Apple tree `Fla. 90-3`

Abstract

This invention termed, Fla. 90-3, is a new and distinct apple tree (Malus xdomestica Borkh) adapted to subtropical climates with mild winters. It was derived in the breeding attempt to obtain a low winter chilling requirement dessert apple, ripening one week before Anna ripens, with high fruit quality. The tree is a seedling of known parentage, [(NJ38×Anna)F 2 ], planted in 1987 in the University of Florida fruit breeding orchard near Gainesville, Fla. The tree was selected and tested in Fla. 90-3. Fruit taste much sweeter (Brix 13.0 to 14.0) and less sour (acidity) than Anna cultivar.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct apple tree cultivar as illustrated and described, characterized by a low-chilling requirement and early-ripening fruit having sweet, low acid flesh and good dessert quality based on flavor and crisp flesh. In comparison to Anna, Fla. 90-3 tastes sweeter with much less acid and ripens about 1 week earlier with less red skin color.