Blue Egg

This variety was obtained at the All-Russian Selection and Technology Institute of Horticulture and Nursery from crossing Red Early x Renclod Ullens. Breeders: H.K. Enikeev, S.N. Satarova, V.S. Simonov. Introduced into the State Register in 1986 for the Central region.

Strong-growing tree. The crown is oval-shaped and spreading, with medium density and foliage. The branches are dark brown, bare, and the buds are medium-sized, slightly deviated from the branches. The leaf blade is inversely egg-shaped, size (length x width) — 41.36 cm², green and glossy, medium thickness, slightly wrinkled surface, no pubescence on top or bottom, toothed margin, medium-length petiole, glands present. Flower petals are not closed, 22 stamens, stigma and stamens at the same level, ovary is bare, calyx is cup-shaped, pedicel medium and bare. Flowers and fruits form on bouquet branches and one-year shoots.

Fruit is egg-shaped, weighing 28 g, main color red, no covering, no pubescence, strong waxy coating, apex shape at base oval, weakly developed ventral suture. Flesh is yellow, fine-fibrous texture, medium density, juiciness above average. Sugar content above average, aroma medium, taste rating 4.2 points. Chemical composition of skin and flesh: dry matter — 16%, free acids — 2.01%, sugars — 14.8%, ascorbic acid — 12.06 mg/100g. Pedicel length is medium. Stone is oval, mass 0.8 g, making up 2.8% of fruit mass. Dry fruit stem detachment, medium transportability, intended use for table consumption.

Flowering period: May 13–20, ripening period: August 17–26. Begins fruiting at 5 years old, plant longevity 25 years. Self-fertile, medium yield, fruiting is irregular (6 non-yields out of last 16 years). Winter frost damage to branches and twigs is slight, flower buds medium. Drought resistance medium, disease susceptibility (clasterosporiosis) high (3.5 points), fruit rot low, pest damage (aphids, fruit moth) high (3–4 points). Average yield over last 16 years: 11 kg/tree. Suitable for commercial production, not suitable for intensive horticulture.

Advantages of the variety: high fruit quality, self-fertility, increased winter hardiness of the tree.

Disadvantages of the variety: high growth, susceptibility to clasterosporiosis.