Cherry (Prunus avium) ANTA

Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) 'Anta'

A rare Lithuanian variety with high yield and good resistance.

'Anta' is an extremely rare Lithuanian sweet cherry variety, valued for its high and annual yield, good resistance to frost and diseases, and for producing large fruits with a good, aromatic flavour. The tree has medium to less vigorous growth, making it suitable for smaller gardens. The fruits are intended mainly for fresh consumption.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High and annual yield.
• Good resistance to frost and diseases.
• Large fruits with a good, aromatic flavour.
• Good transportability of fruits.
• The stone separates easily from the flesh.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Lithuania
• Breeder: A. Lukoševičius
• Institution: Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture (in Babtai)
• Crossing: ‘Žemaičių rožinė’ × (‘Napoleono rožinė’ + ‘Dniprovka’)
• Registration: Information not available.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Medium to less vigorous.
• Crown: Globular, medium density, with slightly drooping branches.
• Pollination: It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Large, with a weight of 5 – 6 g.
• Shape and colour: Broadly heart-shaped, red to dark red.
• Flesh: Firm and juicy.
• Flavour: Good, sweet to sweet-tart, aromatic.
• Stone: Medium-sized, round, easily separable from the flesh.
• Use: Dessert, for fresh consumption.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Good.
• Disease resistance: Resistant.
• Requirements: Grows and fruits well in fertile, sandy-loam soil.

Cultivation Recommendations

• To ensure a harvest, it is essential to plant a suitable pollinator nearby, for example, the 'Jurgita' or 'Vytėnų rožinė' varieties.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early (second decade of June, some sources state mid-July).
• Harvest characteristics: Ripens almost simultaneously. Dry scar.
• Yield: High and annual.
• Entry into bearing: 4th to 5th year after planting.
• Transportability: Good.