasant and tasty, reminiscent of pears.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost hardiness: Sufficiently good for all growing regions. Over-fertilization with nitrogen can cause one-year-old shoots to freeze.
• Scab: The variety is immune (Vf/Rvi6 gene).
• Canker: May be susceptible under very unfavorable conditions.

Growing Recommendations

• Key to success: The key to successful cultivation and annual yields is consistent fruit thinning.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late August to mid-September; can be left on the tree until October.
• Eating maturity: The fruits are tastiest and crispiest when picked directly from the tree.
• Storability: Good, can be stored in a cool cellar until January or February.