Kuban Late

Winter variety, developed at SKZNIISiV by breeders L. M. Sergeev and E. I. Kostetsky. Origin unknown. Approved for cultivation in the Krasnodar region, widely grown in Stavropol Krai and Rostov Oblast.

Medium-sized tree. Irregular crown of medium density; main branches straight, closely arranged, diverge from the trunk at a sharp angle; branch tips pointing upward. Trunk cylindrical, covered with gray, peeling bark. Fruit type: complex rings, spear-like, fruiting twigs.

Medium-thick, curved shoots, brownish color, weakly hairy; few small buds. Medium-sized, curved, conical buds. Leaves medium-sized, egg-shaped, short-pointed, green, smooth, matte; leaf blade flat, hairless, leaf margin finely toothed; petiole long, thin, bare.

Flowers medium-sized, small cup-shaped, white, odorless; petals oval.

Fruits medium-sized (150 g), one-dimensional, pear-shaped, regular form, surface finely wrinkled. Skin dry, slightly rough. Color at harvest greenish, with slight sunburn on the sun-exposed side. At consumer maturity, main color greenish-yellow; subcutaneous spots not noticeable, small elliptical core; chambers medium-sized, closed. Fruit stem slightly curved, medium-sized, small, slightly rusted; calyx open, non-deciduous; dish small, weakly ribbed. Subcalyx tube short, cup-shaped. Seeds medium-sized, broad, egg-shaped, dark brown.

Flesh greenish-yellow, medium density, tender, oily, sweet-tart flavor with aroma (4.3-4.5 points). Under Kuban conditions, fruits contain 19.7% dry matter, 11.8% sugars, 0.48% titratable acids, 4.7 mg/100g ascorbic acid, 38.5 mg/100g raw material of P-active catechins.

Harvest maturity in Kuban conditions occurs September 20–30. Storage life until mid-January.

Fruits retain their flavor qualities during storage in refrigerators. Transportability good.

Fruits suitable for fresh consumption and processing (compotes, jams, dried fruits).

Trees begin fruiting from 6–7 years. Average yield in central Kuban at 17–20 years old — 160–200 centners per hectare.

The variety is not very demanding on growing conditions, can grow on any soils, but more marketable fruits are produced on light, sufficiently moist soils. The variety is relatively resistant to scab. Trees are sufficiently winter-hardy and drought-tolerant.

Advantages of the variety: good winter hardiness and drought tolerance, high yield and fruit flavor.

Disadvantages of the variety: small fruit size.