Apple Ermolaev's Early

This variety was developed by the amateur gardener P. S. Ermolaev in Minusinsk through crossing in 1937 with 'Arkady' summer. It has been regionally approved since 1959 for the West Siberian and East Siberian regions. It was widely grown in Siberian gardens but is absent in new plantings.

Trees are medium-sized with a pyramidal, sparse crown. Fruit set primarily occurs on spurs on 2-3-year-old shoots, partially on short spurs and fruiting branches.

Shoots are brownish-red, lightly hairy at the tips. Leaves are large, broadly egg-shaped, hanging, bright green, smooth, hairless, with finely toothed margins. Petioles are medium length with lanceolate, pointed stipules.

Fruits are exceptionally small (8-12 g), round-oval, occasionally slightly ribbed. Main color is yellow, covering color is dark red, solid. Skin has a bluish bloom, with a deep depression, often with radiating rust. Calyx is usually shed. Receptacle is wide, slightly ribbed. Calyx tube is conical.

Flesh is white, with reddish veins, tart-sweet, of good flavor. Chemical composition of fruit: total sugars — 11.9% (9.1-14.2), titratable acids — 1.31% (1.00-1.58), tannins — 395 mg/100g (124-580), ascorbic acid — 38.2 mg/100g (22.7-56.0), P-active compounds — 571 mg/100g (500-644), pectin substances — 6.15% dry weight.

Harvesting ripeness occurs at the end of August. Storage life up to 20 days. Variety is of universal use.

Fruit bearing begins on the 4th-5th year. Yield is average, fruiting is irregular. Cold hardiness is high. Drought tolerant. Sensitive to scab.

Advantages of the variety: high winter hardiness, early fruit ripening.

Disadvantages of the variety: exceptionally small fruits, sensitive to scab.

Varieties developed with its participation: Altai Red, Minusinsk Sinaap.