Fujion - scab-resistant red apples

"More and more operators are becoming interested in the Fujion variety. So far, 460 hectares have been sold. The minimum we sell is 10 hectares, but it can be divided among various producers, if it is a cooperative making the purchase. A Hungarian group purchased 250 hectares' worth of plants. In Italy, 120 hectares have been planted so far," explains CIV Director Marica Soattin.

Marica Soattin, director of CIV.

"Tagliani" was the first business visited. Orchard management is practically perfect and vigour is handled through root cuttings. "In 2015, yields have reached 57 tons per hectare and we expect them to be similar this year. Harvesting is carried out when the Brix level is at least 14°, starch degradation is 3.8 and hardness is 9 kg/sq cm."

Some tests were carried out to assess the Brix level and it was already above 16. The optimal level of starch degradation had yet to be reached, and in fact harvesting was set to start in the following 7-10 days.



"The most important characteristic of this variety is its resistance to scab," added producer Zaccarini. He added that, in 2013, Fujion was the only variety that survived the weather.

This does not mean anti-fungal treatments must be abolished, but they can be reduced. Another positive characteristic is the continuous production, as it does not have alternate years like other cultivars.

 

In the second company visited, it was possible to notice how the lack of thinning and checks on vigour did not affect productivity but did affect the grades a little. 

It is better to carry out thinning operations

In this case too, harvesting will start on 7-10th October too. Fujion is described as a medium-vigorous tree with an open spreading and is easy to manage. Production starts early and (already in the first year), productivity is high and constant. It is resistant to scab and slightly sensitive to powdery mildew. 

Harvesting is carried out in two rounds - 75-80% of the fruit is harvested during the first and the remaining part a week later.

Apples are similar to the Fuji variety, i.e. have a deep red colour on most of the skin with streaks. Shape is regular and grades are homogeneous. Shelf-life is excellent.

The third company visited was Fusari where owners managed the orchard so as to obtain big homogeneous fruits.

Off the record, we asked producers information as regards 2015 prices. They said they were often similar or even slightly higher than those of Fuji apples.