Results of mutation breeding of apples at RBIP Holovousy

Summary

Two promising clones provisionally selected in a programme of mutation breeding at Holovousy were evaluated in a trial since 1976–1992 in comparison with standard cultivars. ‘Lord Lambourne Red’, registered in 1990, proves to be superior to standard ‘Lord Lambourne’ by better colour of fruit skin and bigger fruit. A dark red washed blush covers nearly the whole surface of the fruit. Fruit can be consumed just after harvest but it stores well till December. This new cultivar has been successfully tested both on the dwarf rootstock M 9 and the vigorous one A 2. Trees are precocious, very productive and their yields are regular. They are, however, as sensitive to Apple rubbery wood virus and to late spring frosts as the original cultivar. ‘James Grieve Double Red’, registered in 1993, has very attractive fruit covered with bright red nearly all over the surface. In comparison to standard cultivar ‘James Grieve’ this new mutant has larger and more elongated fruit with a shorter stalk. It flowers about two days later and it is more productive with smaller trees.