Apple (Malus domestica) PIONIER

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Pionier'

Resistant autumn variety with dark red fruits and specific fruiting habit.

'Pionier' is an interesting Romanian apple variety bred at the SCDP Voinești station. It is the result of a complex cross (including ‘Prima’ and ‘Jonathan’). It is highly valued for its resistance to Scab and Powdery Mildew, as well as for its attractive dark red fruits. An interesting feature is its ability to form fruit clusters even on long shoots.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Resistance to Scab and Powdery Mildew.
• Attractive dark red to bordeaux fruits.
• Fine, crunchy, and juicy flesh.
• Specific fruit formation in clusters.
• Suitable for organic farming.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: Research and Development Station for Fruit Growing Voinești (SCDP Voinești)
• Parentage: (‘Jonathan’ × ‘Verzișoare’) × ‘Prima’
• Registration: 1987

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium.
• Fruiting: Bears fruit on short spurs, but is also characterized by specific formation of fruit clusters on long shoots.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium size, average 150 g.
• Shape and Color: Round, flattened. Base color is green, covered with an evenly distributed dark red to bordeaux color and strong bloom.
• Flesh: White, fine, juicy, and crunchy.
• Taste: Balanced, very good.
• Usage: Intended for fresh consumption.

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: The variety is resistant to Scab and Powdery Mildew.

Harvest and Storage

• Consumption maturity: Autumn to early winter variety. Fruits are consumable from harvest until December.