Columnar apple tree (Malus domestica) CHERVONETS

Columnar Apple (Malus domestica) 'Chervonets'

A Russian columnar variety with large fruits and high scab resistance.

'Chervonets' (Червонец) is a Russian autumn columnar apple variety, valued for its high resistance to scab (Vm gene), high and regular yield, and very early entry into bearing. It produces large to very large, attractive fruits with a good dessert flavour.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High resistance to scab (Vm gene).
• High and regular yield (5–6 kg per tree).
• Very early entry into bearing (2nd year after planting).
• Large to very large fruits (up to 350 g).
• Dessert, sweet-tart flavour.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia
• Breeders: V. V. Kichina, N. G. Morozova
• Institution: All-Russian Horticultural Institute for Breeding and Agrotechnology (VSTISP)
• Crossing: SR0523 × ‘Vazhak’ (1983)
• Registration: Included in the State Register in 2008.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Medium-vigorous, compact, grows to a height of 2 m.
• Crown: Columnar.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Large to very large, with an average weight of 180 g (can reach up to 350 g).
• Shape and colour: Round. Light yellow, almost the entire surface is covered with a distinct purple-raspberry colour.
• Skin: Delicate, smooth, glossy.
• Flesh: White, medium firm, juicy, fine-grained.
• Flavour: Dessert, sweet-tart, with a medium aroma (rating 4.3/5).
• Use: Versatile.

Resistance and Requirements

• Disease resistance: High resistance to scab (Vm gene).

Cultivation Recommendations

• Yield decreases after the 14th–16th year of the tree's life.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late September.
• Storability: Until November.
• Yield: High and regular, 5–6 kg per tree.
• Entry into bearing: Very early, 2nd year after planting.