ALEKSEI BOYKO

The Aleksei Boyko apple variety is a triploid medium-sized fruit tree with a rounded canopy of medium density. Branches diverge from the trunk at an angle close to 90 degrees, and the bark on the trunk and main branches is smooth and brown. Shoots are of medium thickness, knee-bent, weakly pubescent, while leaves are of medium size, elongated, with a wavy margin and green wrinkled surface. The variety is characterized by strong graft union with the rootstock and possesses sufficient frost resistance for the Central Black Earth region.

Fruits of the Aleksei Boyko variety have above-average mass of about 200 grams, a moderately flattened conical shape, and smooth waxy skin. The primary color of fruits at harvest maturity is green with dark maroon skin coloration, which becomes bright maroon on a greenish-yellow background at consumer maturity. Fruit flesh is dense, juicy, greenish in tint, with a sour-sweet taste. Chemical composition is characterized by sugar content of about 10.6–10.7%, titratable acids of about 0.51–0.56%, soluble dry matter of 12.0%, and ascorbic acid of approximately 4.8–5.0 mg per 100 grams. Taste and appearance of fruits are rated highly, making them attractive to consumers.

The variety is distinguished by high productivity, exceeding the yield of the traditional Antonovka variety by 73%, as well as regular fruiting and immunity to scab. Harvest maturity occurs in mid-September, while fruits can be stored in storage facilities until the second decade of March, ensuring a long shelf life and the possibility of using fruits during the winter period. Aleksei Boyko is a promising variety for large-scale production in the Central Black Earth region and other zones with similar climatic conditions.