Apple tree (Malus domestica) LAILA

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Laila'

A Latvian winter variety with excellent flavour and frost resistance.

'Laila' is a Latvian winter apple variety, valued for its excellent flavour reminiscent of the 'Spartan' variety, excellent frost resistance, and very good storability. It is characterized by a good and regular yield and is a promising variety for both commercial and home gardens.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Regular and good yield.
• Excellent flavour and aroma of the fruits.
• Very good storability.
• Excellent frost resistance.
• Good disease resistance.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Latvia
• Institution: Pūre Horticultural Research Centre
• Registration: Registered and protected in Latvia since 2009.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Medium to vigorous, very dependent on the rootstock used.
• Crown: Spreading, easy to shape.
• Fruiting habit: Mixed type.

Fruit

• Size: Large to quite large.
• Shape and colour: Oblate to round-conical. Almost the entire surface is covered with an intense, dark red to purple-red colour.
• Flesh: Creamy, medium firm, juicy, crisp.
• Flavour: Very pleasant, tasty, sweet-tart with a predominance of sweetness, with a strong aroma reminiscent of the 'Spartan' variety.
• Use: Versatile.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Excellent.
• Disease resistance: Good. Medium resistance to scab and canker, good resistance to mildew. The fruits are very resistant to rot.

Cultivation Recommendations

• The tree partially self-thins its fruit set, so thinning is almost unnecessary.
• Recommended rootstocks are B.9, MM 106.
• Also suitable for slender spindle or palmette training.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late September to early October. Harvest must not be delayed.
• Storability: Very long, from November to March-April.
• Yield: Good and regular.
• Entry into bearing: Slower.
• Transportability: Good.