OCJI CHERNYE

The Ocji Chernye apple variety is a weak-growing tree with an round, drooping crown, which is well-covered with fruit-bearing organs. The bark is smooth and yellowish-gray. This variety was created at the North-Caucasian Federal Scientific Center for Pomology and Viticulture by crossing the Quinti and Prima varieties using a chemical mutagen. The tree begins to bear fruit early, usually in 2–4 years depending on the rootstock, and is distinguished by high winter hardiness, drought resistance, and heat resistance, which makes it especially suitable for southern regions of Russia and the North Caucasus.

The fruits of the Ocji Chernye variety are medium and large, weighing from 170 to 190 grams, round-flattened, with a smooth and sufficiently dense skin, which ensures good transportability. The main color of the fruits is light greenish or light yellowish, with a beautiful blurred dark red or purple blush, covered with numerous whitish dots. The flesh is white, dense and juicy when eaten, becomes creamy during storage, and retains an aromatic acid-sweet taste, which received high tasting scores. The fruits have high marketability (90–95 %) and can be stored for 60–70 days, which allows them to be used both in fresh form and for processing.

The variety is distinguished by high resistance to fungal diseases, in particular to scab due to the presence of the Rvi6 (Vf) gene, which significantly reduces the need for treatments. The Ocji Chernye apple tree demonstrates high productivity with a yield of 7–8 tons per hectare at the beginning of fruiting and up to 23–30 tons at full development. Thanks to its qualities and adaptability, the variety is suitable for intensive cultivation technologies and is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an early and quality harvest in southern regions.