‘Honeycrisp’ Breeder Releases New Apple
February 5, 2021 The University of Minnesota fruit breeding program, which produced the incredibly popular ‘Honeycrisp’, has released a new apple variety, MN80, which will be marketed as ‘Triumph’.
The university’s apple breeder, David Bedford, who was also responsible for ‘Honeycrisp’, says one interesting aspect of ‘Triumph’ is its strong disease resistance. It actually contains two genetic forms of resistance to apple scab, which is one of the most common diseases of apples, particularly in the East and Midwest.
“With the continued scrutiny of chemical use in orchards we believe that ‘Triumph’ could be a useful tool to reduce the amount of chemicals used in apple production,” Bedford notes.
The new apple from the University of Minnesota breeding program, ‘Triumph’, a “child” of ‘Honeycrisp’, is notable for its resistance to apple scab. Photo: University of Minnesota
While disease resistance is important, Bedford says the culinary characteristics that are favored by consumers are equally important in the success of a new variety.
“‘Triumph’ fruit has a very appealing sweet-tart balance of flavor that has been shown to be well-liked by consumers,” says Bedford. “Combined with a firm but crisp texture, good storage life and an attractive red overcolor, this variety should be a welcome addition to the apple market.”
The variety’s parentage is ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Liberty’. Harvest time is similar to ‘Honeycrisp’, or up to one week later. Fruit size is 2.8 to 3.2 inches, and the texture is firm, usually 17 to 22 pounds pressure at harvest. Storage is good, with up to six months possible without 1-MCP.
‘Triumph’ trees have medium vigor, with consistent annual cropping, and hardiness to USDA Zone 4. Besides the excellent tolerance to scab, it has low to moderate susceptibility to cedar apple rust. This variety may be especially well-suited to direct market and organic producers.
This is the most recent variety to be released by the University of Minnesota’s fruit breeding program, which was started 112 years ago. Besides ‘Honeycrisp’, other well-known varieties released from the program include ‘Minneiska/SweeTango, and ‘MN55/Rave’.
‘Triumph’ has been released as an open variety – tree royalty only – and growers may purchase trees directly from nurseries licensed by the University of Minnesota. One of those nurseries, Washington’s Cameron Nursery, has trees available for planting this spring.
The other nurseries licensed to propagate and sell MN80 trees include: Gold Crown Nursery (WA), Adams County Nursery (PA), Bailey Nurseries (MN), Moser Fruit Tree Sales (MI), Wafler Farms (NY), and Schlabach’s Nursery (PA). Additional nurseries are being licensed and will be listed on the UMN Hardy website as licensing is completed.
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