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The apple tree is the most common fruit tree that can be found in almost every garden. It is so diverse that you can choose the most suitable variety for cultivation in any climatic conditions and still get a stable harvest. The Modi apple tree is considered a good option for gardeners because the tree has many advantages. This variety has a good fruiting rate, immunity to fungal diseases and resistance to low temperatures.
The peculiarity of the Modi apple tree is its continuous annual fruiting
History of selection
The Modi apple tree variety is very young, but this did not prevent it from occupying a leading position in the list of popular fruit trees. Increased resistance to many diseases of this crop played a major role in the spread. And this is exactly what the Italian breeders who worked on developing the hybrid achieved.
The Modi apple tree was obtained in 1982 by crossing two well-known varieties: the New Zealand Gala apple tree and the American Liberty. Specialists from the CIV (Consortium of Italian Fruit Nurseries) worked on hybridization.
The variety was named after the artist Amedeo Modigliani, on whose canvases there is an abundance of red, similar to the color of ripe fruits. But the rich scarlet hue is not the only advantage of the apple tree, because it also has excellent taste.
The variety has not yet been included in the State Register of the Russian Federation, but this does not prevent Russian gardeners from growing it on their plots.
Description of the Modi apple tree
The Modi variety apple tree is not much different in appearance from many other representatives of this crop. Gardeners in Russia and other European countries successfully cultivate this fruit tree on their plots, receiving a good harvest.
Height and appearance of the Modi apple tree
Among the features of the appearance of the tree is that the Modi apple tree is a medium-sized tree, reaching no more than 4 m in height. The crown is cone-shaped towards the top, rather wide towards the bottom. The trunk is strong, branches extend from it almost at right angles. The shoots are brown with a green tint, medium in size and round in cross-section. Over the course of a year, their growth is about 8 cm. Fruit buds are located at the ends of biennial and annual growths.
Green mass is moderate. The leaves have a long brown petiole, the plates themselves are large, elongated with a pointed end, and the edges are wavy and finely serrated. Their color is dark green, the surface is glossy without pubescence.
During the flowering period, numerous white and pink buds appear on the tree, which are collected in small inflorescences of 4-6 pieces.
Description of fruits
At the end of flowering, fruits begin to form, which, as they ripen, acquire an elongated, truncated-conical shape. Ripe apples are large in size, their diameter is 7-8 cm, weight varies from 150 to 300 g.
The skin of the fruit is dense, smooth, with an oily sheen. The color of apples is dark red, some acquire a burgundy tint with small yellow splashes.
A longitudinal section shows a heart with closed seed chambers. The pulp is crispy and juicy, yellowish in color. The firmness of apples remains for a week after being removed from the tree. Therefore, they can easily be transported and do not lose their attractive appearance.
The fruits of the Modi apple tree are almost completely dark red, some have a yellow tint
Characteristics of the Modi apple tree variety
The main characteristics of the Modi apple tree include good taste, winter hardiness and immunity to many diseases. Also, stable fruiting sets the hybrid apart from other varieties.
Taste of Modi apples
The taste qualities of the fruits of the Modi apple tree are noted as high. They contain a large amount of sugars, while the acid index (approximately 17) is considered optimal for a balanced taste. During storage, the amount of sugar in fruits increases. According to the originator, the biological composition per 100 g of apple pulp is on average 12 g of sugars and 0.7 g of acid.
Fruiting dates for the Modi apple tree
The Modi apple tree is a fast-bearing apple tree; you can expect a harvest in the second year after planting the seedling. But many gardeners recommend not allowing the fruits to form until the plant is 3-4 years old.
The Modi apple tree blooms in the second half of May, which lasts for two weeks. Afterwards, fruits begin to form in place of the buds. They reach technical maturity by the end of August. The fruits are fully ripened by mid-September. And although the apples do not fall off, gardeners do not recommend delaying picking so that the harvest can be stored longer.
The period from formation to full ripening of apples of the Modi variety is 3.5 months, while the full harvest is carried out in several approaches.
Productivity
The yield of the Modi variety is high, which increases annually as the tree grows. One apple tree can produce up to 50 kg of quality fruit. The yield per hectare is up to 150 centners.
Winter hardiness of the Modi apple tree
The Modi apple tree is valued not only for its abundant harvest, but also for its winter hardiness. The tree calmly tolerates low temperatures down to -30 ºС without shelter. In areas where winters can be very frosty (up to -35 ºС), the plant needs proper preparation for winter.
Pollinators
The hybrid variety Modi is self-sterile, so the plant needs a nearby pollinator tree to produce a harvest. Gala, Golden Delicious, and Fuji apple trees can be considered ideal varieties as pollinators. Their flowering dates generally coincide.
Pollination of the Modi apple tree is mainly carried out by the wind, as well as insects, so dense planting is encouraged
Where are Modi apples grown?
The Modi apple tree is widespread. In the homeland of Italy, the fruit tree began to be grown almost immediately after testing. In 2014, it began to appear in gardens in the United States, and then in Europe, as well as South America, New Zealand, Australia and Russia.
Disease resistance
The immunity of the Modi variety is quite stable, so the apple tree is not afraid of powdery mildew and scab. The tree is also resistant to aphid attacks. But, even despite a good immune system, the plant can still be susceptible to rust and fruit rot. Therefore, you should not neglect preventive treatment.
Advantages and disadvantages
The hybrid variety Modi is considered quite promising for home and industrial cultivation.
The decorative appearance of the crown and bright red fruits can be an excellent decoration for any garden.
Pros:
- rapid growth and fruiting already 2-3 years after planting;
- annual fruiting without interruption;
- increased productivity;
- excellent taste of the fruit;
- attractive appearance;
- good keeping quality of fruits;
- the ability to maintain taste and commercial qualities even during long-term transportation;
- stable immune system;
- winter hardiness.
Minuses:
- low drought resistance, since the root system is located in the upper layers of the soil;
- a large number of ovaries, which requires thinning or supporting branches.
Planting a Modi apple tree
The Modi apple tree is planted both in spring and autumn. The seedling is selected without damage, with a well-developed root system. Choose a sunny place for planting with fertile, non-acidified soil.And since the tree is compact, it does not require a large area. If several seedlings are planted, they are placed in a row at a distance of 3-5 meters from each other.
A hole is prepared with a size of at least 40 by 50 cm. Before planting, stakes or support devices are driven into the hole for tying up plants. Then drainage is created. Then they plant the seedling, straightening its roots well, sprinkle it with soil mixture, compact it and water it abundantly.
Care instructions
There are no special care recommendations, since the Modi apple tree requires standard operations:
- timely watering at least once every two weeks, in arid areas it should be watered at least once every 7-10 days;
- fertilizing is carried out at least twice per season;
- weeding and loosening are encouraged, as this increases soil aeration;
- Pruning is often only performed for sanitary purposes in the spring, since the Modi apple tree is not prone to thickening and does not require strong crown formation.
Collection and storage periods
The technical maturity of the fruits of the Modi apple tree occurs at the end of August, which makes it possible to begin collecting them during this period. The ripening process lasts about a month and the apples do not ripen at the same time, which requires several approaches. Therefore, harvesting may take until early October.
The Modi apple tree is a winter-ripening variety
The keeping quality of the fruits is good, which allows them to be stored for six months after being picked from the tree. With proper organization, they can even remain fresh without loss of taste and presentation for up to eight months.
Conclusion
The Modi apple tree is a hybrid that, despite not being included in the State Register, has been grown in Russia for a long time.It attracts gardeners with its high yield and unpretentiousness. The fruits are universal in use, they can be eaten immediately after being picked from the tree, and can also be used to prepare various winter preparations and baked goods.
Reviews from gardeners about the Modi apple tree
