Sunrise of Kuban

Winter variety obtained at the North Caucasus Regional Institute of Horticulture and Viticulture (Krasnodar). Origin of seedling is unknown. Transferred to the State Variety Testing Center in 1996. Undergoing field trials in farms of the North Caucasus region.

Medium-sized tree, with oval-shaped crown in early years, then round or broadly round with medium density, formed by dark-gray branches with brownish tinge, extending from trunk at nearly straight angle. Mixed fruiting type.

Branches dark-gray, straight or slightly curved, medium length and thickness, moderately hairy. Leaves elongated-oval, smooth, glossy, with slightly wavy finely toothed margins.

Fruits (see illustration) medium to large size, flat-round, broadly ribbed, uniform shape, rough textured skin. Main color greenish-yellow, covering color reddish blush with weak waxy coating on most of fruit surface (sun-exposed side) or up to one-third of surface. Skin with clearly pronounced numerous subcutaneous dots, size (up to 3 mm) and varied shapes (from triangular to star-shaped) being a distinctive variety feature. Peduncle usually thin, medium to long depending on fruit position. Calyx persistent, open. Receptacle medium depth and thickness, finely ribbed. Subcalyx tube cup-shaped, seed chambers slightly open at base, central cavity medium size.

Flesh greenish-yellow with creamy tinge, medium aroma, slightly acidic-sweet with good dessert flavor. Noted high ascorbic acid content — up to 20.2 mg/100 g, total sugars — 10.2–13.5%, titratable acids — 0.48–1.2%, P-active substances — 90 mg/100 g.

Fruits ripen at end of September, can be stored in refrigerator until March. During storage, fruits show signs of wilting (similar to Golden Delicious variety).

Early fruiting. Fruit production almost regular. Yield of 12-year-old trees — 70 kg/tree, which with planting scheme 6 x 4 m provides 29 tons/ha. Winter-hardy, drought-tolerant. Highly resistant to scab, practically resistant to powdery mildew.

Advantages of the variety: high ecological resistance, good fruit market qualities, elevated ascorbic acid content in fruits.

Disadvantages of the variety: insufficient fruit uniformity, tendency to wilting during storage.