Apple APORT ALEXANDER

The Aport Alexander apple tree is a dwarf tree with a compact, medium-density crown and drooping branches that extend from the trunk at a right angle. The leaves are large, elongated, green, and glossy, giving the plant a neat and healthy appearance. The variety belongs to winter universal types, is characterized by high winter hardiness, medium drought resistance, and good heat tolerance. The trees are moderately resistant to scab and fruit rot, while being weakly affected by powdery mildew, which facilitates care and reduces the need for frequent treatments. Aport Alexander apples are large and very large, with an average weight ranging from 200 to 270 grams, and some specimens can reach a mass of up to 500-600 grams. The apples have a flattened-conical or flat-round shape with a smooth surface and pronounced ribbing on some fruits. The main color varies from yellow or yellowish-green to light green, with a covering color in the form of dark red or pinkish-purple striped blush covering approximately half of the fruit's surface. The skin is of medium thickness, dense, with a glossy and oily sheen, covered with a waxy bloom and large subcutaneous dots of white or pale green color. The flesh is white or light cream, medium density, with a fine-grained structure, very tender, juicy, and semi-oily, with a wine-sweet-sour taste and pleasant aroma. The taste assessment reaches 4.7–4.8 points, indicating high fruit quality. The variety is universal in use: apples are excellent for fresh consumption and technical processing into juices, wine, marmalade, jams, jellies, preserves, and dried fruits, and the flesh does not darken after cutting. The harvest maturity period is mid-September, and the consumer period begins about a month after collection. When stored in a refrigerator, the fruits retain freshness and taste qualities until the end of January – beginning of February, and under optimal conditions can be stored for up to five months or longer. The variety has high yield, with an average figure of about 135–140 kg per tree, and fruiting is annual, starting as early as the second year after planting.