Content
The Berkutovskoe apple tree is a variety of domestic selection, created specifically for the climatic conditions of the Lower Volga region from the Saratov to the Astrakhan regions. It is resistant to frost and drought. It produces very sweet apples, which, if storage conditions are met, can last until the May holidays. It is undemanding to care, but needs regular feeding.
History of selection
The Berkutovskoye apple tree variety was bred at an experimental base near Saratov by breeders G.V. Kondratyeva. and Berkut O.D. Anise pink-striped and Antonovka common were taken as a basis.
The variety was successfully tested and included in the register of breeding achievements in 1987. In 1991 he received a gold medal from the All-Russian Exhibition Center. Approved for cultivation in the Lower Volga region, and has spread to neighboring regions.
Description of the Berkutovskoye apple tree with photo
In describing the culture, the appearance of the tree, height, crown shape, as well as the size and color of the fruit are of particular importance. These and other parameters are discussed below.
Wood appearance
The apple tree of the Berkutovskoe variety is represented by a medium-sized tree, the crown is round in shape, and the density is moderate. The branches are straight, quite powerful, average thickness. The bark of the main trunk on the trunk is light gray and smooth. The bark of the shoots is red-brown in color, with pubescence. There are few lentils, they are small in size, creamy in color.
Fruiting begins at 3 years of age
The buds of the Berkutovskoe apple tree are appressed, medium in size, pubescent, round in shape. The leaves are quite large, elliptical in shape, long-pointed, green in color, wrinkled and matte on the surface. The edges of the leaves are serrated, the petioles are small in length and thickness, covered with pubescence, and have stipules.
The flowers of the Berkutovskoye apple tree are shaped like saucers. The petals are oval-shaped, pinkish-white in color. The claws are medium in size, the buds are small, the color is cream. The flower buds are small and pubescent.
Description of fruits
The fruits of the apple tree of the Berkutovskoe variety are small, weighing about 140-160 g, some specimens reach 240-250 g. The shape is round, reminiscent of representatives of Antonovka. The surface has small bumps and glistens in the sun. The color is yellow, with greenish tints. A blurred red blush is noticeable. Subcutaneous dots are small, white, and clearly visible. The stalks are medium, straight. The funnel is quite deep, has a pointed conical shape, and is of medium thickness. Slight rustiness is noticeable.
The fruit cup of the Berkutovskoe apple tree is non-falling, closed, sometimes half-open. The saucers are medium, finely ribbed.The hearts are large, bulb-shaped, the chambers are large, open. The subcalyx tubes are short and of average width. The seeds are large, conical, brown in color.
Characteristics of the variety
Among the main characteristics of the Berkutovskoe winter apple tree, the taste of the fruit, ripening time, yield and winter hardiness are especially interesting. The main parameters are described below.
Taste qualities
The taste of Berkutovskoye apples is pleasant, with a balance of sweet and sour. At the tasting it receives the highest marks - from 4.5 to 4.8 points out of 5.0. The pulp is white, fine-grained structure, dense consistency, quite juicy.
Apples with a fairly dense consistency and a pronounced sweet taste
Ripening time for the Berkutovskoe apple tree
The Berkutovskoye apple tree begins to bear fruit from the 3-4th year of life, while good yields are observed from the 6th-8th season. Fruiting occurs steadily, annually. Ripening later - second half of October. This is the stage of removable maturity when it is time to harvest. For fruit to become truly tasty, it needs to be left in the cellar for several weeks.
Productivity
The productivity of the Berkutovskoye apple tree is quite high - it brings up to 70 kg from 1 tree. Since the fruiting is stable, the variety can be bred both for yourself and for sale.
Frost resistance of the Berkutovskoe apple tree
One of the advantages is high winter hardiness. The trees grow well in the Lower Volga region and adapt to the climatic conditions of the Black Earth Region and the middle zone.
Pollinators of the Berkutovskoe apple tree
The variety can be grown without pollinators, but for consistently high yields it is necessary to plant apple trees with similar flowering periods. For example, the northern Sinap variety, which is also characterized by sufficient winter hardiness, is well suited.
Growing regions
The Berkutovskoye apple tree was specially bred for the regions of the Lower Volga region: Saratov, Volgograd and Astrakhan regions, Kalmykia.
Cultivation is also allowed in the middle zone (if there is additional shelter for the winter). In the Urals and Siberia, growing the crop will be difficult or even impossible due to the harsh winters.
Disease resistance
The immunity of the Berkutovskoe apple tree is average. In rainy weather it may suffer from powdery mildew. Resistance to scab is weak. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out mandatory preventive treatments using fungicides, insecticides and folk remedies.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Berkutovskoye variety is valued by summer residents and gardeners for its very tasty, attractive-looking apples. The crop is early-fruiting, gives a fairly good harvest, and is winter hardy. Therefore, such trees can be grown in most regions of Central Russia.
The fruits are sweet and juicy
Pros:
- very tasty apples;
- good yield;
- precociousness (fruits appear from 3-4 years of age);
- fruiting is annual;
- good shelf life (up to 200 days);
- high winter hardiness;
- trees are low, with a compact crown;
- drought resistance;
- Can be grown for commercial purposes.
Minuses:
- may suffer from powdery mildew;
- Scab resistance is average;
- If the apples are not removed in time, they fall off.
Planting an apple tree Berkutovskoe
In the regions of the Lower Volga region, it is better to plan the planting of the Berkutovskoe apple tree in the fall from late September to mid-October. During this time, the root system of the seedling will have time to take root, then harden during frosts and begin to grow immediately with the onset of warmth. If the main deadline is missed, planting can be done in the spring - then work begins in early April.
The area is first dug up and fertilized. To do this, you can apply complex mineral fertilizer (50 g per 1 m²) or humus, compost (7-10 kg per 1 m2). If the soil is clayey, its structure is improved with sand or sawdust in an amount of 3-5 kg for the same area.
When planting a Berkutovskoye apple tree, proceed as follows:
- Mark several holes with a depth and diameter of 80-90 cm at a distance of at least 3 m.
- Install the peg.
- Small stones are placed at the bottom.
- Place a seedling in the center.
- Sprinkle with soil and compact, leaving the root collar above 7 cm above the surface.
- Water and mulch.
Care instructions
To get a good harvest of winter apples of the Berkutovskoye variety, as in the description and in the photo, summer residents in the reviews recommend following the basic rules of care:
- Young seedlings are watered weekly, mature trees - 1-2 times a month.
- Nitrogen fertilizers are applied every spring, and during budding they are given complex mineral supplements or organic matter, for example, mullein infusion 1:10.
- The tree trunk circle is periodically loosened and weeded.
- Sanitary and formative pruning is planned in early spring.
- At the same time, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment with fungicides, for example, Bordeaux mixture.
- For the winter, the tree trunk circle is mulched with straw, hay, sawdust, and pine needles. The layer height must be at least 10 cm.
If you follow the rules of care, the yield from one tree reaches 70 kg
Collection and storage periods
Harvesting should be planned for the second half of October. As soon as the apples turn greenish-yellow, they are removed. The fruits of the Berkutovskoye apple tree are stored in a cellar, basement or other utility room where the following conditions can be maintained:
- temperature from 0 to 3 degrees Celsius;
- constant humidity 80%
- darkness;
- periodic ventilation.
The fruits are placed in wooden boxes or other containers. Consumer maturity occurs in 2-3 weeks. Since Berkutovskoye is a winter apple variety, the fruit can be stored for 5-6 months or more (up to 200 days). During this time, they do not lose their commercial and taste qualities.
Conclusion
The Berkutovskoye apple tree is one of the best varieties for the Lower Volga region. The variety is winter-hardy and tolerates drought well, but its immunity is not the strongest. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments annually using drugs and folk remedies.
Reviews from gardeners about the Berkutovskoe apple tree
