Apple tree (Malus domestica) ALESYA

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Alesya'

A Belarusian winter variety with less vigorous growth, high resistance, and excellent storability.

'Alesya' (Алеся) is a Belarusian late winter apple variety, valued for its less vigorous ("spur" type) growth, high and regular yield, and excellent storability of its fruits until May. It is also characterized by high frost resistance and polygenic resistance to scab. The fruits are large, attractive, with a good, harmonious flavour.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High and regular yield.
• Excellent storability (until April-May).
• High frost and scab resistance.
• Less vigorous ("spur" type) growth, suitable for smaller gardens.
• High quality and good fruit flavour.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Belarus
• Breeders: G. K. Kovalenko, V. G. Kovalenko, D. V. Grakovich
• Institution: Institute for Fruit Growing of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus
• Crossing: ‘Belorusskoe malinovoe’ × ‘Bananovoe’ (1972)
• Registration: In Belarus since 1999, in Russia since 2002.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Less vigorous, "spur" type.
• Crown: Compact, globular, medium density.
• Fruiting habit: Bears fruit on short fruiting spurs.
• Pollination: Partially self-fertile.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Medium to larger, with a weight of 130 – 180 g.
• Shape and colour: Oblate. Golden-yellow with a bright red blush covering most of the fruit.
• Skin: Medium firm, smooth, glossy, waxy.
• Flesh: Light creamy to white, firm, juicy, fine-grained.
• Flavour: Good, harmonious, sweet-tart, with a mild aroma.
• Use: Versatile (fresh consumption, juice production).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: High.
• Disease resistance: High, polygenic resistance to scab.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Second half of September to early October.
• Storability: Very long, from November to April-May.
• Yield: High and regular.
• Entry into bearing: Early, 3rd to 4th year after planting.