IFO launches Cristal apple variety

IFO, a private French company that develops new fruit varieties, presented the Cristal apple variety in early December. This was done by IFO's parent company, Dalival tree nursery, at the Esteburg fruit growing centre in Jork, northern Germany.

According to Dalival, the main characteristics of Cristal are:

•    Very attractive and strikingly striped fruit, with a good fruit size

•    Eating quality: light and juicy texture, with a high sugar content (approximately 14° Brix) and a refreshing acidity

•    Low susceptibility to scab and mildew (however, no resistance to scab, ed.)

•    Harvest time is similar to Jonagold

As far as is known, Cristal is being introduced as a “free” apple without a club concept.