Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) RAREȘ

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) 'Rareș'

Very early Romanian variety with sweet kernel and high resistance.

'Rareș' is a modern Romanian apricot variety from the SCDP Băneasa institute. It belongs to the earliest ripening varieties (beginning of June). Despite its early ripening, it produces large, high-quality fruits. Growers also appreciate its weaker vigor (suitable for smaller gardens), sweet kernel, and disease resistance.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Very early ripening (first decade of June).
• Large fruits (60 – 70 g).
• Sweet kernel with a distinct almond aroma.
• Good resistance to Monilinia, Stigmina, Cytospora, and Plum Pox Virus (PPV).
• Weaker tree vigor.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: SCDP Băneasa
• Parentage: B12/6 × NJA 13
• Registration: 2002

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Weak.
• Crown: Medium wide.
• Fruiting: Bears fruit predominantly on short spurs.
• Rootstock Myrobalan C5: Tree growth on this rootstock is similar to the St. Julien rootstock. The advantage of the Myrobalan C5 rootstock is that it tolerates drought, water stress, and poorer soil conditions better.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large, weighing 60 – 70 g.
• Shape and Color: Round-oblong. The color is uniformly light yellow-orange, with fine raspberry-red dots.
• Flesh: Yellow, juicy, good consistency.
• Taste: Very good, balanced, pleasantly aromatic.
• Stone: Medium size, Freestone. The kernel is sweet with a distinct almond aroma.
• Usage: Universal (fresh consumption, processing).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Hardy.
• Disease resistance: Good resistance to Monilinia, Stigmina, Cytospora, and Plum Pox Virus (PPV).

Cultivation Recommendations

• Bearing: Early onset, 3rd year after planting.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Very early, first decade of June.
• Yield: Good, 30 – 35 kg per tree.