Apple Daughter of Antonovka (Snegok)

Autumn variety, obtained at the VNIIS named after I. V. Michurin from the hybrid family Antonovka ordinary x (Belfler-Chinese + Slavanka). Author G. A. Lobanov. Popular in amateur gardens of the middle belt of Russia, deserves wider cultivation in areas where Antonovka ordinary can grow.

The tree reaches large dimensions, has a rounded, slightly elevated crown of moderate density, with clearly defined, sparsely arranged, well-subordinated skeletal branches, which diverge from the trunk at an angle close to straight. The trunk and main branches have flaky bark, light gray coloration, with a greenish-yellow tint. In terms of crown structure, branch arrangement, wood coverage, and many morphological features, it strongly resembles Antonovka ordinary. Fruiting occurs mainly on spurs and fruiting branches, rarely on shoots.

Shoots with brown bark, straight, medium length, round in cross-section, hairy, with numerous, clearly visible, light gray lenticels of medium size. Leaves dark green, matte, egg-shaped or rounded, occasionally inversely egg-shaped, with wavy leaf margins and serrated edges, slightly wrinkled surface, short, thick petioles.

Flowers of medium size, white-pink, deeply cup-shaped, with oval petals of medium size.

Fruits of above-average size. Average weight — 160 g, maximum — 180 g, medium uniformity, oval-conical or rounded, broadly ribbed, occasionally slightly inclined. Skin smooth, glossy. Color when picked greenish, with a beautiful golden blush on the sun-exposed side, becoming whitish upon reaching consumer maturity. Peduncle short or medium, oblique. Calyx closed. Receptacle of medium depth and width, ribbed. Subcalyx tube small, narrow, funnel-shaped. Seed cavity medium size, onion-like. Seed chambers half-open, medium. Seeds large, reddish-brown, medium size, broad.

Flesh white, medium density, tender, sour-sweet, fine-grained, very juicy, semi-oily, with a stronger aroma than Antonovka ordinary. Taste rating — 4.2–4.8 points. Fruits contain: sugars — 10.5%, titratable acids — 0.76%, ascorbic acid — 5.0 mg/100g.

Harvesting maturity occurs at the end of August — beginning of September. Shelf life of fresh fruits ends in mid-October. Mature fruits cling strongly to the tree; this variety rarely suffers from fruit drop. Fruit quality is high — surpasses Antonovka ordinary.

Fruits are consumed fresh, but also suitable for technical processing: compote, drying.

Self-sterile, requires pollinators, among which the best are Michurin's Bessemanka, Korichnoye Novoye, Welles.

Trees begin fruiting at 6–7 years (after budding). In young age, fruiting is annual, by 15–20 years with minor fluctuations. Productivity is high: under normal conditions, average multi-year yields reach up to 175 centners per hectare and more. Harvesting requires special care due to the thin fruit skin.

Advantages of the variety: high ecological adaptability, high yield. Distinguishes itself from Antonovka ordinary by greater uniformity of dessert-flavored fruits and an unmistakable pleasant aroma.

Disadvantages of the variety: vigorous growth, absence of protective coloration, thin skin, need for especially careful handling during harvesting.