Apple tree named ‘MAIA-Z’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of apple was identified from a population of seedlings derived from a cross of ‘Goldrush’ and ‘Sweet 16’. The new variety, named ‘MAIA-Z’ is distinct from ‘Goldrush’ as ‘MAIA-Z’ ripens late-September, 3 weeks before ‘Goldrush’. Unlike ‘Goldrush’, ‘MAIA-Z’ has red skin with yellow ground color. ‘MAIA-Z’ is distinct from ‘Sweet 16’ as ‘MAIA-Z’ ripens 2 weeks after ‘Sweet 16’ and will retain crispness and flavor in normal storage for 20 weeks longer than ‘Sweet 16’. The fruit of ‘MAIA-Z’ adheres to the tree for approximately 6-7 weeks past fruit maturity, while ‘Sweet 16’ fruit will abscise from the tree within 2 weeks of maturity. ‘MAIA-Z’ fruit are large sized, crisp, with pleasant sweet-tart flavor and long storability.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A new, distinct apple tree variety named ‘MAIA-Z’, as illustrated and described herein.