Apple tree (Malus domestica) ROBERTS

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Roberts'

A Latvian summer variety with large, dark red fruits and high resistance.

'Roberts' is an early summer apple variety from Latvia, notable for its very attractive, large, dark purple-red fruits. It excels in its high resistance to scab and high frost hardiness, making it an ideal variety for organic and integrated cultivation without the need for intensive chemical sprays. The taste is pleasantly sweet-tart and aromatic, best when fully ripened on the tree.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Large and beautifully colored fruits: The dark purple-red color covers almost the entire surface.
• High scab resistance: Reliably resistant thanks to the Vf/Rvi6 gene.
• High frost hardiness: Handles harsh winter conditions well.
• Early harvest time: One of the first quality varieties of the season.
• Suitable for organic growing: Does not require a high level of protection.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Latvia, Dobele
• Breeder: R. Dumbravs
• Cross: BM414967 × 'Eksotika'
• Year of registration: Protected variety in Latvia since 2009.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

Growth is medium-strong, with a rather sparse and upright crown. It comes into bearing early, and the yield is good, but it may have a slight tendency towards biennial bearing, which can be managed with pruning.

Fruit

• Size: Large to very large.
• Skin: Firm, dark red in color with a strong waxy bloom.
• Flesh: Yellowish with a pink hue under the skin, medium-firm, crisp, and juicy.
• Taste: Sweet-tart, aromatic. The fruits are most flavorful when ripened directly on the tree.

Resistance and Requirements

• Scab: The variety is highly resistant.
• Frost hardiness: The variety is highly frost-hardy.
• Other diseases: It has medium resistance to powdery mildew and fruit rot.

Growing Recommendations

• Use: An excellent dessert variety for fresh consumption during the summer. Suitable for home gardeners and commercial orchards focused on early market sales.
• Suitable rootstocks: Dwarfing (e.g., M9) and semi-dwarfing (e.g., MM106).

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early, ripens gradually around the same time as 'Discovery' (mid-August).
• Eating maturity: Immediately after harvest.
• Storability: Short; intended for immediate consumption. Can be stored in a refrigerator for about 2 months.