Content
Apricot Khabarovsk has come a long way in selection tests. On the territory of the former USSR, in many republics, regions and districts, test samples were planted at experimental stations and in the gardens of volunteers, which were observed by agronomists for a long time. Experts recorded and analyzed all the varietal qualities of apricot, and in many ways it showed its best side.
History of selection
Back in 1949, breeder Kazmin G.T. developed a new variety of apricot, Khabarovsky, by pollinating the Best Michurinsky and the European Red-cheeked. It was included in the State Register of crops approved for use in 1979. The Far Eastern Institute of Agriculture acted as the originator.
Description of culture
Khabarovsk apricot is a rather tall tree, by the age of ten it reaches a height of 4.5-5.0 meters, the crown circumference is 5 meters or more.The crown itself is spreading, not thickened; there are whitish oblong stripes on the dark purple thick and straight branches. Annual growths are strong and straight, their length can reach 1 meter (on young 3-4 year old trees). The fruits are formed on fruit branches on wood that is 2-3 years old.
Apricot fruits are medium-sized, weighing no more than 25-30 g, conical in shape, slightly compressed on the sides, the seam in the middle of the fruit is deep and wide. The entire skin is covered with thick hairs, the color is pale yellow with characteristic red-orange spots on the sides. The top of the fruit is pointed. Its orange pulp has a good taste and medium juiciness, the small stone is easily separated, and it tastes sweet.
The Khabarovsk apricot variety is recommended to be grown in the regions of the Far East, Primorsky and Khabarovsk territories (in their southern regions). Apricots have early ripening periods and manage to ripen even in areas with unfavorable climatic conditions. Good winter hardiness allows you to grow Khabarovsk apricot in the Moscow region, the Volga region and the Urals.
Characteristics
A detailed description of the Khabarovsky apricot variety will help beginning gardeners, and not only them, to form their opinion about the culture and decide whether it is worth growing it in their gardens or farms.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
The main criteria for growing a crop are the behavior of the plant in conditions of drought or severe frost. Khabarovsk apricot was bred in the Far East, where the climate is cold and there are often severe frosts in winter. These factors were taken into account by breeders in the first place, so this crop has increased winter hardiness, its buds do not freeze at temperatures down to -30°C.
Saplings and young apricot trees 2-3 years old must be watered at least 4-5 times a month. In the future, when the plant takes root and grows its root system, it will not require frequent watering. It will be enough to water the tree no more than 1-2 times a month, increasing the number of waterings in case of persistent drought to 2-3 times a month.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
Khabarovsk apricot is a relatively self-fertile crop. The tree is capable of forming only up to 20% of all fruit ovaries. You can increase the yield with the help of pollinator plants; the main condition in this case is their simultaneous flowering with the Khabarovsk variety. Such plants can be apricots: Snezhinsky, Amur, Academician.
The tree begins to bloom early (mid-May or early June), so the variety is sometimes mistakenly classified as a heat-loving crop. During the research, when growing Khabarovsk apricot in colder areas, no negative phenomena were noted: during the spring cold snap, the flowers did not fall off, the ovaries remained intact. In the second half of July, after the 20th, the first apricot fruits ripen.
Productivity, fruiting
The annual fruiting of the plant begins in the 4th or 5th year of the tree’s life. Fruit branches grow on wood that is 2-3 years old, quite large buds form on them, and the flowers are also large (3-5 cm in diameter) and white.
The partial self-fertility of the Khabarovsk apricot allows you to get a small harvest, but if there are nearby pollinating trees (at a distance of 3-6 meters), the yield increases significantly. From one plant per season you can get up to 36 kg of fruit, the record figure was 40 kg.
Area of application of fruits
The fresh ruddy fruits of the Khabarovsk apricot are just asking to be put into your mouth; no one will refuse to taste them fresh. Fruits are also good in various winter preparations: compotes, preserves, marmalade and jam. Everywhere, farms make preparations from dried apricots (dried apricots) for sale to the population at any time of the year. Such fruits do not lose their beneficial qualities and can be stored for a long time.
Resistance to diseases and pests
According to information stated by the originator of the Khabarovsky variety, its resistance to diseases is of medium degree. We will talk about diseases and pests that threaten apricots a little later.
Advantages and disadvantages
When growing Khabarovsk apricot, many advantages were identified, but there are also disadvantages:
Pros:
- beautiful and tasty fruits, excellent presentation;
- consistently high annual harvest;
- the kernel of the stone is sweet;
- propagates well by seeds.
Flaws:
- decreased winter hardiness when planting in lowlands;
- the level of transportability is below average.
Landing Features
For experienced gardeners, planting and caring for Khabarovsk apricot will not create problems; these procedures are largely identical for many fruit trees. Our recommendations will be useful for beginning gardeners and people who decide to plant apricots in their garden for the first time.
Recommended timing
Khabarovsk apricot seedlings are planted in the spring, while the buds of the tree are still dormant. In southern regions with warm climates, they can be planted in both spring and autumn.
Choosing a suitable location
Apricots grow well in elevated areas, well-lit by the sun, but not blown through by cold winds, especially in winter.
The soil for planting Khabarovsk apricot should be neutral or slightly alkaline in acidity, loose in structure, the optimal composition is light loam.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to apricots?
Tall perennial crops, such as Khabarovsk apricot, do not like close proximity to raspberry or currant bushes. It is not advisable to plant it in areas where peach, plum or cherry trees previously grew.
Closer than 5 meters, that is, in the tree trunk circle, you can plant early flowering daffodils or tulips.
Selection and preparation of planting material
Tree seedlings can be purchased in special nurseries, ordered via the Internet, but under no circumstances should you buy from individual sellers if you are not sure of their reliability. A good seedling is a one or two-year-old plant with a developed fibrous root system. Its height should not exceed: for a one-year-old - 70 cm, for a two-year-old - 90 cm.
Landing algorithm
The procedure for planting apricots is as follows:
- in the selected area, dig a hole measuring 70x70x70 cm;
- a peg up to 1.5 m high is placed in the center, the bottom is covered with drainage material: broken brick, expanded clay or crushed stone to a depth of 5-10 cm;
- the pit is half filled with organic matter, mineral fertilizers are added;
- an apricot seedling is placed in a hole, covered with fertile soil to the level of the root collar, which should not be buried in the soil;
- compact the soil, water it and tie the seedling to a peg.
For a more detailed description of the landing process, see the attached video.
Subsequent care of the crop
Immediately after planting the seedling, pruning is done. The upper part is cut off to 1/3 of the entire height; branches of two-year-old plants are also cut off, leaving 2 healthy buds on them.
Water the seedling once a week until it takes root, then gradually reduce the number of waterings to 2-3 times a month. An adult tree is watered only when there is a lack of natural rain moisture.
Fertilizing of Khabarovsk apricot begins once a year from 2-3 years of age, and when the tree enters the fruiting period - three times: in spring, mid-summer and autumn.
Diseases and pests
Apricot diseases:
Name of the disease | Symptoms | Methods of control and prevention |
Clusterosporiasis (popular name - perforated spotting).
| Red and burgundy specks form on the leaves and grow rapidly. The inside of the stain, eaten away by the fungus, falls out, forming holes. The leaves dry out and fall. | Reusable (4-5 times) treatment with fungicides is required. |
Moniliosis (monilial burn) | Infection occurs during the flowering period. The fungus travels from the insect's body to the flower, then to the shoots and leaves. The affected areas on the plant turn black, creating the appearance of a burn. | Affected shoots should be cut off immediately and the areas should be sprayed with fungicides. |
Cytosporosis | The fungus attacks the bark, entering it through untreated cracks, the bark becomes loose and rotten, and a strong flow of gum occurs. | Damaged apricot bark is peeled back to healthy wood, disinfected with a solution of copper sulfate, treated with fungicides, and the wound is closed with garden varnish. |
Apricot pests:
Pests | Damage caused | Fighting methods |
Weevil beetle | The omnivorous beetle eats buds, flowers, early shoots and leaves. | Apricots are sprayed with chemicals: Fufanon, Decis or Nitrafen. |
Khrushchi beetles | The larvae (khrushchi) of various beetles eat young root shoots. | It is recommended to treat the soil in tree trunk circles with Diazonin solution. |
Aphid | Insects live in large colonies on the back side of leaves, eating them and green shoots | The plant is treated with insecticides several times until the aphids completely disappear. |
Conclusion
The Khabarovsk apricot has earned the love and respect of gardeners who have been growing it in their gardens for many years. The yield and taste of Khabarovsk fruits satisfy many farmers involved in its sale, from which they receive good income. We recommend that you plant several seedlings to taste the fruits grown with your own labor.
Reviews
In this section you can read reviews from gardeners about the Khabarovsk apricot:
