SYNAPOUS MINUSINSKIY

The Synapous Minusinskiy apple tree is a medium-sized tree reaching a height of about 2.6–2.8 meters, with an average-density rounded crown. The branches are straight, sparsely arranged, and directed upwards; the bark on the trunk and main branches is smooth and yellowish. Leaves are broadly ovoid, dark green, with a wavy margin and medium pubescence. Flowers are of medium size, pinkish, and aromatic. Fruiting begins in the third or fourth year after planting, indicating the variety's precocity. The average yield is about 9–11 tons per hectare, corresponding to approximately 14–40 kg per tree depending on age and growing conditions. The fruits of the Synapous Minusinskiy apple tree are small and uniform, weighing 44–50 grams, elongated in shape with a broadly cylindrical and broadly ribbed structure. The skin is of medium thickness, smooth, and dull, with a basic light-yellow color and a blurred purplish blushing covering the entire fruit. The flesh is creamy or pinkish, of medium density, juicy, with a sweet-and-sour taste and a faint aroma. The fruits have good storage qualities and can be stored for up to two to three months, allowing them to be used both for fresh consumption and for making compotes, juices, jams, and preserves. The variety is distinguished by high winter hardiness, enduring temperatures down to -44.6 °C with minimal damage. It is also resistant to scab, significantly reducing the risk of leaf and fruit infection even in years of epidemics. Drought resistance and heat tolerance are moderate. Among the advantages are precocity, high productivity, disease resistance, and good fruit consumer qualities. Drawbacks include gradual aging of the tree, leggy branches, and the appearance of a slight bitterness in particularly dry years.