Autumn Joy

This autumn variety was obtained at the VNIIS named after I. V. Michurin from the hybrid family of 'Chestnut Striped' x 'Welsley'. Author: S. I. Isaev. The variety was approved for the Central region.

The tree is vigorous, with a rounded, conical, fairly dense crown, similar in shape to the 'Chestnut Striped' variety. The bark on the trunk and scaffold branches is brownish. Fruit set is mixed, primarily on fruiting spurs.

Shoots are thick, straight, dark-red, and heavily hairy. Buds are few, round or elongated, light-yellow. Buds are large and gray.

Leaves are dark green, medium-sized, elongated-oval in shape, wrinkled. The leaf blade is curved along the central vein upward, slightly convex, hairy. Leaf margin is wavy, with finely serrated teeth. Petiole is long and thin.

Fruits are medium-sized (116–136 g), flat-round, with a small cone. Main skin color is golden-green; the covering color is a bright red flush, with indistinct stripes and spots, and grayish subcutaneous spots. The fruit stalk is nearly medium-length, thick, slightly protruding beyond the calyx. The calyx is wide, medium depth, slightly rusty. The calyx is small, closed, located in a wide but shallow, wrinkled dish. The core is medium-sized, bulbous, with half-open chambers. Seeds are medium-sized, egg-shaped, brown with a reddish tint, and the subcalyx tube is conical, medium length.

Flesh is cream-white, medium density, slightly tart-sweet, tender, juicy, with a sharp aroma. Fruit contains: dry matter — 12.6%, sugars — 10.2%, titratable acids — 0.3%.

Harvesting maturity occurs at the end of August to early September. Shelf life in fresh condition is 1–1.5 months.

The variety begins fruiting 4–5 years after planting in the orchard, characterized by high annual yields — up to 150 kg per tree at 20 years old. Cold resistance is at the level of 'Chestnut Striped'.

Fruits and leaves are resistant to scab.

Advantages of the variety: high winter hardiness, annual abundant yield, resistance to scab, attractive and relatively large, tasty fruits.

Disadvantages of the variety: sharp angles of scaffold branch attachment, weak branching and brittle wood in nursery stock.