NARO Plant Varieties  

As Japan faces a shrinking agricultural workforce and a declining apple production base, the need for innovation in fruit cultivation has never been greater. In response, NARO has developed Benitsurugi, a groundbreaking new apple variety that is poised to redefine orchard management.

A Compact Solution for a Big Challenge

Developed over nearly 30 years of dedicated breeding, Benitsurugi is a mid-season apple variety with a distinctive columnar tree shape--compact, upright, and cylindrical. Unlike traditional apple trees such as 'Fuji', which require significant space and labor to manage, Benitsurugi grows vertically without sprawling branches. This unique structure allows for high-density planting, labor-saving management, and a simple training system that reduces the physical burden on farmers.

Designed for the Smart Agriculture Era

One of Benitsurugi's most promising attributes is its compatibility with smart agricultural technologies, including automatic harvesters and robotic pruning systems. By arranging the upright trees in straight rows and forming a flat fruiting surface, Benitsurugi orchards can be easily navigated by machines--making it ideally suited to Japan's vision for smart, mechanized farming.

This innovation builds on the concept of columnar apples introduced from abroad, particularly the 'Wijcik' mutation of 'McIntosh'. However, until now, no columnar-type apple had matched the fruit quality demanded by Japanese consumers. With Benitsurugi, that gap is finally bridged.

Taste and Appearance that Rival Top Varieties

In addition to its cultivation advantages, Benitsurugi offers exceptional fruit quality: High sugar content of around 14%, with a pleasing balance of sweetness and acidity Dark red skin with attractive coloring (though partial unevenness may occur near the stem) Excellent eating quality, comparable to leading varieties currently on the market Harvest timing: early October in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture--placing it in the mid-season window It is also adaptable to cultivation across Iwate and other major apple-producing regions in Japan.

Toward a More Efficient and Sustainable Future

With its innovative form and outstanding taste, Benitsurugi offers a scalable solution to Japan's labor shortages in apple farming. Its compatibility with mechanized systems makes it a leading candidate for next-generation orchards, where human labor is supported by advanced tools and automation.
In short, Benitsurugi is not just a new variety--it is a symbol of the future of smart apple farming, enabling greater productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in Japan's fruit production system.