Content
Apricot Alyosha is one of the earliest varieties grown in the Moscow region and central Russia. You can enjoy sweet fruits already in mid-July. Small fruits are used fresh, for preservation and processing. Growing Alyosha apricot does not require much effort.
History of selection
The first mention of the variety dates back to 1988. Domestic breeders Skvortsov and Kramarenko presented a new variety of apricot tree. The main task that scientists set for themselves was to obtain a frost-resistant variety of early ripening, suitable for cultivation in the middle zone. In 2004 The Alyosha apricot was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements. During its existence, the variety has gained considerable popularity in the Central region.
Description of culture
The tree is distinguished by a spreading crown of a round shape, reaching a height of 3-3.5 meters.On strongly branched shoots many flowers up to 4 cm in diameter are formed. The color of the petals is white with thin pink veins. The budding period occurs at the end of April - beginning of May.
The average weight of one apricot does not exceed 15 grams. The pulp is characterized by a rich yellow-orange color and a sweet and sour taste. The peel is smooth, with a small amount of fibers. The shape of the fruit is round, slightly flattened on the sides. As you can see in the photo of the Alyosha apricot, ripe fruits have a reddish tint.
According to the description of the apricot variety Alyosha, the pulp of the fruit contains many useful substances. The fruits are rich in beta-carotene and potassium, its content reaches 380 mg per 100 g. Solids and sugars account for 14% and 8.3%, respectively. The stone is quite large compared to other varieties and is easily separated. Its weight is about 16% of the total mass of apricot.
Characteristics
The variety is intended for cultivation in the Moscow region and other regions of the middle zone. In the appropriate climate, the fruit tree produces a stable harvest of apricots every year, without requiring significant effort from the gardener.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
This unpretentious variety tolerates frosty winters well. If there is low air temperature in spring, it is recommended to whiten the tree trunk in a timely manner to delay flowering. A distinctive characteristic of the Alyosha apricot variety is its ability to tolerate dry weather. A long-term decrease in soil moisture may have a slight effect on the taste of the fruit.
Pollination, flowering period, ripening time
The fruit tree variety begins to bear fruit after 3-4 years. Ovaries are formed on all types of shoots. The flowering period, as a rule, occurs in the third ten days of April or the beginning of May. Pollinators are not required for the Alyosha apricot. The self-fertile variety can itself act as a pollinator for other apricot trees. During flowering, the entire crown is strewn with large flowers.
Early fruit ripening begins in mid-summer. From the second half of July to mid-August, technical ripeness of apricots begins. The yield of the variety is high, more than 40 c/ha.
Area of application of fruits
Apricots of the Alyosha variety are consumed fresh, and compotes and jams are prepared from them. The harvest collected from the branch can be stored for a long time and not spoil. Fruits are suitable for transportation over short distances.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Alyosha variety demonstrates high immunity to diseases characteristic of fruit trees, especially monoliosis and klyasterosporiosis. These fungal diseases lead to premature death and shedding of foliage and ovaries. The reason for the spread of diseases is sharp temperature fluctuations and high humidity.
Reviews from gardeners about the Alyosha apricot indicate resistance to pests. With proper care and suitable climatic conditions, the tree does not need additional protection.
Advantages and disadvantages
Alyosha is a popular variety for growing in central Russia.
Apricot received recognition from gardeners due to several advantages:
- early fruit ripening;
- ability to withstand winter temperatures down to -30°C;
- resistance to pests and diseases;
- high yield and taste of ripe apricots;
- transportability and keeping quality of fruits.
In accordance with the description of the apricot Alyosha, the only disadvantage is the large mass of the stone, which increases the percentage of waste during fruit processing.
Landing Features
The survival rate of the seedling when planting the Alyosha apricot and further fruiting depends on how well the preparatory work is done. What matters is the quality of planting material, the place and timing of planting, and compliance with basic rules of care.
Recommended timing
Saplings with an open root system must be planted in a permanent place in March-April. At this time, the soil should be warmed up by 5-10°C. As the soil warms up, active growth of the root system and young shoots will begin.
Planting material with a closed root system can be planted from spring to mid-August. Later planting dates are undesirable. Before the onset of frost, the tree will not have time to take root sufficiently and will die with the onset of frost.
Choosing a suitable location
The yield of Alyosha apricot is influenced by the area in which it grows. You should choose a sunny place, protected on the north side by buildings or other trees. Apricots can be planted on a slight slope. In the shade, the Alyosha variety reduces the number of ovaries, and the fruits grow sour and hard.
The root system of a fruit tree grows close to the surface of the earth. It is not advisable to plant the crop in a flooded area with close groundwater. This will lead to cracking of the trunk and rotting of the roots.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to apricots?
A fruit tree can be combined in the garden with early flowers, the growing season of which takes place at a time when there is little foliage on the branches. Tulips, crocuses, and daffodils thrive under apricot trees. Undesirable neighbors in the area are currants and raspberries. Shrubs draw essential nutrients from the soil. When planting the Alyosha variety, it should be taken into account that its horizontal root system needs a lot of space.
Selection and preparation of planting material
For planting, you should choose seedlings 1-2 years old. They take root better and tolerate frosts and spring frosts more easily. The root system should be developed, smooth, without growths. Before planting, seedlings stored in autumn are cut to a third of their length and damaged and dry root shoots are removed. Nurseries sell Alyosha apricot seedlings in containers with soil. Such trees take root well at any time of planting.
Landing algorithm
Apricot planting is carried out subject to several requirements:
- The hole for the seedling is dug to a depth of 70 cm, and drainage is laid at the bottom.
- A hill is formed from a fertile layer of soil and fertilizers, on which the seedling is placed, carefully spreading the roots.
- The root collar is left at a height of 5 cm above the ground surface.
- At a distance of 15-10 cm, a peg the height of a seedling is driven in.
- The soil around the neck is thoroughly compacted and spilled with plenty of water.
A properly planted tree takes root within 1 month and begins to grow green mass.
Subsequent care of the crop
Caring for the Alyosha apricot is quite simple. Compliance with agricultural technology allows you to achieve high yields for many years. One of the points of care is crown formation.On a young tree, 5-6 main shoots are left, shortening them by 1/3. Skeletal branches should form an even crown on all sides. Then it is necessary to carry out formative pruning of the regrown shoots every autumn.
In the spring, before the budding period, the tree can be fed with nitrogen fertilizers. It is recommended to use organic matter as a source. In autumn, potassium salt with superphosphate is applied under the apricot. To protect against pests, the trunk is whitened and wrapped with nylon mesh. Watering is necessary for fruit crops in the first half of the growing season and during prolonged drought.
Diseases and pests
The Alyosha variety is characterized by high immunity. The fruit tree is resistant to fungal diseases that are often found among its fellows. As a preventative measure, it is recommended to promptly carry out sanitary pruning of dry, damaged shoots, and spray trees with fungicides if there are diseased specimens in the garden. Every autumn the lower part of the trunk should be treated with whitewash to repel pests.
It is advisable to periodically dig up the soil around the tree to destroy caterpillars and harmful larvae. It is recommended to regularly inspect apricot foliage for the presence of aphids or codling moths. To control pests, it is necessary to spray trees with insecticides.
Conclusion
Apricot Alyosha allows you to get an excellent harvest of fruit without much labor. Caring for a fruit tree does not require much time from the gardener due to its resistance to disease and ability to tolerate drought and frost. Pollination of the Alyosha apricot occurs regardless of the presence of insects. The variety produces a large number of tasty fruits suitable for canning, storage and fresh consumption.
Reviews from gardeners
On the Internet you can find various reviews about the Alyosha apricot in the Moscow region. Gardeners share their experience in growing varieties.
More details about the features of growing apricots in the Moscow region are described in the video clip.
