Columnar apple tree (Malus domestica) ARBAT

Columnar Apple (Malus domestica) 'Arbat'

A Russian columnar variety with high frost resistance and immunity to scab.

'Arbat' (Арбат) is a Russian columnar apple variety, valued for its compact growth, very high frost resistance, and immunity to scab (Vf gene). It is characterized by a very early entry into bearing and high yield. The fruits have an average sweet-tart flavour and are suitable for versatile use.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Compact and decorative growth.
• High yield and very early entry into bearing.
• High frost resistance (down to -40 °C).
• Immunity to scab (Vf gene) and high resistance to mildew.
• High transportability.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia
• Breeder: V. V. Kichina
• Institution: All-Russian Horticultural Institute for Breeding and Agrotechnology (VSTISP), Moscow
• Crossing: SA 54-108 × TSR12Т77
• Registration: Not included in the State Register of the Russian Federation.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Medium, grows to a height of 1.5 – 2.5 m.
• Crown: Columnar, compact, with a diameter of 25 – 50 cm.
• Fruiting habit: Bears fruit on short spurs densely along the trunk.
• Flowering: Mid-early, very intense. The flowers are small, pink.
• Pollination: It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Medium-sized, with a weight of 85 – 135 g.
• Shape and colour: Oblate. Yellowish to light green, most of the surface is covered with a diffuse, striped red blush.
• Skin: Thin but firm, smooth, slightly waxy.
• Flesh: Creamy to light yellow, medium firm, juicy, fine-grained.
• Flavour: Sweet-tart, rated as average (3.4 – 3.8/5).
• Use: Versatile (fresh consumption, processing).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Very high (down to -40 °C).
• Disease resistance: Immune to scab (Vf gene), highly resistant to mildew.
• Drought resistance: Good.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Suitable pollinators include ‘Ostankino’, ‘Bolero’, ‘Ruslan’, ‘Telamon’.
• It is prone to overcropping, which causes the fruits to become smaller.
• Has a short lifespan of 14–17 years.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late August to early September.
• Storability: Up to 3 months.
• Yield: High, 6–12 kg per tree.
• Entry into bearing: Very early, 2nd year after planting.
• Transportability: High.