The “Herman 99” apple, also known as HRMN-99, is a revolutionary apple variety that has gained significant attention in India for its ability to grow and fruit successfully in warm, low-chill, tropical, and subtropical plain areas where traditional apple varieties simply cannot thrive. It was developed by Shri Hariman Sharma, a progressive farmer from Himachal Pradesh, India.

Here’s a detailed description of the Herman 99 apple:

1. The Plant (HRMN-99 Apple Tree):

Chilling Requirement: This is its most distinguishing feature. Unlike most apple varieties that require significant “chilling hours” (periods of cold temperatures, typically below 7°C) for flower bud development and fruit setting, the HRMN-99 apple does not require deep chilling hours. This allows it to be grown in areas where temperatures can reach 40-45°C during summers.
Growth Habit: It’s a medium-sized deciduous tree, typically growing up to 12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters) tall. It has a good growth habit suitable for orchards in warmer regions.
Maturity and Yield:
- Fruiting generally starts after the third year of plantation (when grown from grafted saplings).
- A well-grown plant (10-12 years old) can yield an average of 1.0 quintal (100 kg) of fruit per plant.
Flowering and Harvest Season:
- Flowering typically starts in early January in warmer regions.
- Fruits are ready for harvesting about six months after flowering, usually in June. This makes it a summer apple for plain areas, unlike traditional apples which are harvested in autumn in colder regions.
Disease Resistance: It is known to be resistant to scab disease, a common fungal issue in apple cultivation.
Adaptability: It has shown promising results in various states across India, including plains, tropical, and subtropical areas, and has even found buyers in other countries.

2. The Fruit (HRMN-99 Apple Fruit):

Appearance (Exterior):
- Color: The ripe fruit exhibits an attractive yellow-red color, often with striped red over a yellow ground.
- Shape: It generally has a conical shape.
- Size: It’s a normal fruit size, often described as medium-sized. Some sources indicate an average fruit weight of around 129.4 grams.
Appearance (Interior):
- Flesh Color: The flesh is typically white.
- Seeds: Contains seeds like other apple varieties.
Taste and Texture:
- Flavor: The taste is predominantly sweet, often with a subtle sweet-sour balance. It’s described as juicy and pleasant.
- Texture: The pulp is very soft and juicy, making it easy to eat.
Shelf Life: One of the main disadvantages mentioned is its short shelf life, typically around 10-12 days at room temperature. Efforts are ongoing to improve this characteristic.

3. Significance and Impact:

The development of HRMN-99 is a significant innovation because:

It has opened up possibilities for apple cultivation in regions previously deemed unsuitable, allowing farmers in lower hill and plain areas to grow apples.
It provides a new source of livelihood and income for farmers in warmer climates.
It represents a triumph of grassroots innovation in agriculture, demonstrating how a local farmer’s observation and persistence can lead to groundbreaking varieties.

In essence, the Herman 99 apple is a testament to resilience and adaptability, offering a sweet, juicy apple even in climates where it was once thought impossible