APPLE TREE NAMED 'HOT81A1'

Abstract

A new and distinct apple variety is described. The variety results from crossing the apple varieties A121R18T089 (not patented) and Gala Baigent (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,121) in Havelock North, New Zealand. The fruit of the apple tree of this new variety have an attractive appearance characterized by its dark red color and creamy white background and it early harvest compared to other selections. This new variety has been named HOT81A1.

Claims

1. A new and distinct variety of apple tree named HOT81A1 substantially as illustrated and described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS

[0010] The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the tree, foliage and fruit of the new variety as depicted in colors as nearly true as is reasonably possible to make the same in a color illustration of this character.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a 3 year old tree of HOT81A1 scion on M9 rootstock in the field.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows whole HOT81A1 fruit.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows HOT81A1 flower

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following is a description of the new variety with color terminology in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society Color Charts (R.H.S.C.C.) fifth edition.

[0015] The specimens described were grown at Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. The observations were made over several seasons from 2014-2018 season on 5-9 year old trees. [0016] Tree: Ramified growth habit, approximately 3.46 m tall and 1.24 m wide; spreading habit; bearing on spurs and long shoots; medium vigor on M9 rootstock, managed under standard orchard practice. [0017] Trunk: Measurements were taken 20 cm from the graft union. Trunk circumference approximately 17.5 cm; color grey 199D; bark texture both smooth and rough texture. [0018] One year old shoot: Approximately 25.6 cm long, thin thickness with straight growth; color on the sunny side near light brown 166A; average internode length 3.68 cm; number of lenticels were sparse, elongated in shape and light yellow 158B and approximately 0.62 mm in width and 1.7 mm in length. [0019] Leaves: Average length 89.84 mm; average width 54.08 mm at the widest point; upper side of the blade near dark green N137A; underside near brown green 147B with weak pubescence; basal shape obtuse; apex shape right angled; margin of the leaves serrate; the attitude in relation to the shoot upwards. Vegetative bud burst early March. [0020] Petiole: Average length 26.93 mm; average width 1.93 mm. [0021] Stipule: Average length 6.06 mm; average width 0.44 mm; shape short and asymmetric; color dark green 136A on the upper side; under side color of the stipules medium brown green 147C. [0022] Flowers: Color at balloon stage medium purple red, near 63A; diameter of the open flower approximately 27.2 mm; petals were not touching, and there were six flowers per cluster; time of beginning of flowering late March, followed by full bloom on the approximately 6th April. [0023] Petals: Five petals per flower with a rounded shape; average length 14.6 mm; average width 11.75 mm; with a truncated base; lower surface coloration light violet 77D with near purple veins 72A. [0024] Stamen: Average of 20 per flower. Filaments near white 155C and average length 8.56 mm. Anthers average length of 2.16 mm; average width 1.47 mm; color near light yellow 11B. Pollen color near yellow 3A. Anther position below stigma. [0025] Carpel: Average length 12.1 mm; exterior color near light green 149C. [0026] Sepals: Five sepals per flower; overall shape of an acute and curved triangle; smooth margin; average length 5.4 mm; average width 2.9 mm; color near green 144A. [0027] Fruit size: Small; average width 68.31 mm; average height 58.27 mm; average weight 135.96 g. [0028] Shape: Conic; position of maximum diameter slightly towards stalk; crowning at calyx end absent to weak. Eye basin average depth 12.196 mm; average width 23.17 mm. [0029] Skin: Chewy texture; ribbing absent or weak; bloom of skin absent or weak; moderate; background color whitish yellow 11B; number of lenticels medium; size of lenticels medium. [0030] Over color: Approximately 80% of skin surface; near dark purple red 181A; pattern of overcolor flushed, striped and mottled width of stripes medium; large amount of russet around stalk cavity; amount of russet on cheeks absent or small; area of russet around eye basin absent or small; [0031] Stalk: Average length 19.21 mm; average width 2.83 mm; curvature medium. Average depth of stalk cavity 13.446 mm; average width 28.274 mm. [0032] Flesh: Medium, average fruit firmness 6.2 kgf; very juicy; white 155C. [0033] Flavor: Sweet; aroma sweet apple; soluble solids 13.1%. [0034] Seeds: Five locules; medium seed size; average length 9.598 mm; average width 5.184 mm; color near dark brown 200C. [0035] Harvest: Late Julyearly August. [0036] Use: Dessert. Adapted to hot climate growing conditions. Less sensitive to sunburn and cracking than Gala (Baigent). [0037] Keeping quality: Excellent, up to 6 months at 0.5 C.+1 week shelf life.