Content
Breeders work day after day to develop new crop plants for cultivation in every climate region. The Darunok apple tree variety was specially bred for the Republic of Belarus. It has impressive productivity, frost resistance and excellent immunity to traditional diseases of fruit crops.
History of selection
The Darunok variety is relatively new - it was first mentioned at the Belarusian Institute of Fruit Growing in 2003. The authors of the project are G. Kovalenko, Z. Kozlovskaya and G. Marudo. The apple tree was included in the State Register of the Republic of Belarus only after lengthy tests in 2011.
Description of the Darunok apple tree variety with photo
The Darunok variety was specially bred for cultivation in the climate of Belarus, so it tolerates moderate winters quite easily, and is also able to survive for some time without precipitation.The powerful root system of an adult tree allows it to easily withstand short-term drying out of the soil.
The fruits of the Darunok apple tree have a small layer of waxy coating
Depending on the rootstock used, the timing of the first harvests may vary. On dwarf and low-growing rootstocks, fruits appear in the 2-3rd year of the tree's life. On average, 3-4 years pass from the moment of planting a one-year-old seedling to the first harvest, depending on the care and growing conditions.
Appearance of fruit and tree
The apple tree has a medium-sized main trunk, rarely reaching a height of more than 3-4 m. The branches of an adult Darunka form a spherical crown with a diameter of up to 6 m. The variety belongs to trees of medium growth strength - this means that the height of the apple tree increases by no more than 20 per year -30 cm.
The most significant factor when choosing this variety for a summer cottage or garden plot is the appearance of the fruit. Darunok in Belarusian means “gift” - the reason for this name becomes clear. The fruits are very large, reaching 180-200 g. Their shape is slightly asymmetrical, with barely noticeable ribs on the surface. The flesh is greenish. The thick red skin has a strong waxy coating.
Lifespan
The active growing season of any apple tree can vary due to many factors. Regardless of the variety, most trees live up to 30-40 years, maintaining a period of active fruiting for up to 25 years. When growing Darunka on dwarf or low-growing rootstocks, its lifespan can drop to 15-20 years.Most of the data is presented only in theory, since the variety was licensed less than 10 years ago and, as a result, not a single tree, provided proper care, has completed the active growing season.
Taste
When choosing an apple tree variety for their summer cottage, many gardeners first of all think about the taste of the future fruit. Darunok has a balanced composition. For every 100 g of pulp there is:
- sugar - 11.75%;
- RSV - 12.8%;
- acids - 0.7%.
Moderate sugar content makes the taste of Darunok apples balanced
According to Kaluga University, the sugar-acid index of Darunok apples is 16.1. A sufficient amount of carbohydrates makes the taste of the fruit bright and not cloying. According to tasting studies conducted by Belarusian scientists, the average rating of Darunk is 4.1 on a 5-point scale.
Growing regions
Considering the initial efforts of scientists to develop an ideal variety for cultivation in the continental climate of Belarus, it is clear that it can be easily grown in almost all regions of central Russia and Ukraine. The only exceptions are the regions located north of St. Petersburg.
The apple tree is quite easy to cultivate even in harsher climates. With proper care of the tree, it bears fruit abundantly in the Urals and western Siberia, as well as in the Far Eastern region.
Productivity
When testing Belarusian breeders, the Darunok variety amazed with its abundant harvests - up to 50-70 tons of fruit could be harvested from one hectare. Of course, it is rare that a person will be able to recreate such ideal conditions in his garden.According to statistics, the average apple yield is 25-30 tons per hectare.
Frost resistance
Darunok has increased frost resistance compared to its predecessors. In continental winter conditions, this variety of apple tree can easily withstand short temperature changes of up to -30 degrees. Longer cold weather requires the gardener to additionally insulate the trunk and branches.
This variety of apple tree can easily withstand short-term frosts.
A special feature of the variety is its resistance to returning cold even after flowering has begun. Late spring frosts and near-zero temperatures do not damage the buds. Budding temporarily stops and resumes immediately after weather conditions stabilize.
Resistance to diseases and pests
At the time of selection, scientists at the genetic level inserted a gene into the apple tree that makes it completely resistant to scab and other ailments. Despite this, experienced gardeners strongly recommend using a number of preventive measures to prevent fungal and infectious diseases.
The Darunok apple tree remains susceptible to common pests. The most dangerous for it are the codling moth, goose moth, beetle and bud weevil. At the first signs of infection, the plant is treated with complex insecticidal preparations.
Flowering period and ripening period
Despite its resistance to early spring frosts, the Darunok apple tree is in no hurry to bloom. The first buds appear in the second and third ten days of May. The fruits are characterized by a long ripening period.Ripe apples are harvested at the end of September. It is important to do this before the first autumn frosts, which can spoil the taste of the fruit.
Pollinators of the Darunok apple tree
This variety is self-pollinating. Under monoplanting conditions, Darunok apple trees do not need additional varieties to improve fruiting. At the same time, they can act as pollinators for species, provided that their flowering dates coincide.
Transportation and keeping quality
The Darunok variety is a winter variety, which means that its consumer maturity occurs towards the end of November. Like other similar species, it has excellent laying parameters. Subject to simple requirements, the freshness of apples is maintained until the first spring months.
The fruits of the Darunok variety retain their consumer properties for 5-6 months
The dense structure and strong peel provide excellent opportunities for transporting ripe fruits to the place of storage or sale. Even when transported in bags or in bulk, the skin is not damaged. Considering the later date of consumer maturity, apples of the Darunok variety will definitely survive the journey of a couple of weeks, even to a distant city.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of the Darunok variety, it is worth understanding that it was bred specifically for a specific cultivation area. The main advantages are as follows:
- high winter hardiness in continental climates;
- large fruits with a balanced taste;
- endurance to transportation;
- long shelf life;
- self-pollinating;
- immunity to scab;
- early fruiting.
When compared with more productive southern varieties, one could highlight low fruiting and insufficient sweetness. But provided that it is grown in the local climate, the Darunok variety does not have any significant disadvantages.
Landing
The most important step for obtaining a healthy mature tree is the moment of rooting in open ground. If certain rules are not followed, you can destroy the apple tree or significantly delay its fruiting. Planting Darunka begins with choosing a seedling. It is best to give preference to a one-year-old plant - older specimens take root with difficulty.
The apple tree grafting site should protrude above ground level
Darunok apple trees are planted in the spring after the soil has warmed up. Six months before this, it is necessary to dig large planting holes, 1x1x1 m in size. A bucket of mullein is placed at the bottom of each, and then sprinkled with loose soil so that its edge touches the lower parts of the roots. The Darunka seedling is placed in the center of the planting hole so that its root collar protrudes 1-2 cm above ground level, after which it is covered with soil and trampled down. The apple tree is watered abundantly to activate the root system.
Growing
The most important period in the life of an apple tree is the first year after planting in open ground. During this period, it is necessary to provide the most frequent watering to accelerate the growing season. It is important that the tree trunk circles do not dry out. For this purpose, they are periodically loosened and mulched with a thin layer of sawdust.
In the first year after planting, Darunok apple trees do not need additional bait - the mullein in the planting holes will be enough.In the future, trees of this variety are fed with complex fertilizers 2 times - after the snow melts and the harvest is harvested.
Care
For the correct growing season of the Darunok variety, the apple tree requires sanitary and formative pruning. In the first case, after the snow melts, it is necessary to inspect the plant, removing dead branches and thinning. Formation is aimed at creating a lush spherical crown.
Every gardener must remember that any large tree has an extensive root system. Tree trunk circles need constant removal of weeds, otherwise there is a possibility of not receiving enough moisture during watering.
Collection and storage
At the end of September they begin to collect Darunka fruits. Considering that the apple tree is a late variety, it is necessary to approach the collection of fruits with special care. You should avoid abruptly throwing the fruit into the basket so as not to damage the skin and leave a dent. To increase the shelf life, Darunok is collected together with the stalk.
Darunok apples are harvested together with the stalk
To store apples, you can use ordinary wooden pallets and special containers that have separate recesses for each fruit. After reaching full consumer ripeness at the end of autumn, each apple is wrapped in paper to maximize its shelf life. Storage should be done in a cold room - a country cellar or an unheated basement is best.
Conclusion
The Darunok apple tree variety is ideal for growing in continental climates.The tree, undemanding in care, easily survives short frosts and pleases its owners with abundant harvests of large, tasty fruits that will retain their nutrients and presentation until spring.
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