Sweet cherry Excellent Venyaminova

This variety was obtained by selection from seedlings of free pollination of the 'Droghana Yellow' variety. Originators — All-Russian Research Institute of Horticulture named after I.V. Michurin and All-Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Selection. Authors: A.N. Venyaminov, A.F. Kolesnikova. Under state variety testing since 1985.

The tree is tall, reaching up to 5 meters in height. The crown is inverted pyramidal, raised, of medium density. Branches are medium-length, straight, olive-brown. Bark on the trunk and main branches is flaking, brown. Bud is 4 mm, conical in shape, strongly deviated from the branch. Leaf is egg-shaped, dark green. Leaf apex is sharply pointed, base is pointed, leaf margin is serrated with a toothed edge. Leaf blade surface is smooth, matte, flat. Stomata are few, located at the base of the leaf blade. Petiole is 19.6 mm long, 0.1 mm thick, pigmented. Number of flowers in inflorescence is 4. Corolla diameter is 23.8 mm, open. Petals are white, free. Stigma is positioned relatively lower than stamens. Stigma length is 7.7 mm, stamen length is 8.5 mm. Calyx shape is bell-shaped, with weakly serrated sepals. Fruits set on last year’s growth and flower clusters.

Fruits weigh 5.5–7.0 g, flat in shape, height 22–23 mm, width 29 mm, thickness 30 mm. Fruit pit is small, apex rounded. Fruits are red, flesh pink, medium density, melting, juice colorless. Fruits contain: dry matter 18.9%, sugars 13.68%, acids 0.96%. Pedicel length is 33.9 mm, medium thickness. Stone is round, weighing 0.42 g, accounting for 6% of fruit weight, cream-colored, apex rounded, base rounded, easily separates from flesh.

Flowering occurs early (May 10–15). Fruit ripening is medium-early (July 8–12). Begins fruiting on the 4th year. Average yield is 101.4 centners per hectare, maximum 172.8 centners per hectare. Self-sterile, well pollinated by 'Griot Ostgheim' and 'Vladimirskaya' varieties. Tree longevity is high with proper cultivation technology. Winter hardiness of the tree is good, but flower buds have insufficient cold resistance. Moderately resistant to coccomycosis.

Advantages: large dessert-type fruits superior to all regional varieties in these qualities. Moderate resistance to coccomycosis.

Disadvantages: vigorous growth, insufficient cold resistance of flower buds.