Abstract. Productive value of three scab-resistant apple cultivars selected at the Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture: ‘Early Freegold’, ‘Free Redstar’, ‘Melfree’ grafted on the different types of rootstocks: M.9, M.26, P14 and P60 were compared to ‘Florina’ and ‘Retina’ – two scab resistant standard cultivars. The productivity, healthiness and fruit quality were assesed in 2004-2006. During 3 seasons of the investigation in the field conditions the cultivars did not show any symptoms of apple scab and powdery mildew. Preliminary results indicate a high overall value of ‘Early Freegold’.

Productivity of new scab-resistant apple cultivars bred
at the Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture grafted on the different types of rootstocks

Summary

Resistance to apple scab is one of the most important objectives of the apple breeding program conducted at the Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture, Skierniewice, Poland. As a result of the work three new apple genotypes resistant to apple scab have been released. Their names are: ‘Early Freegold’, ‘Free Redstar’, ‘Melfree’. The first cultivar ripens in a late summer, whereas the last ones are autumn ripening apple genotypes. Results presenting their productive value were collected in the years 2004-2006 from the variety trial located in the Pomological Orchard at Skierniewice (Central Poland). Scab-resistant ‘Florina’ and ‘Retina’ cultivars were used as control. All trees were grafted on M.9, M.26, P14 and P60 rootstocks and were trained as a spindle. Pest control was applied as recommended for commercial apple orchards. Fungicides against scab were not applied.

During 3 seasons of the investigation in the field the cultivars did not show any symptoms of apple scab and powdery mildew. In the years 2004-2006 the highest yield produced ‘Early Freegold’ and ‘Melfree’, significantly higher than ‘Florina’ and ‘Retina’. The genotypes also differed in fruit size. The largest fruits were harvested from ‘Early Freegold’ followed by ‘Melfree’, ‘Free Redstar’, ‘Retina’, and ‘Florina’ were small-size apples. The preliminary results indicate a high overall value of ‘Early Freegold’. Their fruits are large, oblong conical, ground colour is green-yellow with pink blush and of a good internal quality, and trees are only slightly susceptible to powdery mildew.