Joaquina: new early ripening scab resistant apple variety

Abstract

Diseases and pests are the major problems to the apple industry in Brazil. Apple scab caused by
Venturia inaequalis is the most important disease and if it’s not well controlled can cause up to 100% of losses. The hybridization that originated Joaquina variety was done at Epagri/Caçador Experiment Station in the spring of 1982 between the selections Coop-14 and NJ-76. The seeds were sent to Epagri/São Joaquim Experiment
Station where the screening was done. The 446 seedlings originated of that hybridization were inoculated with conidia (1x105 conidia/ml) of the fungus V. inaequalis. The resistant seedlings were selected and grafted onto M.7 rootstock in order to observe the commercial characteristics of the plant and the fruits. The new resistant variety
Joaquina is semi-vigorous and the bud break and bloom periods are coincident with Catarina apple resistant variety. These two varieties can be planted together. Joaquina is an early ripening variety, like Gala with red stripe color, sweet and with yellow-cream flesh.