Sweet cherry Excellent Kolesnikova

This variety was obtained by crossing Zhukovskaya × Zarya Povolzhya + Zolushka. Originator — All-Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Selection. Authors: A.F. Kolesnikova, E.N. Dzhigadlo, G.B. Zhdanova, A.V. Zavyalova, T.A. Trofimova. Introduced into the State Register in 2003 for the Central Chernozem region.

Medium-growing tree, up to 2.5 m tall. Round, weeping, drooping crown of medium density. Medium-length, straight, brown shoots. Bark on the trunk and main branches is brown. Bud 4 mm, conical shape, slightly deviated from the shoot. Leaf elongated-oval shape, dark green. Apex sharply pointed, base tapered, serrated edge. Leaf blade surface smooth, matte, concave, curved downward. Stipules located at the base of the leaf and on the petiole. Petiole length 25 mm, thickness 2 mm, pigmented. Number of flowers in inflorescence 3. Corolla diameter 23.8 mm, open. Petals white, free. Stigma position relative to stamens is lower. Stigma length 9.9 mm, stamen length 10.4 mm. Calyx shape narrow-bowl-shaped, large serrated sepals. Fruits borne on one-year shoots and flower clusters.

Fruits weighing 3.9–4.0 g, oval shape, height 18 mm, width 16 mm, thickness 15 mm. No fruit depression, apex elongated. Stone oval, weight 0.26 g, constitutes 6.6% of fruit weight, yellow color, apex pointed, base rounded, separates well from flesh. Fruits dark red. Flesh dark red, medium density, slightly dry, juice red. Fruit stem length 46 mm, medium thickness. Fresh fruit tasting score 4.6 points. Universal use variety. Fruits contain dry matter — 16.92%, sugars — 11.98%, acids — 1.36%.

Flowering at medium time (May 10–18). Fruit ripening at medium time (second half of July). Enters fruiting on the 4th year. Partially self-fertile. Average yield 113.4 c/ha, maximum 203.4 c/ha. Frost damage to trees insignificant, flower buds — moderate. Affected moderately by coccomyces and moniliosis.

Advantages: good yield, high fruit taste quality.

Disadvantages: susceptibility to moniliosis, requires pollinators.