Continuation - the beginnings of apricot cultivation in Latvia
After the death of P. Upītis, the work with apricots was continued by the then head of the Dobele Fruit Tree Laboratory, Laimonis Kārkliņš. After the winter of 1978/79, when temperatures in Dobele dropped to -41°C, the truly winter-hardy forms survived.
Since 1986, Edīte Kaufmane has continued working with apricots in Dobele. In 1999, three varieties were selected from Upītis's breeding material and registered in Latvia - 'Lāsma', 'Daiga' and 'Velta'. In addition, several hybrids have been recognized as good, which have been given the names - 'Rītausma', 'Dzintars', 'Krista'.
The mass of the apricot fruits selected by Upīšis is 12 - 45 grams. The largest fruits are of the 'Velta' variety. Apricots growing in Dobele have great variations in terms of color and ripening time (July 20 to September 10). Dobele apricots have a good harvest on average in three to four years. Of course, there are hybrids (for example, 'Lāsma') that give a larger or smaller harvest every year, except after very extreme winters.
