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The description of the apricot variety Gorniy Abakan informs gardeners that this variety of crop can be grown in cold winter conditions. Many summer residents dream of having delicious fruits from apricot trees on their plots, but not all of them can grow and develop well in the northern regions. If the winter in the region is frosty, with the presence of unfavorable factors, then “Mountain Abakan” is exactly the variety that can withstand this.
History of selection
The variety of apricot “Mountain Abakan” was bred in 1979 by I. L. Baikalov. The variety was obtained from a mixture of seeds of the second generation of Khabarovsk selected forms in the home garden of the Khakass Republic.It is recommended for cultivation in the East Siberian region, Krasnoyarsk and Khabarovsk territories, Khakassia. Since 2002, “Gorny Abakan” has been included in the State Register.
Description of the apricot variety Abakansky
The “Abakan” apricot tree has a medium size (up to 3 m in height) and a loose, spreading crown. The leaves are medium-sized, dark green in color, with a red central vein. It blooms in the second half of May with large, white, tinged pink buds. The self-fertility of the variety is low; “Kantegirskiy”, “East Siberian” (Oriens-Siberian) and “Sibiryak Baykalova” are most suitable for it as a pollinator. The tree does not remain in winter dormancy for long. If the thaw period is long, then the buds of “Mountain Abakan” may freeze.
The fruits of the tree are flattened (compressed on the sides), yellow-green in color. The seam is noticeable. On young trees, apricots are large, weighing up to 40 g, becoming smaller over the years - up to 30 g. The pulp is pleasant to the taste, dense, with a subtle sourness, orange in color, medium juiciness. Each fruit contains up to 15% dry matter, 9% sugars, 0.55% pectin.
Characteristics
Judging by the photo of the “Mountain Abakan” apricot variety, it has good characteristics. The images show that the fruits of the tree are smooth, large and beautiful. In addition, they have a pleasant taste and are versatile in use. According to numerous reviews from summer residents, it is known that the tree has good yields and is resistant to drought and frost.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
The culture has average drought resistance.If there is insufficient precipitation for the apricot to successfully form new roots, it is advisable to water it additionally. In spring, for shoots to grow, the tree needs regular moisture.
Thanks to the labor-intensive work of breeders, the Abakan variety has received high resistance to frost. Despite the harsh winter, the tree produces a good harvest every year. Able to survive at temperatures down to -38 °C.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
For normal fruiting, the Abakan apricot needs a pollinator. “Sibiryak Baikalova” or “Kantegirsky” are best suited for this role. Buds on the tree begin to appear towards the end of spring, in May. The fruits are formed in June. 1.5-2 months after their appearance, it is time to harvest.
Productivity, fruiting
From one Mountain Abakan apricot tree, on average, you can harvest 15-18 kg of harvest, sometimes this figure increases to 40 kg. When planted on a hill, in winter conditions with little rainfall, the crop bears fruit abundantly every year. Harvest time is mid-August. The variety bears fruit 3-4 years after planting.
Area of application of fruits
Apricots collected from the Abakan hybrid are most often used for fresh consumption and canning. Compotes, jams and preserves are made from it. Some housewives add fruits to baked goods, less often dry them.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Many sources claim that “Mountain Abakan” has good resistance to diseases and harmful insects, but the variety has a chance of contracting the disease.In wet years, a tree can easily become infected with moniliosis, clasterosporiasis or cytosporosis; cases of spotting and cancer also occur.
If not properly cared for, the tree may be attacked by aphids and weevils.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the obvious advantages of culture are:
- good taste;
- winter hardiness;
- large fruits;
- versatility of use.
Disadvantages include, in particular, instability to damping off and a decrease in fruit size over the years.
Landing Features
There are no special rules when landing “Mountain Abakan”. The principle of operation is the same as that of other apricot crops.
Recommended timing
It is advisable to plant Abakan apricot in late spring, in May, in warm soil. When planting in autumn, there is a possibility of seedling death. But if you decide to plant a tree before winter, then this must be done no later than 14 days before frost arrives in the region.
Choosing a suitable location
In order for the fruits of “Mountain Abakan” to grow well, you should carefully select the site for planting the seedling. The place should be sunny and quiet, windless. If the soil is rough and does not allow air to pass through, the crop will not grow well. It is desirable that the soil has a slightly alkaline reaction and is light. It is best if the planting site is located on a mountain slope or hill, on the south side, and the groundwater level is no higher than 250 cm.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to apricots?
There is an opinion among experienced gardeners that it is undesirable to plant trees other than pollinators next to apricots, including “Mountain Abakan”. This crop has very large roots, depletes the soil, and releases toxic substances into it. It is not forbidden to plant early flowers - daffodils, primroses, tulips - near the apricot.
Selection and preparation of planting material
Before preparing to plant an apricot, the gardener needs to choose the right planting material. Buying a quality seedling is a guarantee of half the success. It is important to take young trees only from nurseries. You need to pay attention to their roots, which should not be dry or frozen. A good “Mountain Abakan” seedling has no defects or thorns on the trunk, with smooth branches. It is better to buy a tree that is at least 12 months old.
Landing algorithm
Landing of "Mountain Abakan" is carried out as follows:
- 20 days before planting, the soil is deoxidized with chalk or dolomite flour.
- 3 days before planting, dig holes with a diameter of 0.7 m.
- The top fertile layer of excavated soil, compost and river sand are used as a planting mixture.
- Fill the hole with the mixture, add ½ bucket of ash, potassium sulfide and superphosphate to it.
- After planting the tree, watering is carried out.
Subsequent care of the crop
Any plant, and especially the capricious apricot, requires attention and proper care:
- In spring and autumn, the tree trunk must be whitened with the addition of copper sulfate.
- Water young seedlings 2 times a month, two-year-old trees and older - as the soil dries.
- It is necessary to add fertilizing to the water for irrigation: potassium and phosphorus during flowering, nitrogen in the summer, potassium-phosphate in the fall.
- Loosen the soil once a month.
- Before wintering, mulch the root circle with sawdust, straw, and dry leaves.
- Perform pruning in a timely manner.
Diseases and pests
"Mountain Abakan" can be infected with diseases such as:
- spotting;
- verticillium wilt;
- cancer.
Among the pests that most often attack the variety are:
- aphid;
- stalk;
- sawfly;
- weevil.
Conclusion
The description of the Gorny Abakan apricot variety confirms that this type of crop is adapted to growing conditions in regions with cold winters, but with moderate amounts of snow. The fruits of the crop have excellent taste, bring great benefits to the body, and saturate it with vitamins. Growing Abakan requires some effort, but with the right approach to the matter, you won’t have to wait long for a good result.
Reviews of apricot variety Mountain Abakan