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Although apricot is a southern crop, breeders continue to try to develop cold-resistant varieties. One of the successful attempts was the Kichiginsky hybrid, obtained in the Southern Urals.
History of selection
Work on cold-resistant hybrids began back in the 30s of the 20th century. Employees of the South Ural Research Institute of Horticulture and Potato Growing used natural plant forms for selection.
The seeds were brought from the Far East Manchurian apricot, growing in natural conditions. This species is not picky about soil, tolerates winter frosts and drought well, and produces small, juicy fruits.
During the entire period of work at the institute, 5 new varieties were bred, including Kichiginsky. The variety was obtained in 1978 by open pollination of Manchurian apricot. It received its name in honor of the village. Kichigino, Chelyabinsk region. Breeders A.E. worked on the hybrid. Pankratov and K.K.Mulloyanov.
In 1993, the institute submitted an application to include the Kichiginsky hybrid in the State Register. In 1999, after testing, information about the variety was entered into the State Register for the Ural region.
Apricot Kichiginsky is used in breeding to obtain elite varieties. The most famous of them are Honey, Elite 6-31-8, Golden Nectar. From Kichiginsky they took high yield, winter hardiness and good external qualities of the fruit.
Description of culture
Kichiginsky is a medium-sized variety, the crown is medium dense, elongated oval in shape. The leaves are round, rich green. The height of the Kichiginsky apricot tree is about 3.5 m. The shoots are straight, dark red in color.
The tree produces beautiful large flowers. The buds and calyxes are pink, the corollas are white with a pinkish tint.
Characteristics of apricot variety Kichiginsky:
- round shape;
- one-dimensional aligned fruits;
- dimensions 25x25x25 mm;
- yellow peel without bitter taste;
- the pulp is juicy, yellow, sweet and sour taste;
- average weight 14 g.
Photo of apricot Kichiginsky:
The fruits contain dry matter (12.9%), sugars (6.3%), acids (2.3%) and vitamin C (7.6%). Taste qualities are rated 4.2 out of 5.
The State Register recommends growing the Kichiginsky variety in the Ural region: Chelyabinsk, Orenburg, Kurgan regions and the Republic of Bashkortostan. According to reviews of the Kichiginsky apricot, it grows without problems in the Volga-Vyatka and West Siberian regions.
Characteristics
The winter hardiness of the Kichiginsky variety deserves special attention. A prerequisite for its cultivation is the planting of a pollinator.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Apricot Kichiginsky is resistant to drought.The tree only needs watering during the flowering period if there is little rainfall.
The Kichiginsky variety is characterized by increased winter hardiness. The tree tolerates temperatures as low as -40 °C.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
The flowering time of the Kichiginsky apricot is early May. The variety blooms earlier than many varieties of apricots and other crops (plum, cherry, pear, apple). Due to the early flowering period, the buds are susceptible to spring frost.
The Kichiginsky variety is self-sterile. Planting pollinators is required to produce a harvest. The best pollinators for the Kichiginsky apricot are other frost-resistant varieties Honey, Piquant, Chelyabinsk ranniy, Vostorg, Zolotoy nectar, Korolevsky.
The fruits are harvested in early August. When picked, the fruit has a hard skin that softens during storage. The fruits tolerate long-term transportation well.
Productivity, fruiting
The variety is characterized by low early fruiting. The first harvest from the tree is obtained no earlier than 5 years after planting. Under favorable conditions, up to 15 kg of fruits are collected from the tree.
Area of application of fruits
The fruits of the Kichiginsky variety have a universal purpose. They are used fresh and for making homemade preparations: jam, jam, juice, compote.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Kichiginsky variety is characterized by high resistance to diseases and pests. When growing in the Urals, it is recommended to carry out preventive treatments. Frequent rains, high humidity and low temperatures provoke the spread of fungal diseases.
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits of apricot Kichiginsky:
- high winter hardiness;
- best pollinator for other apricot varieties;
- good transportability of fruits;
- universal use of fruits.
Disadvantages of the Kichiginsky variety:
- small fruits;
- average taste;
- takes a long time to bear fruit;
- A pollinator is required for crop formation.
Landing Features
Apricots are planted in a prepared area. If necessary, improve the quality of the soil.
Recommended timing
Planting dates depend on the region where Kichiginsky apricot is grown. In cold climates, planting work is carried out in early spring before the buds open. In the south, work is carried out in early October so that the seedling takes root before winter.
In the middle zone, spring and autumn planting is allowed. You need to focus on weather conditions.
Choosing a suitable location
The place for planting the crop is selected taking into account a number of requirements:
- lack of frequent winds;
- flat area;
- fertile loamy soil;
- natural light during the day.
In the lowlands, the tree develops slowly because it is constantly exposed to moisture. The crop also does not tolerate acidic soil, which must be limed before planting.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to apricots?
Apricot does not get along well with shrubs, berries and fruit crops:
- currant;
- raspberries;
- Apple tree;
- pear;
- plum;
- hazel.
Apricots are removed at a distance of 4 m from other trees. It is best to plant apricots of different varieties in a group. Perennial shade-loving grasses grow well under the trees.
Selection and preparation of planting material
It is better to purchase seedlings of the Kichiginsky variety in nurseries. Annual trees with a strong root system are suitable for planting.Seedlings are inspected and specimens are selected without signs of rotting or damage.
Before planting, prepare a mash of mullein and clay. When the solution reaches the consistency of sour cream, the roots of the seedling are lowered into it.
Landing algorithm
The apricot planting process consists of the following stages:
- A hole with a diameter of 60 cm and a depth of 70 cm is dug in the area. Dimensions may vary depending on the size of the plant.
- A drainage layer of small pebbles is placed at the bottom of the pit. The pit is left for 2 weeks to shrink.
- Humus, 500 g of superphosphate and 1 liter of wood ash are added to the fertile soil.
- The seedling is placed in a hole, the roots are covered with earth.
- The soil is compacted, and the planted apricot is watered abundantly.
Subsequent care of the crop
Apricot Kichiginsky is fed in early spring. The soil under the tree is watered with a solution of mullein or urea. When forming fruits, the crop requires potassium-phosphorus compounds.
Trees do not require frequent watering. Moisture is added during the flowering period if constant hot weather has established.
To obtain a high yield, shoots older than 3 years are pruned. Be sure to remove dry, weak and broken branches. Pruning is done in early spring or late autumn.
Ruberoid or mesh helps protect the tree trunk from rodents. Young apricots are additionally covered with spruce branches for the winter.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The main diseases of apricot are listed in the table:
Type of disease | Symptoms | Control measures | Prevention |
Fruit rot | Brown spots on fruit that grow and cause fruit to rot. | Treatment with solutions of Horus or Nitrafen. |
|
Scab | Green and brown spots on the leaves, the damage gradually spreads to the shoots and fruits. | Treating trees with preparations containing copper. |
Apricot pests are listed in the table:
Pest | Signs of defeat | Control measures | Prevention |
leaf roller | Leaves curled into a tube, cracks appearing on the bark. | Treatment of trees with Chlorophos. |
|
Weevil | Affected leaves, buds and flowers. When severely damaged, the tree sheds its leaves. | Spraying with Decis or Kinmiks. |
Conclusion
Apricot Kichiginsky is a frost-resistant variety adapted to the harsh conditions of the Urals. To obtain a high yield, the plantings are provided with constant care.
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