Apple tree (Malus domestica) AVENARIUS

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Avenarius' (Авенариюс)

An old Russian variety with high frost resistance and an exceptionally sweet flavour.

'Avenarius' (Авенариюс) is an old Russian summer apple variety, valued for its high frost resistance (down to -40 °C), high disease resistance, and low soil requirements. The fruits are smaller but have a very good, exceptionally sweet and very aromatic flavour. Its main disadvantages are alternate bearing and a very short storage life of the fruits.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High frost and disease resistance.
• Exceptionally sweet fruit flavour (up to 16% sugar).
• Low soil requirements.
• Early entry into bearing.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia
• Origin: A variety from folk selection, obtained by Pastor Avenarius near St. Petersburg.
• Synonyms: 'Cukuriņš', ‘Lietuvos cukrinis rožinis’

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Vigorous to very vigorous, grows to a height of 6 – 8 m on a seedling rootstock.
• Crown: Dense, with a diameter of 3 – 5 m. Requires regular pruning.
• Pollination: Low partial self-fertility, requires a pollinator.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Small, with a weight of 60 – 90 g.
• Shape and colour: Round-conical, slightly ribbed. Pale yellow, covered with a pink-red striped blush.
• Skin: Thin, smooth, glossy, with a slight bluish bloom.
• Flesh: White to creamy (sometimes with a pink tint), looser, juicy, fine-grained.
• Flavour: Very good, sweet (almost no acidity), very aromatic (rating 4.5/5).
• Use: Versatile, especially for processing (compotes, jams).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: High (down to -40 °C).
• Disease resistance: High resistance to scab and other fungal diseases.
• Requirements: Undemanding on soil.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-July to mid-August.
• Storability: Very short, 2 – 3 weeks.
• Yield: High, but often alternate.
• Entry into bearing: Early, 3rd to 4th year after planting.
• Harvest characteristics: Ripe fruits drop quite quickly.