Nalchik August

Obtained at SKNIGPS (formerly Kabardino-Balkar Experimental Garden Station) as a result of seed sowing in 1944 from open pollination of the American variety Rochester. Authors: P.P. Kostyk and F.D. Likhonos. Included in the State Register in 1965 for the North Caucasus region.

A strongly growing tree with a broad, spreading crown; one-year shoots are relatively thin and long, dark brown on the sun-exposed side, internodes of medium size, buds arranged in clusters along the shoots. Flower buds of medium size, but well differentiated by late August. Leaves relatively narrow, lanceolate in shape, dark green, glossy, petioles with barely noticeable sessile (medium-sized) glands. Flowers of rose-like type, with pink, nearly round petals, calyx lobes of medium size, rounded and blunt apex, covered with hairs on the outside. Flower size is medium. The pistil is positioned nearly at the same level as the stamens, which protrude beyond the flower petal edges.

Fruits are large, measuring 63 x 65 x 57 mm, weighing 145 g, round in shape, with a small bump but rounded apex, base rounded with a smooth indentation, very short and thick pedicel, well-defined but not deep ventral suture. Skin is hairy, dense, thick, firmly attached to the fruit, easily separates from the flesh, dark orange in color with a dark carmine blush covering more than 50% of the fruit surface. Flesh is yellow, with strongly stained magenta chambers, medium density, fibrous, very juicy, good harmonious sweet-tart flavor with a distinctive peach aroma, with easily detachable stone. Sugar content averages 12.8%, acidity — 0.72%. Stone of medium size (3.5 x 2.1 x 3.3), inversely egg-shaped, with blunt base and clearly defined ring; apex rounded with a small point; ventral suture of the stone protrudes above the margins of the surrounding grooves and consists of several plates; surrounding grooves are deep and medium-sized, arranged irregularly over the entire surface. Stone surface in fresh condition is dark brown with bright magenta coloration.

A medium-ripening table variety (third decade of August), very attractive in appearance with high and regular yield. In foothill zones, shoot growth ends in August; natural leaf fall is noted in mid-November. Enhanced winter hardiness and resistance to leaf curl disease.

Advantages of the variety: exhibits high and stable yield, enhanced winter hardiness, resistant to the main fungal disease — leaf curl, fruits have excellent taste qualities and extend the shelf life of fresh fruits by 1.5 weeks.

Disadvantages of the variety: in dry years, fruits become smaller and their quality decreases.