Apple Star Crimson (Star Crimson Delish)

Obtained in the USA as a spontaneous vegetative mutation of the Starki Delish variety. Until recently, it occupied large areas of gardens in the North Caucasus, gradually losing its significance and is now found in limited quantities in new plantings.

Trees are low-growing or medium-sized with a broad-pyramidal, sparse, compact crown typical of the spur type, formed by branches diverging from the trunk at acute angles. Main fruiting occurs on mixed-age spur clusters.

Branches are dark brown, weakly branched, with closely spaced internodes, weakly hairy. Leaves are medium-sized, elongated or egg-shaped, with a rounded base, dark green, with serrated margins.

Fruits are medium to large in size, insufficiently uniform, elongated-conical in shape, moderately ribbed, especially in the upper part. Main color is light green, with a dark carmine blush covering the entire fruit surface. The calyx is deep and medium-width. The peduncle is medium in length and thickness. The calyx is closed. The central cavity is narrow.

Flesh is light green, turning light yellow at maturity, with a good sweet-sour dessert flavor, aromatic and juicy.

In the Krasnodar region, fruits accumulate 14.8% dry matter, 9.0-11.2% sugars, 0.22% titratable acids, 4.0-6.1 mg/100g ascorbic acid, and 145 mg/100g polyphenolic compounds.

Harvested in late September to early October, fruits are stored until April. During storage, flavor improves, but fruits may be damaged by bitter pit.

The variety is early-bearing and high-yielding, but requires specific growing conditions: in dry years and under heavy fruit load, fruits become smaller, and their flavor deteriorates sharply. Cold resistance is insufficient, and the variety is heavily affected by scab, while powdery mildew affects it only slightly.

Advantages of the variety: crown type 'spur' suitable for intensive plantings, high yield, good fruit quality.

Disadvantages of the variety: demanding growing conditions, susceptibility to scab.