Content
The columnar apple tree variety Vasyugan is a compact, low-growing, high-yielding, frost-resistant tree. Recently, such species have become very popular because they are suitable for cultivation in almost all regions. With proper care, the tree not only bears fruit abundantly every year, but also retains its elegant decorative shape.
A characteristic feature of the apple tree is the growth of the trunk in a vertical direction without lateral branches.
History of selection
The Vasyugan apple variety was bred in 1987 at the State Moscow Institute of Horticulture by breeders N. G. Morozov and V. V. Kichina. The plant was obtained by crossing the Brusnichnaya and KV-5 varieties. The culture was bred specifically for cultivation in the Far East and the Urals.
Vasyugan apple trees take root well in central Russia
Characteristics of the columnar apple tree Vasyugan
Summer varieties of columnar apple trees Vasyugan are divided into dwarf, semi-dwarf and vigorous. In addition, several subspecies are classified into early, late summer and early autumn.
Dwarf varieties are characterized by high annual productivity
Appearance of fruit and tree
The Vasyugan apple tree is distinguished by the following external characteristics:
- crown height of an adult 7-8-year-old vigorous tree - up to 3 m;
- crown height of an adult 7-8-year-old dwarf tree - up to 2 m;
- crown width - up to 0.5 m;
- crown shape is cylindrical, columnar;
- annual crown growth - up to 20 cm;
- the trunk is strong, heavily leafy;
- branches are short, with many ringlets;
- the shape of the leaves is elongated, large, with pointed tips;
- leaf color - bright green;
- fruit weight - up to 200 g;
- fruit shape is round-conical, elongated;
- the surface of the fruit is hard;
- The color of the fruit is yellow-green, with a characteristic red or pink blush;
- the color of the fruit pulp is white, with a creamy tint;
- the structure of the pulp is juicy, fine-grained, dense;
- classic apple aroma;
- The peel of the fruit is thin and dense.
The columnar variety of apple trees Vasyugan is a productive, early-fruiting, compact, unpretentious crop
Lifespan
On a personal plot, the columnar variety Vasyugan can grow for 15-20 years. After 20 years, the plant gradually begins to die off.
At the first signs of dying, the apple tree should be uprooted and replaced with a new seedling.
Taste
The excellent taste of the pulp of Vasyugan apples cannot leave lovers of a healthy diet indifferent. Vitamin fruits have a delicate dessert, sweet and sour taste.
The fruits of the Vasyugan variety are characterized by a tasting score of 4 points out of a maximum possible 5
Growing regions
The columnar dwarf variety Vasyugan was specially bred for cultivation in the difficult conditions of the North of Russia. Currently, the crop is successfully grown everywhere: from the Urals, Trans-Urals, Siberia to the Far East.
Trees of the dwarf columnar variety Vasyugan perfectly tolerate various conditions, except equatorial and tropical climates. To enter a new vegetative cycle, the plant needs several months of winter dormancy.
The columnar dwarf variety Vasyugan apple tree is planted for various purposes: for harvesting, as hedges, as the main decoration of gazebos and picturesque recreation areas
Productivity
The compact columnar apple tree Vasyugan is characterized by stable productivity. Every year you can remove up to 7 kg of ripe fruit from one tree. Every year productivity increases. Peak productivity begins at 4 years of age. High productivity is observed for about 15 years. After this period, the tree bears fruit, but the weight of the fruit is noticeably reduced (up to 50 g), most of the ringlets dry out.
Yields are influenced not only by the quality of irrigation and the level of soil fertility, but also by weather conditions.
Frost resistance
The miniature Vasyugan apple tree is a frost-resistant crop that tolerates temperatures down to - 42 ⁰C. Frost resistance is the main dominant trump card of the culture, which was specially bred for the harsh conditions of the Far East.
Miniature columnar apple tree of the Vasyugan variety successfully “survives” harsh winters, with extreme temperatures up to - 45 ⁰C
Resistance to diseases and pests
The variety of columnar compact apple trees Vasyugan has sufficient immunity to the most common pests of fruit trees above the average level. The plant exhibits an increased level of resistance to the main diseases of this species.
At the first signs of diseases and the appearance of pests, plants should be treated with special solutions of insecticides and fungicides
Flowering period and ripening period
The flowering period is indicated by the beginning of May. The color is formed on small branches with flower buds located along the surface of the trunk. The flowers of the columnar miniature apple tree of the Vasyugan variety are large, with a pronounced aroma that attracts the attention of insects (in particular pollinating bees).
In order to maximize productivity, it is necessary to plant an appropriate pollinator variety with the same flowering time near the crop.
The unique ability of the Vasyugan apple tree is to bear fruit in the year of planting. To maintain the health and viability of the crop, the ovaries should be cut off so that the plant does not waste energy on ripening the fruits.
The ripening period for apples is the end of August or the beginning of September (depending on the weather conditions of the region).
Vasyugan inflorescences are particularly large in size and have a strong aroma.
Pollinators
The Vasyugan apple tree blooms in the first ten days of May. The pollinator for the plant can be any other variety of apple tree of this species (for example, the columnar Canadian Sunrise), the flowering period of which is also characterized by the beginning of May.
The plant needs neighboring pollinating varieties
Transportation and keeping quality
Ripe Vasyugan apples remain suitable for transportation for 1-3 months.The shelf life of apples of this variety is indicated from 1 to 3 months, since at air temperatures up to 0 ⁰C and while maintaining air humidity levels up to 80%, the fruits are able to retain their taste characteristics.
Vasyugan apples do not have a high shelf life
Advantages and disadvantages
The miniature Vasyugan apple tree is characterized by a wide range of significant advantages:
- predominant classic apple aroma of fruit pulp;
- excellent taste of the fruit;
- universal application;
- compact size of trees (up to 1-1.5 m²);
- resistance to pathogens of major diseases and pests;
- frost resistance;
- aesthetic appearance;
- early fruiting, fruiting 2 years after planting;
- long period of use of the crop, up to 15 years;
- easy care;
- stable yield.
Among the disadvantages of the plant, one can highlight the insufficiently long shelf life of the fruits (up to 1-3 months).
Thanks to its amazing aesthetic properties, the Vasyugan apple tree is used in landscape design to decorate the local area
Landing rules
When purchasing Vasyugan apple tree seedlings, you should pay attention to the bark and roots. These parts of plants should not contain growths, dark spots, or other signs of disease. The root system cannot be overdried or damaged.
In southern regions with relatively warm winters, apple tree seedlings are planted in September. In the northern regions, planting is carried out in early spring.
Young Vasyugan seedlings are planted in a hole up to 70 cm wide and deep. The bottom of the hole should contain a nutrient mixture of:
- land;
- dolomite flour;
- compost or humus;
- peat;
- superphosphate and potash fertilizers;
- river sand.
The hole with the nutrient mixture is prepared in advance, 1-2 weeks before planting apple tree seedlings in open ground. Immediately before planting, the hole is moistened with 10 liters of water, and a peg is driven in near the center of the hole. The tree seedling is placed in the center of the hole. The roots are evenly straightened, avoiding the formation of creases. The soil around the young apple tree is trampled down, watered with water, mulched and the seedling is secured near a pre-prepared stake, which serves as a support for the plant.
It is best to grow plants from seedlings purchased from specialized nurseries
Growing and care
The domestically bred Vasyugan apple tree is distinguished by its ease of care. The plant is characterized by the following agricultural technology features:
- plenty of sunlight;
- winter temperature range - 12 ⁰С-35 ⁰С;
- complete absence of drafts;
- landing site - hills;
- low groundwater level (more than 2 m from the soil surface);
- soil - loamy, sandy loam, chernozem;
- the distance between trees is from 0.5 m to 1 m.
An unpretentious garden crop successfully takes root in the harsh conditions of the Russian north
Daily care of the domestic Vasyugan apple tree includes the following activities:
- loosening the soil;
- watering;
- fertilizer;
- sanitary pruning;
- weed removal;
- pest protection;
- disease prevention.
During the period of active plant growth (the first 4 years), the young tree needs more frequent watering. During the dry period, one 10-liter bucket of water must be added to each plant daily, or drip irrigation must be arranged. In the event of a complete absence of rain, the crop needs shallow watering of the crown (at least once a month).
After each watering, the soil around the apple trees is loosened and weeds are removed.
Feeding is carried out from early spring to July at intervals of 1 time per month. Plants “prefer” natural organic fertilizers, ammonium nitrate.
The main task of the gardener is to preserve the apical bud, which gives rise to the future shoot. If the natural apical bud is damaged, one of the healthiest and strongest shoots is selected from the vertically growing shoots, and the rest are removed. This allows you to maintain the columnar appearance of the tree.
After the process of sap flow begins, old, diseased, damaged branches are pruned.
To prevent diseases, trees are periodically treated with solutions of insecticides and fungicides, since during rainy summer periods there is a risk of plants being affected by scab. To combat the disease, Bordeaux mixture is used.
As the main measures to prepare for winter, mulch is removed from around the apple tree, and the plant is protected from frost and rodents with spruce branches or roofing material.
In the spring, the shelter, as well as fallen leaves, are removed, and the ground around the columnar Vasyugan apple tree is cleared of debris.
You can feed the apple tree foliage with urea 1-2 times during the summer.
Collection and storage
Ripe apples of domestic selection are characterized by a bright red color, which the fruits acquire by the end of summer. Depending on weather conditions, apple harvesting takes place in August-September. For transportation and storage, apples are sorted and placed in boxes or crates.
The shelf life of fruits without loss of taste characteristics is up to 1 month; The total shelf life is up to 3 months at a humidity of 80%, air temperature up to 0 ⁰C.
The best time to pick fruits is on a sunny day.
Conclusion
The columnar apple tree variety Vasyugan is distinguished by high yields and early fruiting. Thanks to its compact size, the plant can be conveniently placed in the garden even with limited space. Excellent taste, excellent presentation, high winter and frost resistance, strong immunity - these are not all the advantages of this crop.
Vasyugan apple tree is the best choice for growing in the harsh conditions of Siberia
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