Apple Orlinka

The Orlinka variety belongs to tall, early-growing summer species. Differs in high winter hardiness, unpretentious care, has good immunity to a number of diseases. The fruits are quite large, sweet, with a bright aroma, the yield is high.

It appeared in 1978 at the All-Russian Research Institute for Breeding Fruit Crops in Oryol when crossing the apple trees Stark Erlest Preko and the First Salute. The first attempts to create culture date back to the 60s of the XX century. The authorship belongs to a group of domestic breeders: E. N Sedov, Z. M. Serova, N. G. Krasova.

Apple trees are strong, grow up to 6 meters, the shape of the crown is round, reaching 3 meters in diameter. The branches are straight, located on the trunk at an acute angle, compactly, in young trees they are directed upwards. In fruit-bearing trees, the branches tend to the ground.

The surface of the bark on the trunk and branches is dark gray. The buds are appressed, large, elongated-conical. The leaves are large, dark green, oval-rounded, with pointed, screw-twisted tips. The surface of the leaf is matte with light veins, curved downward. The leaf plate is pubescent from above - slightly, in the lower part - significantly. On the edge, the leaves have waviness and large notches.

The root system of the tree is powerful and branched, it is formed depending on the growing conditions and the characteristics of the cuttings on which the Orlinka is grafted.

Among the advantages are high early maturity and excellent yield indicators, excellent appearance and taste. Well adapted to harsh winters, but, according to experts, the variety does not have the strongest frost resistance. The plant does not require special care conditions. The crop crumbles little even after full ripening. The fruits are considered one of the best in terms of the content of vitamins and microelements.

Among the disadvantages: the high growth of fruit trees, the frequency of yield - a change in seasons of rest and abundant fruiting, an extended ripening period for apples, sometimes until mid-September. And also the short shelf life of apples - about a month, poor transportability.

The variety is fast-growing, begins to bear fruit 4-5 years after planting. In terms of ripening, medium early, the harvest begins to be removed from mid-August, at Yablochny Spas. There is an extended period of fruit ripening - they can ripen on branches until mid-September. Because of this feature, it is recommended to shoot selectively. Overripe apples have a deteriorating taste and consistency. The variety is considered self-pollinated, but gardeners recommend planting next to other apple trees that bloom at the same time as Orlinka.

Recommended for growing in the Central Black Earth region of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus. For the Russian Federation, these are Oryol, Lipetsk, Tambov, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh regions. There are landings in the Vladimir, Perm, Kaliningrad, Moscow regions. It is believed that with careful care, it is quite possible to grow in the South Urals.

An adult tree at the age of 12 years can give up to 120 kg of yield, young trees up to 12 years old - less than 30-45 kg. Fruiting periods alternate with rest periods - a few ovaries form on the branches. Orlinka has been bearing fruit for 30 years.

The apples are large in size, with an average weight of about 160 g. May be larger. Rounded, often flattened. Greenish-yellow or yellow, the surface is covered with red stripes. The pigmentation is more intense on the sunny side. The skin is smooth, dry, glossy. The stalks are short, the seeds are small, rounded, dark brown. The appearance of the fetus is estimated at 3 points out of 5 possible.

The pulp is creamy, granular sweet and sour. Apples contain per 100 g: sugar - 9.5%, acids - 0.8%, vitamin C - 6.6 mg, vitamin P - 314 mg, pectin - 9.1-12 g.

The taste is pleasant. The pulp is firm, crispy, juicy and aromatic. Refers to dessert varieties. After removing from the branches, the fruits are stored for about 2 weeks, slightly unripe apples can lie in a cool place for a little more than a month. During transportation, the thin skin is easily injured.

The Orlinka variety is often grafted onto low-growing rootstocks, so the tree becomes more compact, begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year. In size, apples on dwarf species become slightly smaller - up to 150 g, on semi-dwarf ones - up to 170 g.

The landing site is chosen bright and open. Loose, light soils, loamy and sandy loam are preferred. In black earth zones, it is recommended to add sand to the soil. Drainage is required in wet areas.

3-4 m are left between the seedlings, 5 m between the rows. The planted trees are tied to a support, which is left until the plant gets stronger. Recommended to be planted in spring in April, and in autumn - in the first decade of September.

In dry weather, plants need regular watering, basal, in small portions, after sunset - 5-10 liters, depending on the size of the tree. After that, the soil is loosened and mulched with ash, humus. With an excess of moisture in the soil, apples quickly rot. The tree needs regular, intelligent pruning for crown formation, removal of diseased branches, thinning and rejuvenation of the crown.

Flowering begins in the first or second decade of May. The flowers are large, saucer-shaped, light pink. The petals are rounded or elongated, the pistils are located at the same level with the stamens or slightly below.Does not need additional pollinators, it can itself become a pollinator for neighboring apple trees. To increase the yield, Orlinka is planted with a different variety.

Fertilizers are applied three times per season: in spring during bud break - complex mineral fertilizers, in summer - a mixture of organic and mineral substances, in autumn - only organic fertilizers.

In the conditions of the middle zone, winter hardiness is quite high, the plants tolerate temperatures up to -35 degrees Celsius. Young trees must be protected from frost. The trunks are insulated with spruce branches, straw, roofing material.

High degree of resistance to disease with all 5 types of scab. Orlinka is prone to be affected by fruit rot, preventive measures are timely cleaning of fallen and diseased fruits. Recommended prophylactic treatment against pests - "Karbofos" or chlorophos, from diseases - powdery mildew with drugs "Topaz" or "Skor".

Gardeners really like good fruiting, but sometimes they have to wait up to 5 years for the first harvest. It is annoying that apples, overripe, become watery and tasteless. Many of them are removed with a slightly solid yellow, including for sale. Someone's 10-year-old tree bears fruit every two years, but it is abundant: compotes are prepared from apples, juices - it is impossible to eat the entire crop. An unpretentious apple tree, does not cause any trouble, problems, in general, do not happen with it, - this is how the owners of summer cottages say about the variety.