Fuji 97

Apple

Variety Description

Varieties used for comparison: 'Fuji BC2' and 'Fuji Nagafu2'

Summary: 'Fuji 97' is a very late maturing sport of 'Fuji Nagafu2' which has more globose shaped fruit than either 'Fuji BC2' or 'Fuji Nagafu2'. 'Fuji 97' has a significantly larger area of dark red overcolour on the fruit than the reference varieties. In 'Fuji BC2' the overcolour is red and in 'Fuji Nagafu2' the overcolour is purple to brownish. The pattern of the overcolour in 'Fuji 97' is blushed and banded, whereas the overcolour is washed out and streaked in both reference varieties.

Description:

TREE: weak to intermediate vigour, spreading to drooping habit
BRANCHES: high frequency, weak to medium strength, 90 degree angle to trunk, fruit bearing on spurs
ONE-YEAR OLD SHOOT: medium to strong pubescence, medium shine of bark, strong flexibility, many small to medium sized lenticels, brownish purple on sunny side
LATERAL BUD: medium size, pointed tip, medium to large bud support

SHOOT TIP LEAF: green, concave in cross section, strong pubescence on upper side, green on lower side
MATURE LEAF: large, no lobing, upwards to outwards orientation, acuminate apex, serrate margin, weak to medium glossiness, pubescent on lower side, medium anthocyanin colouration on veins, medium green upper side, medium sized stipules

FLOWER: single, purple and white bud in balloon stage
PETAL: ovate shape, overlapping margins, whitish upper side, white and purple lower side

FRUIT: very large size, globose to ellipsoid shape, symmetric in side view, no ribbing, weak crowning at calyx end, very late maturity
SEPAL: persistent, medium to long, overlapping at base, small closed eye
EYE BASIN: deep, medium to broad in width
FRUIT STALK: thin to medium thickness, medium length, moderately deep and broad stalk cavity
FRUIT SKIN: smooth, heavy bloom, weak waxiness, green yellow ground colour, very large area of blushed and banded dark red overcolour, medium amount of russet on cheeks and in stalk cavity, medium number of moderately prominent lenticels
FRUIT FLESH: greenish, firm, very strong core line, closed aperture of locules, fine texture, very juicy, strong browning tendency one hour after cutting

Origin & Breeding History: The variety 'Fuji 97' was discovered in 1997 as a branch sport of 'Fuji Nagafu2' on the property of Wilfred and Sally Mennell, Cawston, B.C. The variety was selected for fruit appearance, taste, flesh texture, tree quality, productivity and precocity for further evaluation. The variety was first multiplied on the Mennell's property in 1998. Subsequent generations have been created by budding and grafting.

Tests & Trials: Trials for 'Fuji 97' were conducted at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland, B.C. from 2004 to 2006. The trials consisted of trees of the candidate variety and 'Fuji BC2' on M.9 rootstock, planted in Field 10 in a variety block. The trees of 'Fuji Nagafu2' were planted in the same location on Malling 7 rootstocks in 1990. The trees of 'Fuji 97' were planted in 2000 and the trees of 'Fuji BC2' were planted in 2001. Measured characteristics were based on a minimum of 10 measurements.

Comparison tables for 'Fuji 97' with reference varieties 'Fuji BC2' and 'Fuji Nagafu2'

Length of internode (mm)

Leaf length (mm)

Leaf width (mm)

Flower diameter (mm)

Click on image for larger view

Apple: 'Fuji 97' (bottom) with reference varieties 'Fuji Nagafu2' (top left) and 'Fuji BC2' (top right)