Apple tree (Malus domestica) DACE

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Dace'

A Latvian autumn variety with large, attractive fruits and early bearing.

'Dace' is a modern Latvian autumn to early winter apple variety, characterized by a very early onset of fertility, and regular, high yields. Thanks to its smaller, compact growth, it is ideal for modern training systems and smaller gardens. The fruits are large, an attractive red color with an intensive bluish waxy bloom. The taste is delicious, sweet-tart with a distinct predominance of sweetness.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High and regular yields: Delivers a rich harvest every year.
• Large and attractive fruits: Fruits with a diameter of 70–100 mm and a vibrant red color.
• Excellent taste: Sweet, juicy flesh with a delicate acidity.
• Scab resistance: Suitable for more ecological cultivation thanks to the Vf/Rvi6 gene.
• Compact growth: Suitable for training as fruit walls and for smaller spaces.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Latvia
• Breeder: I. Dumbravs, Institute of Horticulture (Dobele)
• Cross: BM41497 × 'Eksotika'
• Year of registration: Protected variety in Latvia since 2009.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

The tree's growth is medium-small and compact. The crown is easy to shape, has good branching, and is suitable for a slender spindle or, in denser plantings, a vertical axis (super spindle). It begins to bear fruit very early, with abundant and annual yields. The variety tends to self-regulate its fruit set, ensuring uniform fruit size without the need for thinning.

Growing note: To encourage strong crown growth in the initial years, it is recommended to remove the fruit set in the first and second year after planting.

Fruit

• Size and shape: Large to very large (70–100 mm), round to round-conical in shape.
• Skin: Smooth, with a light-yellow base color almost entirely covered by a light-red to red blush. A characteristic feature is an intense bluish waxy bloom and large, grayish lenticels.
• Flesh: Cream-colored, medium-firm, dense, and juicy.
• Taste: Sweet-tart with a predominance of sweetness, rated as very delicious. (Sugar content: 11–14 % Brix, acid content: 0.5–0.8 %).

Resistance and Requirements

• Scab: The variety is resistant (Vf/Rvi6 gene).
• Powdery mildew and fruit rot: It can be more susceptible in some years, requiring attention and potential protection. Fruit damage by pests significantly promotes the development of rot.
• Pests: Susceptible to fruit damage (e.g., codling moth). Pest control is essential for organic cultivation.
• Frost hardiness: Good, but can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations in winter.

Growing Recommendations

• Use: Primarily as a dessert variety for fresh consumption. Suitable for commercial orchards with integrated production as well as for home gardeners.
• Suitable rootstocks: Weak to medium-growing rootstocks such as B.396, PURE 1, or MM 106 are recommended.
• Planting distance: For modern training systems, a denser spacing of 1.0–1.3 m between trees in a row is recommended.
• Agrotechnics: Requires soil with sufficient fertility and regular pruning to maintain fruit quality.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: During September (approximately 1.5 weeks before the 'Lobo' variety). It is recommended not to delay the harvest to prevent the fruit from over-ripening on the tree.
• Eating maturity: The fruits can be eaten immediately after harvest or after a short period of ripening.
• Storability: Stores until January in a standard cellar or refrigerator. Under professional conditions (ULO), it can be stored until March.

Important note: With delayed harvest or prolonged storage, the flesh can become soft and mealy. The skin is thin and sensitive to mechanical damage.