Apple Luchistoe

The 'Luchistoe' apple variety is an early-summer variety bred at the Crimean Experimental Station of Horticulture, a branch of VIR in the Krasnodar Krai. The tree is of medium height with a spreading and dense crown, characterized by high yield and regular fruiting, which begins 2-3 years after planting. Fruit set is mixed; fruits form on ring-flowered shoots (pads), spurs, fruit spurs, and the base of vegetative shoots. The variety exhibits high resistance to scab and powdery mildew, as well as good frost hardiness and drought tolerance, making it suitable for intensive cultivation technologies. 'Luchistoe' fruits are large and above-average size, weighing 190 to 210 grams, with a flattened-round shape featuring prominent ribbing. The flesh is creamy, of medium density, tender, finely grained, and juicy, with a harmoniously sour-sweet taste. Apples possess good transportability and can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. The variety is recommended for horticulture in southern regions of Russia, especially in Crimea and the North Caucasus. 'Luchistoe' ripens in the early-summer period, in the first half of July, allowing for harvest among the first of summer varieties. If trees are overloaded with fruit, manual thinning is recommended, as the fruits may become smaller. Despite the fact that the variety does not have high winter hardiness, it recovers quickly after partial freezing due to a high level of regeneration. Apples are of universal use, suitable for fresh consumption and storage for several weeks.