Sunflare (apple)

WA 64
GenusMalus
SpeciesMalus domestica
Hybrid parentageHoneycrisp × Pink Lady
Cultivar'WA 64'
OriginWashington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center
Wenatchee, Washington, United States

WA 64 is a hybrid apple variety developed at Washington State University (WSU). It is a Honeycrisp crossed with Pink Lady apple.[1][2] The first WA 64 apples were planted at the Stemilt Growers orchard in Quincy, Washington in 2015.[3] Availability at retail to the public may begin in 2029, six years after its introduction in 2023.[4]

WSU research shows that "WA 64 is harder and has slightly less crispness and juiciness" compared to Honeycrisp.[5]

WSU sponsored a naming contest for the apple, promising a quantity of Cougar Gold cheese to the winner.[6] In December, 2024, the name Sunflare was chosen from the applications.[7]

References

  1. ^ KPQ
  2. ^ Wenatchee World
  3. ^ Wenatchee Valley Business World
  4. ^ KUOW
  5. ^ WSU AOO
  6. ^ "Help name WA's newest apple". The Seattle Times. April 10, 2024.
  7. ^ Michaela Bourgeois (December 12, 2024). "'A real eye-catcher': Washington State University unveils name of new apple variety". KOIN.

Sources

Further reading

  • Mano Mendoza1; Ines Hanrahan1; Kate Evans. "2023 WA64 Fact Sheet" (PDF). Washington State University – Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)