Bird's (Ribbed)

Autumn variety obtained at the Novosibirsk Zonal Fruit-and-Berry Experimental Station by crossing one of hybrid seedlings with pollen from summer large-fruited varieties. Breeders: A. A. Christo, R. A. Bykova, N. E. Yurieva.

Tree is moderately low-growing, young trees are compact with an inverted pyramidal crown, which becomes more spherical with age, formed by branches branching at a 45° angle. Bark on the trunk and main branches is light brown with a slight greenish tint.

Shoots are reddish-brown, straight, medium-length, thick, with short internodes and medium hairiness. Stipules are small, yellowish, sparse, located at the surface level. Leaves are large, elongated, egg-shaped, light green, curved along the central vein with moderately raised serrated edges. Upper leaf surface is slightly wrinkled and matte, lower surface is slightly hairy along the veins. Petiole is long, medium thickness, colored pinkish at the base, positioned at a 45° angle relative to the shoot.

Fruits (see photo) are very small, fruit mass 15 g, maximum 24 g, wide-cylindrical shape, surface strongly ribbed and bumpy, clearly visible light subcutaneous spots of medium size. Main skin color is yellow, covering color is orange-red with a striped blush covering half the fruit. Peduncle is short, emerges from a shallow depression. Calyx is absent, around the closed calyx cup there are clearly visible pearls.

Fruits are distinguished by high taste qualities, flesh juicy and pleasant. Chemical composition of fruits: sugar content — 13.9% (9.17–16.30), titratable acids — 1.0% (0.83–1.45), ascorbic acid — 12.24 mg/100g (3.9–14.9), catechins — 296.1 mg/100g (66.6–538.2).

Fruits ripen in autumn, stored in refrigerator for 90 days. Main use — fresh consumption, fruits are suitable for canning as well.

Yields are moderate and regular, averaging 50 centners per hectare. Winter hardiness is lower than that of 'Fonarik'.

Fruits are resistant to scab, leaves are slightly damaged.

Advantages of the variety: good taste quality of fruits, moderate growth.

Disadvantages of the variety: small fruit size, short fruit storage period, moderate winter hardiness.