Analysis of indicators of yield and fruit quality of ukrainian and foreign breeding apple varietis (Malus Domestica Borkh.) in the conditions of Podillia

Abstract

Aim. Selection of the best apple tree varieties in terms of productivity and fruit quality, which is relevant when creating plantations of an intensive type in the conditions of the Western Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Evaluations were taken: productivity of plantings, crop formation, marketable qualities of fruits (weight, size, uniformity, marketability), tasting evaluation, attractiveness of fruits and their suitability for storage. The main records and observations were carried out in full compliance with generally defined methods. The marketability of fruits was determined in the garden during harvesting by sorting in accordance with the current SSTU 8133-2015 and SSTU 8323-2015. Classification of varieties by fruit size was carried out according to the unified classifier of European countries. Results. The article presents the results of the study of 24 apple varieties of Ukrainian and foreign breeding of different ripening periods in the conditions of Podillia. According to the average indicators of 2016–2020 research, the grades were evaluated according to a set of main characteristics: early fruiting, productivity, marketability, shelf life and taste of fruits. Conclusions. It was established that the best varieties are: summer type – Williams Pride, autumn type – Count Ezzo, Kodrovskoe and winter type – Fiesta, Champion Renault. They begin to bear fruit at the age of two years (Williams Pride) and three years (Count Ezzo, Kodrovskoe, Fiesta, Champion Renault). The yield of ten – to fourteen-year-old trees reaches 22.4–39.4 t/ha. The yield of fruits of the highest and first grade was 27–49% on average over five years of research. The fruits of selected varieties are attractive (8.2−8.4 points), excellent, very harmonious sweet-sour taste (8.2−8.5 points).