Bessemianka

Origin and History

Bessemianka was received in the United States from Russia and entered the USDA plant introduction system as PI No. 107202. The variety was distributed to multiple U.S. horticultural institutions, including the U.S. Plant Introduction Station at Glenn Dale, Maryland, the U.S. Horticultural Field Station in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and the Agricultural Experiment Station of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Tree

Bessemianka is described as a hardy variety with excellent vigor. The tree is a rank (vigorous) grower of large size. Foliage is notably heavy, with large, thick leaves and a good branching habit. The variety demonstrates tolerance to stem pitting virus and freedom from blight and scab.

Fruit

Form and Size: Not described in source.

Skin: Fruit is green with dull red coloration covering part of the fruit surface.

Flesh and Flavor: Fair to poor quality.

Cavity, Calyx, Basin, Stem: Not described in source.

Core and Seeds: Reported as seedless.

Season

Not described in source.

Uses

Not described in source.

Subtypes and Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Bessemianka is noted as an excellent tree choice for use as a hardy framework variety in breeding or orchard development programs.