STANICHNY BEACON

The 'Stanichny Beacon' apple variety is an intensive variety bred at the North Caucasian Regional Research Institute of Viticulture and Pomology by crossing the Kuban 16-40 and Alenushkino varieties. Trees of this variety are characterized by medium or weak growth, forming a round or narrow pyramidal canopy with a columnar shape, which ensures compactness and ease of care. The variety is characterized by high early fruiting and yield, reaching 40–50 tons per hectare depending on planting density, making it attractive for commercial cultivation in southern regions of Russia, especially in the Krasnodar Territory and the North Caucasian region. 'Stanichny Beacon' apple fruits are large and very large, weighing from 180 to 260 grams, with a correct round-conical or truncated round-flat shape. Fruit coloring varies from light greenish with a purple-orange coating to solid carmine-red, giving them an impressive appearance. The flesh is creamy, dense, juicy, and finely grained, with a harmonious sweet-sour taste and pronounced aroma. The maturation period of the fruits falls in the late-autumn or early-autumn period, with storage capability up to two months, which expands their usage and realization possibilities. The 'Stanichny Beacon' variety is distinguished by high resistance to fungal diseases, such as scab and powdery mildew, as well as brown spot. It possesses high winter hardiness and drought resistance, making it a reliable choice for cultivation in southern Russia conditions. The variety's self-fertility is 16–18%, which promotes stable fruiting. Due to its qualities and adaptability, this apple variety is recommended for intensive orchards and can be successfully used both for fresh consumption and for storage and processing.