HONEYCRISP

Synonym: Minnesota 1711

Parentage: Macoun x Honeygold

Color: Orange-red to red over greenish-yellow to yellow; often irregular, blotchy, or streaky rather than solid.

Harvest: August 21 to August 31; multiple pickings

Fruit: A large, round to somewhat oblate apple. The cavity is generally medium depth, open, sometimes ridged or furrowed and often has a smooth russet that splashes over the shoulder of the fruit. Susceptible to russet, at this growing site, that is smooth and sometimes "net-like". The stem is medium to shorter length and average to thicker. The basin is average to deeper and somewhat narrow with a large, green calyx that may be open or closed. The lenticels are numerous, distinct, and may be sunken giving the surface a "dimpled" appearance. This apple can be quite attractive, but color, russet and sunken lenticels can detract from appearance in some seasons. Honeycrisp is subject to corking and a bitter pit like condition that develops on the tree prior to harvest. The flesh has average firmness, but is exceptionally crisp and juicy. The flesh is yellow-cream colored and subject to watercore. At full maturity (S.I. = 4 to 6) the flavor is "sprightly" acid with a slight sweetness. At advanced maturity (S.I. ≥ 7), the fruit may retain crispness, but will be softer and often have a fermented flavor. Storage life is 6 months or longer when harvested in the early stages of maturity. Shelf life has not been determined at this site. Fruit have shown high susceptibility to bitter rot.  Low susceptibility to plum curculio, tufted apple bud moth and redbanded leafroller.  Moderately susceptible to tarnished plant bug, codling moth and oriental fruit moth.

Tree: A rather low vigor tree on dwarfing rootstocks. Tends to be upright in the early years but spreads somewhat once cropping begins. Blooms late and productivity has been low at this site. Foliage is prone to chlorosis and cupping along the margins, which leads to an unthrifty appearance. The cause and effect of this condition has not been determined.  Low susceptibility to rosy apple aphid and spotted tentiform leafminer.  Moderately susceptible to European red mite and white apple leafhopper.  Highly susceptible to Japanese beetle. Moderately susceptible to powdery mildew, cedar apple rust, and fire blight, and low susceptibility to scab.

Market Potential: Good: roadside stand; local supermarkets; limited wholesale fresh market.