Belmac
Belmac is a Canadian scab resistant apple released in 1996 from a cross of Ottawa 521 x Spartan, from the St-Jean Station in Quebec. Ott-521 is an unreleased selection whose ancestries include Melba, Jonathan and a PRI scab resistant selection. Belmac is a McIntosh type apple, very hardy, mid to late season normally harvested by end of September (about a week later than McIntosh). Hardy to zone 4 and probably to zone 3.
A description from the breeders may be seen at : http://www.pgris.com/apple/belmacdescription.asp
A picture of Belmac from Claude's orchard, taken September 9, 2010. Max size 73 mm across.
GROWER COMMENTS:
Claude Jolicoeur, Quebec, Zone 4
I planted a Belmac tree in 1999. This was a very nice 3 year old tree on M-26 root. It started fruiting very quickly, giving 2 apples in 2001 and a few more the following years, but it is only in 2005 that it started giving more. The tree was damaged by voles during the 2006-07 winter but it is recovering well (see picture in the default photo album).
The fruit is a very honest Mac-type apple, firmer and harder than a Mac, with better keeping capacity. No scab as advertised... But it hasn't entirely convinced me yet. I find it is a bit low in sugar and a bit too "middle of the road" standard apple. But it can certainly compete on par with many commercial varieties of the North-East.
The tree has given me entire satisfaction, being easily managed, no need for spray, very hardy in my zone 4, good vigor.