Apple variety Pepin saffron
Pepin saffron belongs to the winter varieties of apple trees. It was bred in 1907 by I.V. Michurin, crossing a hybrid of Pepinka Lithuanian and Chinese with Reneth of Orleans. Among all the varieties developed by the scientist, Pepin saffron is known as the best.
Biological description
This apple tree is characterized by medium size and a round, dense crown. The branches are drooping. Long, thin shoots are colored greenish with a gray bloom. They are characterized by strong pubescence. Small oval matte leaves have a pointed tip, are heavily pubescent, painted in a bluish tint. Mostly fruits are formed on fruit twigs and spears.
Spread
Pepin saffron belongs to the most common varieties, both in Russia and in the CIS countries. It is zoned for the North-West, Central, Volgo-Vyatka, Central Black Earth, North Caucasian, Middle Volga, West Siberian and East Siberian regions of Russia. It can also often be found in Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Armenia, Lithuania and Estonia.
Widespread in private household plots.
On the basis of the Pepin saffron apple tree, breeders have bred about 20 varieties, among which the most famous are Altai Dove, Altai Velvet, Gorno-Altai, Autumn Joy, Vishnevaya, Friendship of Peoples, Zavetnoye, Altai Souvenir. All new varieties have been zoned.
Fruiting and storage
The variety is self-fertile, but cross-pollination increases yields. As a pollinator, it is best to use Slavyanka, Snow Kalvil, Antonovka, Welsey.
The fruits of this apple tree are formed 4 - 5 years after grafting, on dwarf rootstocks - 2 - 3 years. Every year Pepin saffron gives excellent harvests. From one tree, you can get 220 - 280 kilograms of fruit.
Harvest at the end of September. Apples acquire consumer maturity in 1.5 - 2 months after harvest.
Apples are characterized by long-term storage: they are stored for about 220 days (until April), without losing their excellent presentation. In addition, during storage, the taste of the fruit improves.
This variety is excellent for transportation.
Fruit characteristics
Small to medium sized fruits. Weigh from 80 to 140 grams.
Apples have a smooth surface and firm skin. They are characterized by a rounded-conical shape with a slight ribbing. Painted in a yellow-green color, on top of which there is a dark red blush. Small subcutaneous dots and dark lines are clearly visible through the blush. Apples have a sweet and sour dessert flavor and a spicy aroma. The pulp is dense, creamy. The fruits are rich in sugars and ascorbic acid. The acid content in them is reduced. Apples are attached to the shoots with a thin long stalk, thanks to which they firmly adhere to the tree.
Apple tree care
The variety requires special attention and careful care. The apple tree must be pruned every year in order to prevent a decrease in the size of the fruit and their shedding.
The winter hardiness of the variety is relatively low, but it is able to quickly recover from frost damage.
Pests and diseases
The Pepin saffron variety is prone to scab and fungal diseases. It has an average susceptibility to the moth.
Apple tree benefits
- early fruiting;
- annually pleases with high yields;
- is distinguished by an increased degree of self-fertility;
- fruits are easily transported;
- apples have an elegant juicy color;
- capable of fast regeneration;
- fruits rarely crumble.
Disadvantages of the apple tree
- constant pruning is required to avoid crumbling and shedding of the fruit;
- small fruit;
- susceptibility to scab;
- weak frost resistance;
- increased care is required.
Application
Apples are eaten fresh and used for processing. They are excellent for making juices, mashed potatoes, preserves, marmalades, jam, marmalade, candied fruits, drying, and soaking. They look delightful on the festive table.
