Empress

Orig. in Geneva, N.Y., by R.D. Way, KG. Livermore, and RC. Lamb, New York State Agr. Expt. Sta., Cornell Univ., and by L.F. Hough, Rutgers Univ, New Brunswick, N.J. Introd. in 1988. USPP 7118; 23 Jan. 1990. Jonamac × Vista Bella; cross made in 1969; selected in 1977; tested as NY 651. Named for its similarity in size, appearance, and quality to Empire, but ripens 6 weeks earlier. <b>Fruit:</b> medium, mostly about 60 to 65 mm in diam.; shape round and symmetrical; color attractive, nearly totally blushed red and without stripes; skin covered with a heavy waxy bloom; flesh light yellow; texture semi-firm; softens rapidly; flavor subacid, with a pleasing aroma; a late summer apple, ripens 6 weeks before Delicious; at -0.5 °C, stores 1 month. <b>Tree:</b> only 70% as large as many vigorous varieties; easy to manage in the orchard; heavily cropping; annual bearing; no known resistances to diseases and insects. Bloom: late midseason, between Delicious and Golden Delicious; diploid, produces viable pollen.