Apple tree (Malus domestica) MEDUNITSA

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Medunitsa' (Медуница)

A Russian summer variety with very high frost resistance and a honey flavour.

'Medunitsa' (Медуница) is a Russian early summer apple variety, valued for its very high frost resistance (down to -40 °C) and good disease resistance. The fruits are medium-sized, with a sweet taste with honey notes and have good storability for a summer variety.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Very high frost resistance.
• Good storability (for a summer variety).
• Good disease resistance.
• Sweet taste with honey notes.
• High yield.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia
• Breeder: S. I. Isaev
• Institution: Lomonosov Moscow State University
• History: Breeding began in 1935. The variety was not included in the State Register.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Vigorous, grows to a height of 5 – 7 m.
• Crown: Pyramidal, medium density, with drooping branches.
• Flowering: Mid to late May. The flowers are large, white with a pinkish tint.
• Pollination: It is self-fertile.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Medium-sized, with a weight of 120 – 150 g.
• Shape and colour: Oblate. Green-yellow, with dark red stripes.
• Flesh: White with a creamy tint, juicy, fine-grained.
• Flavour: Sweet, with honey notes and a pleasant aroma.
• Use: Versatile.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Very high (down to -40 °C).
• Disease and pest resistance: Good.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Requires pruning.
• A pollinator is recommended to increase the yield.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-August.
• Storability: Good (for a summer variety), until October.
• Yield: High, 80–90 kg per tree. Alternate bearing may occur after 12 years.
• Entry into bearing: 5th to 6th year after planting.
• Transportability: Good.