Sweet cherry Mayak

The variety was obtained by selection from seedlings of free-pollinated Michurin cherry varieties, sent at one-year-old age from VNIIGiSPR. Originator — Sverdlovsk Selection Station for Horticulture. Authors: N.I. Gvozdikova, S.V. Zhukov. Introduced into the State Register in 1974 for the Middle Volga region.

Bush up to 1.8-2 m tall, broadly rounded, spreading form, sparse crown of medium leafiness. Bud 4 mm, conical shape, positioned away from the shoot. Leaf elongated-ovate, green, no anthocyanin coloring. Apex acuminate, base wedge-shaped, double-toothed. Leaf blade glossy, elastic, slightly folded like a boat. Stipules 2-4 at leaf base. Petiole — length 7 mm, thickness 1 mm, purplish. Number of flowers in inflorescence — 3. Corolla diameter 24 mm, flat shape. Petals white, freely arranged. Stigma position is usually at the level of stamens, occasionally above them. Stigma length 11 mm, stamen length 7 mm. Calyx shape cup-like, toothedness of calyx lobes medium, well expressed. Fruits borne on cluster branches and one-year shoots.

Fruits large, weighing 4-5 g, maximum weight 6 g, height 17 mm, width 18 mm, thickness 7 mm, round, compressed at the seam, dark-red. Flesh red, medium density, juice red. Pedicel length 47 mm, thickness 1.2 mm. Stone broadly rounded, mass 0.25 g, which constitutes 6.2% of fruit mass, light-brown. Apex and base broadly rounded. Stone detaches from flesh easily. Fruits contain sugars — 7.4%, acids — 1.7%, ascorbic acid — 2.0 mg/100g, vitamin P — 101.5 mg/100g.

Fruits have very attractive appearance, rated 5 points, flesh juicy, slightly acidic-sweet, pleasant taste. Sensory evaluation of fresh fruits 4.5 points. Pedicel attachment to fruit is strong. Detachment of pedicel from fruit with partial flesh and juice removal. Under favorable conditions, fruits are prone to cracking. Variety is of universal use. Used fresh and for processing — compote, jam, juice, etc.

Flowering in medium late period (May 25 — June 3). Fruit ripening period medium — July 25 — August 5, ripening uneven, yield moderate. Enters fruiting at 4 years. Longevity of rootstock plants is high — over 30 years, with timely rejuvenating pruning. Partially self-fertile. Wood and bud winter hardiness satisfactory. Drought-resistant. Susceptible to coccomycosis and fruit rot. In some years, damage from cherry slugs and aphids is observed.

The variety has high productivity ratings in Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions' farms. The variety is used for commercial, amateur cultivation, as well as a selection resource. Suitable for intensive cultivation.

Advantages of the variety: large fruit size, partial self-fertility, good fruit taste.

Disadvantages: moderate fruiting in Sverdlovsk region, satisfactory winter hardiness, susceptibility to coccomycosis.