Four New Summer Apples from the Czech Republic

Research and Breeding Institute of Pomology Holovousy Ltd., Czech Republic, introduced four new summer apples in 2004: 'Zita', 'Dima', 'Miodar', and 'Mivibe'. These four cultivars cover successively the early apple ripening period from 'Vista Bella' till 'Summerred'. 'Mivibe', the only one susceptible to scab, has very attractive pink-red fruit of above-average size. The fruit of the novelty has an excellent flavoured taste and store very well for over three months in ordinary air cold storage. The remaining cultivars are partly scab resistant (on polygenic basis) and also mildew incidence was very restricted on the trees under reduced phytosanitary treatments. 'Dima' ('Discovery' x 'Mantet') is outstanding for inner fruit quality - the flesh is crisp; the taste is mildly acidic and pleasantly flavoured. 'Miodar' is distinguished by high yields and attractiveness of the fruit. Detailed tree and fruit descriptions of the four new releases and some experience from their testing up to now are given.