Content
The description of the apricot variety Champion of the North implies its use in the Central Black Earth region. Thanks to its hardiness and frost resistance, the culture has spread much wider.
History of selection
The ancestor of the Champion of the North is considered to be the well-known and widespread apricot Triumph northern. It was on its basis that a new promising variety was developed by crossing open pollination with other varieties of apricot and subsequent sowing. Selection work to develop the Champion of the North was carried out on the basis of Voronezh State Agrarian University (Voronezh State Agrarian University) under the guidance of two botanists: L. A. Dolmatova and A. N. Venyaminov in the 70s of the last century.
The goal of the breeders was to obtain an apricot that would survive and successfully bear fruit in the extreme conditions of severe winter frosts, punctuated by sudden, sharp thaws. Such a changeable climate in winter, as well as probable late spring frosts, are typical for the Central Black Earth zone, for which the apricot variety was intended. Over time, the Champion of the North began to be cultivated far beyond these borders: in the Belgorod, Voronezh, Tambov, Kursk, Lipetsk and even in the Moscow (Moscow region) regions.
Northern Triumph was used in the development of many frost-resistant apricot varieties
Description of the variety
Compared to other apricot trees, which often reach 8 m in height, the Champion of the North is considered a low-growing variety, since it rarely outgrows 4-5 m. Due to the slowly forming shoots, its spherical crown is not too dense, sparse, but the skeletal branches are powerful and thick, covered with brownish-brown bark, smooth to the touch. The leaf blades of the Champion of the North apricot are of a regular shape, medium in size, shiny and smooth, colored in a standard light green shade, changing to a spectacular orange-red in the fall.
Delicate flowers are pink-lilac or almost white with juicy pink stamens, quite large (up to 30 mm). Champion of the North is a self-fertile variety, since both male and female flowers are present on the tree at the same time. The spiny shoots on apricot shoots that bear buds (floral and vegetative) end in beautiful inflorescences.
The ripened fruits of the Champion of the North, judging by the numerous photos of gardeners growing this apricot, are roundish-oval in shape, covered with a thick velvety-pubescent skin of a rich sunny orange color with a light crumbly raspberry blush. The inner pulp of the apricot is slightly sour, refreshingly sweet, dense and dry, easily separated from the rather large free pit. The apricot kernel is edible, sweet, with a pronounced almond flavor.
The fruits of this apricot variety are very attractive in appearance.
Characteristics
From his ancestor, Champion of the North received exceptional varietal characteristics. They allow the apricot to survive in places with a completely unsuitable climate.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
The most important quality that distinguishes Champion of the North from other apricot varieties is its amazing winter hardiness. The wood of the trunk and branches can withstand frosts down to -35 °C and even lower. Flower buds show slightly worse frost resistance and in particularly harsh winters they often freeze slightly (during sudden temperature changes). But the Champion of the North variety is endowed with a natural ability to regenerate, so it recovers on its own, while freezing has virtually no effect on apricot yield.
The Champion of the North survives multi-day heat (above +25 °C) easily - thanks to its strong and thick bark. The lack of natural precipitation does not in any way affect the formation of ovaries and the ripening of apricots if the trees are watered regularly and abundantly, and the soil in the tree trunk is mulched.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
The apricot flowering period is short - no more than 10 days, usually occurring in the last week of April or the first half of May. The Champion of the North is self-pollinating, but in order to increase productivity, experienced gardeners recommend planting pollinator plants of other related apricot varieties (Lel, Northern Triumph) in close proximity to it. In terms of ripening time, Champion of the North is classified as a mid-late variety.
Apricot tree branches covered with flowers
Productivity, fruiting
The young seedling of the Champion of the North blooms for the first time already in the third season after planting; in the same year, minor fruiting can be expected. Apricot trees reach their peak yield (25-30 kg) at 5-6 years of age; they can live up to 30-35 years. The maximum weight of one ripe fruit is 65 g, but on average the weight usually varies between 50-55 g. If too many ovaries have formed on the Champion of the North tree, then the apricots become noticeably smaller, barely reaching 30-35 g. Fruiting is consistent, lasting about 3 -3.5 weeks. Apricot fruits begin to ripen en masse from mid-July.
Area of application of fruits
The Champion of the North has a universal scope. Most often, the fruits are eaten immediately fresh or dried. Apricots are suitable as an ingredient for all kinds of fruit desserts (salads, confiture, jam, preserves). They can be frozen, canned (compotes), and also used to prepare sweet dessert alcoholic drinks (cordials, wine, liqueurs).
Resistance to diseases and pests
Apricot Champion of the North is quite resistant to various infectious and fungal pathologies and demonstrates good immunity to them. However, gardeners warn about the extremely low resistance of the variety to hole spot and gray rot. All kinds of insects very often settle on apricot trees, causing them significant harm.
Advantages and disadvantages
The undoubted positive qualities inherent in the Champion of the North include:
- drought resistance;
- excellent and stable yield;
- self-pollinating;
- large fruit;
- high marketability of ripe apricots (appearance);
- early fruiting (the first harvest of apricots will be in the 3-4th season);
- excellent traditional apricot taste;
- transportability;
- highest frost resistance;
- resistance to a number of diseases (thanks to the loose and unthickened crown);
- versatility of use;
- good keeping quality of apricots.
Even proper storage is impossible for a long time
Along with a lot of advantages, the Champion of the North variety also has some negative aspects:
- the possibility of freezing (with sharp amplitude changes in temperature) of fruit buds;
- some dryness and fibrousness of ripe apricot fruits, as well as characteristic sourness (especially the skin);
- the need for pollinators (in case of unfavorable weather, self-pollination will be poor);
- susceptibility to moniliosis;
- exposure to massive attacks by a large number of pests.
Landing Features
The Champion of the North is not particularly capricious. However, when planting this apricot, it is necessary to adhere to clear rules of agricultural technology.
Recommended timing
The best time to plant the Champion of the North is considered to be early spring, when nature is just waking up from sleep, and active sap flow has not yet begun. The exact timing directly depends on the local climate. It is permissible to plant apricot trees in the autumn before the onset of persistent frosts.
Choosing a suitable location
When choosing the optimal place for planting apricots, you must remember that, like all stone fruits, this crop is very light-loving. The Champion of the North will develop better and bear fruit more abundantly in well-lit, open and sun-warmed spaces. The presence of groundwater close to the surface (above 1.2 m) should not be allowed. Lowlands and flooded areas are not suitable for apricot. The place must be protected from sharp gusty winds and drafts.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to apricots?
Champion of the North, like other apricot varieties, needs to be planted separately. It cannot stand close proximity to fruit crops. The large plant competes with shrubs and other trees for moisture and nutrients. Some stone fruits (peaches, cherries) have common pests and are susceptible to the same diseases.
An apricot tree can get along well in close proximity only to its direct relatives, who are also pollinators. It is permissible to grow garden and ornamental crops (greens, flowers, lawn grass) in the tree trunk of an aged apricot.
Apricot trees are considered solitary plants
Selection and preparation of planting material
1-2 year old seedlings of the Champion of the North take root best. Older specimens tolerate transplantation much more difficult. High-quality apricot planting material is characterized by:
- a healthy and branched root system, without signs of rot or any damage;
- the presence of healthy, large and strong kidneys;
- straight, uncurved trunk;
- several intact and strong branches.
It is better to purchase apricot seedlings in the autumn, when the choice is wider and the quality of planting material is much higher. In order for the apricot tree to be safely preserved until spring, its roots are dipped in a clay mash diluted to the consistency of liquid sour cream. After the clay dries a little, the plant is placed in a box with wet sand or sawdust, kept at a temperature of up to +3+5 °C (underground, basement). You can also save the Champion of the North apricot in open ground on your site by digging a hole and placing a seedling in it at an angle. The roots must be covered with soil.
Landing algorithm
The technology for planting the Champion of the North is as follows:
- In about 3-4 weeks (possible even in autumn), a planting hole for apricot is prepared - about 0.6 m in depth and in diameter.
- From dug up fertile soil, humus, low-lying peat and coarse sand, taken in equal parts, adding superphosphate (200-250 g), nitroammophoska (150-170 g) and wood ash (0.8-1 kg), mix the soil mixture.
- A mound is formed from the prepared nutrient soil at the bottom of the pit.
- Drive the support stake approximately 10-15 cm from the center.
- Having carefully spread the apricot roots in different directions, a Champion of the North seedling is placed on the hill and tied to a support. The plant needs to be shortened to 0.6-0.8 m and all branches trimmed.
- The planting hole is filled to the top with soil mixture, compacted, trampled down and a roller is formed for watering in the tree trunk circle. Lay mulch (needles, peat, humus).
- Apricot seedlings are watered generously.
Apricot seedlings are planted in the same way as other stone fruits.
Subsequent care of the crop
Post-planting care for young apricots Champion of the North consists of the following agrotechnical manipulations:
- Rare (3-4 times per season), but abundant (30-50 liters per tree) watering.
- Weeding and loosening apricots (after every good rain and watering).
- Feeding. After planting (2-3 years), if the hole has been filled correctly, the tree does not need to be fertilized additionally. Subsequently, the Champion of the North specimens that have begun to bear fruit are fed at least three times a season: in the spring - nitrogen-containing fertilizers (chicken manure, slurry), in the summer - superphosphate and potassium salt, in the autumn - humus (compost).
- Pruning and crown formation (usually only in the first 3 years).
- Whitewashing apricot trunks and skeletal branches with protective compounds before winter.
Diseases and pests
The Champion of the North variety exhibits low resistance to some fungal pathologies:
- Gray rot, otherwise called moniliosis. A dangerous disease that is difficult to treat. Fungal spores are easily carried by gusts of wind and carried by insects. The disease manifests itself as light gray fluffy growths on all parts of the plant. Affected leaves curl and fall off, branches dry out.The fruits of the Champion of the North apricot do not reach maturity, cracking while still green. As a preventive measure, spraying with fungicidal agents (Bordeaux mixture, Gamair, Horus) is effective.
- Perforated spotting, scientifically called klyasterosporiosis. First, gray spots surrounded by a brownish dark rim appear on the leaf blades. Over time, the affected areas dry out, leaving behind through holes. Then the foliage dries out completely. Apricots develop reddish-brown markings. Repeated treatments with fungicides (copper sulfate, Zineb, Quadris) will help.
Moniliosis most often affects apricot trees
Apricot trees Champion of the North are periodically attacked by harmful insects:
- Weevil. Harmful beetles feed on apricot leaves, not disdaining flowers and fruits (they gnaw holes). Pests are collected manually and the affected trees are treated with insecticidal preparations (Kinmiks, Inta-Vir).
- Aphid. Young shoots and leaves of apricot curl. Numerous small insects sitting inside the cocoon suck out plant juices. The sucking pest cannot resist systemic insecticides (Decis, Biotlin).
- leaf roller. A small moth that creates a shelter from danger from the leaves of the Champion of the North. She rolls the apricot leaf blades into a tube and feeds on them at the same time. The highly effective drug Chlorophos will help.
- codling moth. Small whitish-gray butterflies lay eggs in flowers, on leaf petioles and ovaries. Apricots do not grow, rot, and crumble. For control, various traps and belts are used, as well as gentle insecticides (Entobacterin, Rovikurt).
To avoid infection of apricot trees of the Champion of the North variety with diseases and to minimize the consequences of pest attacks, it is necessary to carry out regular and mandatory preventive treatments. During the period of ovary formation and apricot harvest, it is better to avoid strong chemicals.
Conclusion
A detailed description of the apricot variety Champion of the North promises its increased winter hardiness and ease of care. Many gardeners who worked with him confirm the accuracy of this information.
The tree blooms for 5 years, but does not bear fruit.