Apple tree (Malus domestica) ZARYA ALATAU

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Zarya Alatau' (Заря Алатау)

A Kazakh winter variety with excellent storability and good frost resistance.

'Zarya Alatau' (Заря Алатау) is a Kazakh winter apple variety that originated from the open pollination of the ‘Reinette d’Orléans’ variety. It is valued for its excellent storability and good frost resistance. Its main disadvantages are a smaller fruit size and susceptibility to scab.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Good yield and early entry into bearing.
• Excellent storability.
• Good frost resistance.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Kazakhstan
• Institution: Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit Growing and Viticulture
• Origin: Seedling from open pollination of the ‘Reinette d’Orléans’ variety.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Vigorous.
• Crown: Oval-pyramidal, quite dense.
• Fruiting habit: Mixed type, predominantly on short fruiting spurs.

Fruit

• Size: Smaller than medium, uneven.
• Shape and colour: Round-conical. Yellow, with a small, diffuse blush.
• Flesh: Creamy, firm, fine-grained, very juicy.
• Flavour: Tart-sweet, with a strong aroma.
• Use: Versatile.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Good (down to -35 °C).
• Disease resistance: More susceptible to scab.
• Requirements: Demanding of heat and a long growing season.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Requires good agrotechnics to achieve regular yields.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Winter variety.
• Storability: Very long, from December to April.
• Yield: Good.
• Entry into bearing: Early, in the 3rd to 4th year after planting.