'Čakstes Auči' - a late summer-autumn apple tree variety - a symbolic tribute to Latvia's Independence Day!
November is the month of Latvian National Holidays. On November 11, we celebrate Lāčplēsis Day, when on November 11, 1919, the Latvian army defeated the German and Russian White Guard troops led by Bermont-Avalov in Riga. On November 18, we celebrate the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia, this year already 103!
On this holiday, we also remember the founders of our country and the most outstanding leaders. Among them certainly belongs Jānis Čakste (1859 – 1927), who was a public and political figure, the first President of Latvia (14.11.1922 – 14.03.1927). J. Čakste is considered the creator of the Latvian Constitution and the rule of law . A museum has been established on the estate of J. Čakste’s family, “Auči”, where you can get acquainted with the story of the first President of Latvia, the fate of his family and the history of the house.
In the photo: Dr. biologist Laila Ikase, J. Čakste's granddaughter – Kristīne Čakste and Dr. biologist Edīte Kaufmane
In 2020, celebrating the 160th birthday of this remarkable statesman, the Institute of Horticulture named a new selected apple tree variety 'Čakste Auči'. At that time, a scientific conference "Jānis Čakste - 160" was held in the Saeima, during which those present were introduced to the new variety for the first time and treated to its fruits.
The idea of dedicating the variety to this outstanding person came from the Deputy Head of the Saeima Public Relations Office, Dana Naunika , and the scientists of the institute gladly responded to it. Our apple breeder Dr.biol. Laila Ikase selected this hybrid from the rich selection material, created by crossing the varieties 'Sarma' and 'Zaiļijskoje' in 1997. Before giving the name, the fruit quality and economic properties of this hybrid were evaluated for twenty years.
'Čakstes Auči' is a late summer - early autumn apple tree variety, which ripens in late August - early September. The fruits are beautiful, large, smooth, red with clearly visible stripes and light spots. The bark is durable, thick. The flesh is juicy, rich in flavor, sweet and sour and aromatic. The tree is large, with a medium-thick, spreading crown. It blooms early. It produces very well and every year. Resistance to the most important diseases is very good.
J.Čakste had cultivated a large apple orchard in his family home “Auči”, planting more than a thousand apple trees with his children in one spring. Unfortunately, over time, the apple orchard was destroyed. Soon, new varieties of apple trees are planned to be planted in “Auči”, thus continuing the renewal of fruit tree plantations on the family property in Zemgale.
May everyone have our beloved Latvia in their hearts, thoughts, and deeds!