Apple Aelita

Early spring variety. Obtained at the VNIIS named after I.V. Michurin by crossing the varieties 'Welsh' and 'Striped Red'. Author: S.I. Isaev. Included in the State Register for the Northwest region since 1999.

Tree is vigorous, with a medium-density, broad-pyramidal crown. Main branches diverge at an acute angle; branches of the second and third order have angles of junction of 60 and 90º. Bark on the trunk is gray, on the main branches - gray-brown. Fruit set (see illustration), primarily on multi-year fruit wood.

Shoots are long, medium-thick, straight or slightly curved, gray-brown, weakly pubescent. Buds are numerous, small, white. Leaves are dark green, large, elongated, tapering at the tip, wrinkled.

Flowers are large, white, with a slight pinkish tinge. Stigmas are at the same level or below the anthers.

Fruits (see illustration) are medium-sized (120 g), one-sided, round-conical, regular in shape. Main fruit color is green-yellow; surface covered with a solid red or striped blush covering a large part of the surface. Few small, barely visible lenticels. Peduncle is medium or short, medium thickness. Calyx is broad, medium depth, smooth. Calyx is closed or half-open. Cup is deep, narrow, slightly rust-colored. Heart is medium-sized, bulbous. Seeds are brown, medium-sized, elongated, pointed at the tip. Subcalyx tube is conical, medium length.

Flesh is yellowish, medium density, fine-grained, tender, juicy. Taste is slightly sour-sweet, with a mild aroma. Taste rating: 4.5 points.

Harvesting maturity occurs at the beginning of September. Consumer maturity begins two weeks after harvest and ends at the beginning of January.

Fruits are intended for fresh consumption, but also suitable for industrial processing: dried fruits, juices, jams, etc.

Begins fruiting on the 5th-6th year after planting in the garden. High-yielding variety. Average yield: 140 centners per hectare. Annual fruiting. Cold hardiness is comparable to the variety 'Striped Red'.

Fruits and leaves are not affected by scab.

Advantages of the variety: high cold hardiness and yield, fruit resistance to scab; large, one-sided, attractive-looking dessert fruits.

Disadvantages of the variety: acute angle of main branch divergence.