Apple variety Baltika

In Russia, the most widespread and significant fruit crop was and remains the apple tree. Therefore, it is very difficult to choose one of the many representatives of this species. And, nevertheless, many gardeners, when choosing a variety for their site, first of all try to find a plant that is well adapted to a specific climate. For example, in the North-West region, not the last place in the apple rating is occupied by the Baltic. It was bred at the Leningrad Fruit and Vegetable Experimental Station, which later became a subdivision of the Institute of Agroengineering and Environmental Problems of Agricultural Production. The authorship belongs to P.I. Lavrikov and L.A. Zhmurko. Freely pollinated apple tree served as genetic material Borovinka... Despite the fact that the variety appeared in the late 60s of the last century, it was entered into the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation only in 2002.

Description

The tree has good vigor, reaching a height of 5 - 5.5 meters. At a young age, the plant has a reverse-pyramidal crown, which by the fruiting period is rounded, turning into an oval one. The skeletal branches are strong. The thickening is average. Shoots are medium-thick, upright. The bark is brownish-brown, with small light lenticels, slightly pubescent. The leaves are large, broadly ovate, with a jagged, slightly wavy edge, light green in color. The leaf blade is slightly concave, the surface is smooth, slightly shiny, the venation is reticulate. The petiole is long, of medium thickness. Stipules are absent. The flowers of the variety are white. The apple tree blooms in the second decade of May, so return frosts are not afraid of it.

Baltica fruits are medium-sized, weighing about 140 grams. The shape is round or repetitive, the surface is smooth, without clearly defined edges. The funnel is of medium depth, not wide, without traces of rusting. The saucer is shallow, relatively wide. The skin is dense, light yellow in color. Most of the surface of the fruit is covered with a blurry striped pink blush. The wax coating is present in an insignificant degree. The pulp is dense, juicy, white. The taste is sweet and sour, the aroma is light and pleasant. Assessment of tasters - 4.5 points. 100 grams of pulp contains: sugars 8 - 10%, titrated acids 0.3 - 0.9%, ascorbic acid up to 10.4 mg.

Characteristics

• The early maturity in the Baltic is good, already 4 - 5 years after planting the tree gives a harvest;
• autumn variety - removable maturity occurs in early September;
• the yield is very high. According to the State Register of Plants of the Russian Federation, the average long-term indicator for the region was 187 c / ha. According to other sources, about 80 kg of fruits are removed from one 20-year-old tree, the maximum yield is 150 kg;
• fruiting is regular, annual;

• the winter hardiness of the apple tree in the recommended growing region is very high;
• the Baltica has good immunity to fungal infections, it is almost not affected by scab;
• the harvested crop easily tolerates transportation without losing its commercial characteristics;
• cultivars are best suited as pollinators Antonovka ordinary and Melba (Melba);
• the keeping quality of the crop, subject to storage standards - up to 2 months;
• the use of fruits is universal. Ripe apples are an excellent dessert, suitable for processing into juices, preserves, and jam.

Planting and leaving

Planting an apple tree can be carried out in the fall, 2 - 3 weeks before the onset of stable frosts. If the tree has already been purchased, but it is late with planting, it does not matter. The Baltica sapling overwinters easily in the pits. To do this, dig a groove 50 cm deep, lay the tree in it at an angle of 45 °. It is desirable that the top is directed to the south.Cover the roots and part of the trunk with soil and water. When the water is absorbed, make sure the roots are underground. Care for the variety is carried out standard, consisting of watering, feeding, loosening the trunk circle and preventive spraying. Pruning is carried out in the spring, eliminating excessive thickening of the crown. The apple tree propagates by grafting, cuttings, layering.

Baltika - according to reviews, is a very promising variety in the recommended growing region. Especially appreciated for the high yield and marketable quality of the fruit.