Apple variety Golden Delicious

The Golden Delicious variety dates back to 1890, when a seedling of indeterminate origin was accidentally discovered in one of the US states. The grown tree was noticeably different from other apple varieties: it had a high yield, excellent taste of fruits and resistance to various diseases. This attracted the attention of employees of a horticultural firm who decided to buy out a plot of land with a planted tree. Over time, the seedlings were multiplied and occupied by them huge areas. The trees bore abundantly, producing high quality fragrant fruits. Such properties influenced the rapid spread of the variety not only in all states of America, but also in Europe, many CIS countries and some regions of Russia.

The Golden Delicious apple tree, covered with dark gray bark, reaches medium size in adulthood. At a young age, it forms a cone-shaped crown with medium thickening of foliage, and with the transition to the fruiting stage, it is more broadly rounded and densely branched. Over the years, the crown takes on the appearance of a weeping willow: under the weight of numerous fruits, the apple branches sag, bending over to the ground.

Trees begin to bear fruit in the 2nd or 3rd year. The first few years are characterized by systematic fruiting, and subsequently the degree of fruit formation directly depends on compliance with the conditions of agricultural technology and weather.

Shoots are formed weakly genital, with a slightly curved shape, of medium thickness and over time are covered with large densely spaced lenticels. They are light brown in color, sometimes with a greenish tint.

Leaves are oval, with broad bases, clearly visible veins and slightly elongated tips. They have a rich green color and a glossy surface, smooth to the touch. The edges of the leaves are slightly wavy and can be double-toothed or triple-toothed. Petioles of moderate length are located in relation to the stem at an acute angle.

In areas with high humidity, the foliage of the Golden Delicious apple tree is often affected by powdery mildew. Leaves on generative organs and shoots quickly respond to deteriorating agricultural conditions, crumble during drought, with excess moisture and the systematic use of copper-containing fungicides.

The stems of annuals growing in the nursery have a brownish tint with yellowish patches and are covered with numerous lenticels. Young leaves are wrinkled, with broadly lanceolate stipules, located on thick petioles. The tops of annuals have shortened internodes and leaves with wavy edges.

The flowers are saucer-shaped, not large, white in color with a slight pinkish tinge. The anthers are at the same level with the stigma. This variety requires pollinators as it is self-fertile. For pollination, the best options are Kuban spur, Melrose, Jonathan, Idared, Delicious spur and others.

Fruits are round, slightly conical in shape, mostly medium in size, but sometimes slightly larger. Under normal growing conditions, the average fruit weight of the Golden Delicious apple tree is 120 - 220 g. Apples are covered with dry, firm and rough skin. In an immature state, they have a bright green color, and when ripe, they are painted in a yellowish-golden color. Numerous brownish blotches are visible on the surface. On the south side, they can be covered with an indistinct reddish blush. The calyx is deep, slightly open. The central fruits of the apple tree have an average thickness of the stalk, and the lateral ones are thinner, slightly protruding beyond the funnel.The axial cavity is small in size, separated from the seed chambers. Seeds are medium-sized, dark brown in color.

During the harvesting period, the apple pulp is green, moderately dense, sweet, aromatic and juicy, while lying down it acquires a yellowish or pale cream shade and a more pleasant taste. The chemical composition can vary depending on the age of the trees, growing conditions and storage conditions.

The Golden Delicious apple tree is a medium-ripening variety. In the middle - end of September, the time for picking up fruits begins, which persists until March - April. In storage facilities with dry air, the fruits may wilt, slightly losing their original juiciness. The ability to keep quality and density of fruit pulp is much higher in trees from orchards with artificial or natural tinning. The productivity of the variety is very high. Under certain conditions, 7-year-old trees yield up to 250 - 300 c / ha, on vigorous rootstocks - 110 c / ha, and at the age of 18 - 22 years up to 220 c / ha.

The fruits are very firmly held on the branches of the tree, and correct removal makes it possible to significantly increase their quality of transportability. Observing the rules of harvesting and transporting the crop, you can achieve a higher marketability.

Golden Delicious apples are consumed fresh, and they are also great for any kind of processing. They are in demand throughout the year.

The advantages of the variety are the excellent taste of the fruit, abundant yield, high keeping quality and early fruiting. The average height of the trees makes harvesting much easier.

The disadvantages are the inconstancy of fruiting (in the adult period), increased exactingness to growing conditions, susceptibility to disease with powdery mildew and scab. The variety is moderately resistant to drought and frost. With a plentiful harvest or a lack of moisture, small fruits and a loss of taste in the fruits can be observed. Another disadvantage is that apples are poorly preserved if temperature conditions are not observed.

The apple variety Golden Delicious is successfully used in domestic breeding practice as a donor of early maturity and high productivity. With his participation, several new varieties were bred, among them Orion, Yantarnoye, Alye Parusa, Freshness, Alminskoye and others.

Abroad, Golden Delicious takes part in the creation of various varieties that are immune to scab disease: Florina, Priscilla, Delbar Jubile, Jonafri and others.