Moscow Late

A late-winter variety developed at Lomonosov Moscow State University by S. I. Isaev through a cross in 1961 between 'Korichnoye Novoye' (Korichnoye Pолосatoye x Welis) and 'Severny Synap' (Kandil-Chinai — free pollination). Regionally approved since 2001.

A vigorous tree; young trees have a broad-pyramidal crown, later becoming broadly oval. Bark on trunk and main branches is greenish-gray. Main branches are inclined-vertical.

Shoots are brownish-brown, straight, round in cross-section, well-hairy, with short internodes. Buds are frequent, medium-sized, convex. Leaves are large, egg-shaped or elliptical with a clearly pointed tip, serrated-edged. Petiole is short, colored along its entire length, hairy.

Fruits are above-average size, round-conical shape, without ribs. Fruit surface is smooth; primary color at harvest is greenish-yellow with a delicate pink blush on the sun-exposed side; later, the skin turns golden-yellow. Under-skin dots are barely noticeable. Pedicel is short, medium thickness, upright. Calyx is medium depth and width, not rusted. Receptacle is half-open, saucer-shaped, medium depth. Sub-receptacle tube is short, wide-bowl-shaped. Seed chambers are slightly open, seeds medium size, broadly round, brown.

Flesh is white, finely textured, dense, very juicy, slightly tart-sweet, with a mild spice. Flavor is good. Chemical composition of fruit: total sugars — 9.29% (8.5–11.3%), titratable acids — 0.94% (0.70–0.97%), tannins — 55 mg/100g (41–67 mg/100g), ascorbic acid — 8.8 mg/100g (7.1–10.5 mg/100g), P-active substances — 0.15 mg/100g (0.12–0.25 mg/100g), pectin substances — 8.7% (6.5–11.3%) on dry weight.

Harvesting maturity occurs at the end of September, and fruits exhibit exceptional storability (in some years, they remain until the next harvest). Consumer maturity begins almost simultaneously with harvesting and continues until May.

The parent tree begins fruiting at age 10. Grafted saplings begin fruiting at age 6–7. The variety is distinguished by high adaptability, cold resistance, and resistance to scab.

Advantages of the variety: outstanding storability of fruit, winter hardiness, and resistance to scab, high consumer qualities of fruit.

Disadvantages of the variety: dense crown.