Apple Chara (Anniversary)

Late-season variety developed at the Novosibirsk Regional Fruit and Berry Experimental Station from pollination of the 'Ranetka' variety. It is resistant to autumn large-fruited varieties pollen mix. Authors: A. A. Christo, R. A. Bykova, N. E. Yuryeva. The variety is included in the State Register for the West Siberian Fruit Growing Zone, found in commercial orchards of Novosibirsk and Kemerovsk regions; among hobby gardeners in Western and Eastern Siberia.

Medium-sized tree, with a spherical dense crown, which becomes broadly oval over time. Main branches and trunk with smooth greenish-brown bark. Mixed fruiting — the main yield is concentrated on one-year growths and young buds.

Shoots are straight, medium-sized, dark brown with small, surface-level tubercles. Buds are pressed, greenish-brown. Leaves are large, leathery, green, smooth, non-hairy, ovate-elliptical with slightly upward-curled margins. Petiole is short, medium thickness, positioned on the shoot at a 45° angle. Stipules are small, narrowly lance-shaped.

Flowers are medium-sized, white-pink with elongated whole petals, stigmas raised above the stamens.

Fruits are very small, average fruit weight 14 g, maximum 34 g, flattened-round shape, very weak ribbing. Skin is smooth, glossy, medium thickness, with yellow base color and a dense bright red blush covering most of the fruit. Calyx is medium-depth, no plate. Receptacle is non-falling, closed, surrounded by small pearls. Pedicel is thin, length varies from short to long depending on position.

Flesh is creamy, juicy, sweet-tart, medium density. Seeds are light brown, medium size. Chemical composition of fruits: sugars — 14.7% (10.9–15.4), titratable acids — 0.78% (0.55–0.81), ascorbic acid — 29.8 mg/100g (18.4–30.2), catechins — 671 mg/100g.

Fruits are transportable, suitable for making juices, purees, compotes.

Late-season ripening fruits. On the tree, fruits crack when overripe due to heavy rain or in dry autumn. Suitable for fresh consumption and processing, stored 60–90 days.

Low self-fertility, requires pollinators, best are 'Fonarik' and 'Red Cluster'.

Highly winter-hardy, less cold-resistant and durable than 'Ranetka Purple', slightly higher than 'Fonarik'.

Advantages of the variety: high regular yields, winter hardiness, medium height, excellent raw material for processing.

Disadvantages of the variety: small fruit size, short fruit storage life.