Content
The description of the apricot variety Amur proves that this is one of the few types of crops that can safely grow, bear fruit and develop in the Middle Zone, Siberia, the Far Eastern Territory and the Urals. Despite the fact that the tree is considered heat-loving, thanks to the miracles of selection, gardeners in these places have the opportunity to grow it. "Amur" is not afraid of frost, drought and is resistant to diseases. The variety has been tested for years and has earned many positive reviews from summer residents.
History of selection
“Amur early” apricot appeared in 1949 as a result of the work of breeders from the Far Eastern Agricultural Research Institute. The authors of the variety are V. A. Marusich and G. T. Kazmin.During breeding work for pollination, they used the frost-resistant apricot “Best Michurinsky” (Luchshii Michurinskii) and a mixture of pollen from the southern varieties “Royal” (Regius), “Alexander early” (Alexander mane), “Red-cheeked” (Krasnoschekiy) and “Overinsky early ripening” ( Overinskii praecoquis). Successful work made it possible to include the hybrid in the State Register of Varietal Crops (1979). The Amur Early was accepted for state testing in 1991.
Early Amur apricot is recommended to be grown in the Central regions and the Far East
Description of the apricot variety Amursky
The hybrid grows very slowly. It differs from other apricot trees in its compact size: width 350 cm, height 300 cm. The tree trunk is semi-standard, resistant to burns and heating. The bark is smooth, with large lentils. The branches are located at a distance of 100 cm from the ground and grow at almost an angle of 900.
The shoots of “Amur” at a young age are brown in color, develop at a moderate pace, and as they grow older they acquire a green tint and become smooth.
Judging by the photo, the foliage of the “Cupid” apricot is large in size and there is a lot of it. The front side is dark green, the inside is slightly whitish. The buds are arranged in groups of 3.
In mid-May, the tree is covered with large red buds, from which medium-sized fruits weighing up to 35 g are formed. The shape of ripe apricots is round with a recessed base, the tip is slightly elongated. The seam on the surface of the fruit is small, the skin is uneven, strong, does not separate from the pulp, and has a bright yellow color. The stone is small, smooth, and stands well behind the slightly crispy pulp.The taste of the fruit, which can be used for various purposes, is sweet and sour, medium juiciness. The shelf life is 14 days.
With frequent rainfall, the Amur apricot acquires a more sour taste.
Characteristics
This variety of apricot has excellent characteristics. "Amur" is able to withstand harsh winters and drought. The ripening period is average, brings a lot of harvest annually, and resists the main ailments of stone fruit crops.
Drought resistance
"Amur" is a variety with high drought resistance. Even with rare precipitation and lack of moisture, its branches and leaves do not die, the ovaries are preserved, and growth appears. But the crop does not tolerate excess moisture well, which is why it is not recommended to plant it in lowlands and where there is stagnant moisture.
Frost resistance of Amur early apricot
The variety is exceptionally resistant to frost and can tolerate temperatures as low as -38 degrees. Sometimes the tips of young growths of a tree may freeze, but this does not have a negative effect on its development and productivity. Even during a harsh winter, the branches and trunk of the apricot do not suffer, and with the onset of warmth, all growth regains its strength.
Excellent frost resistance makes the variety ideal for cultivation in the Far Eastern region
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
For a good harvest, the partially self-fertile Ussuri apricot needs to have other pollinators nearby. It is better to have several varieties of apricot trees growing nearby, which bloom at the same time as “Amur” and also have high resistance to cold, for example:
- Academicus.
- Khabarovskiy.
- Kigichensky (Chechenski).
The tree begins to bloom in mid-May. Fruit ripening occurs closer to the second half of August.
Productivity, fruiting
The first fruits on the Amur tree begin to appear at the age of three. Good fruiting is observed after 5 years of growth. Every year one tree produces from 35 to 45 kg of fruit.
The harvest of "Amur" remains high for many years
Area of application of fruits
The fruits of "Amur" are suitable for making jam, compote and preserves. They can be consumed both fresh and dried. The taste qualities of apricots according to tasters are 3.5 points, the content of malic acid, sugar and dry matter is 2.2; 12.3 and 15.5%. The transportability of the fruit is good.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The hybrid has high immunity to clasterosporiasis and fungal infections. Moderately resistant to moniliosis. If not properly cared for, it may be susceptible to insect attack.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main and most important advantage of the Amur apricot is its high winter hardiness. The culture also has:
- drought resistance;
- stable and abundant yield;
- resistance to many diseases;
- commercial qualities.
As for the shortcomings of culture, summer residents note the following:
- instability to abundant water;
- low sugar content;
- small fruit size.
Landing Features
It is necessary to plant the Amur apricot in accordance with all the rules. It is important to adhere to deadlines, find the right place and planting material, and follow recommendations for selecting neighbors.
Recommended timing
It is recommended to plant the apricot tree of the “Amur” variety in the spring so that by winter its root system is as strong as possible. This rule does not apply to the southern regions, where planting can be done in the fall.
Choosing a suitable location
The area for the fruit tree must be reliably protected from wind and drafts and be in the sun. The best place for a garden bed will be a hill with a groundwater level of about 250 cm, where moisture does not stagnate. The soil should be slightly alkaline or neutral.
Optimal soil acidity for apricot “Amur” is from 6 to 7.5 pH
What crops can and cannot be planted next to apricots?
When planting a tree, you need to make sure that a pollinator grows next to it. If this is not available, then you will have to plant one or more apricot seedlings of a different variety nearby; we must not forget that the roots of “Amur” grow greatly in width.
Amur early should not be planted in areas where cherries, cherries, peaches, plums and other stone fruits previously grew. Also, the culture does not like proximity to trees, especially walnut and apple trees. It is not advisable to plant it near fruit bushes (except dogwood).
Selection and preparation of planting material
When choosing “Amur” apricot seedlings, it is better to give preference to those sold in nurseries or specialized garden stores. Ideally, the plant should be 12-24 months old, with well-developed, moist roots. In order for a young apricot to take root better, it is soaked in water for a couple of days before planting in the ground.
Landing algorithm
When planting several seedlings, they can be laid in a row, keeping a distance of 3-4 m. Planting holes should be prepared in the fall. They should measure 80 x 80 x 80.If the soil is clayey, then it is advisable to pour crushed stone or sand at the bottom of the holes. Along with the top layer of soil, mineral fertilizers, humus and ash must be added to the hole. After planting, water the plant generously and mulch.
Subsequent care of the crop
The apricot tree of the Amur variety needs to be provided with proper watering. The plant tolerates drought well, but for abundant fruiting, moisture should not be neglected at the time of flowering, growing season and 2 weeks before harvesting. Before wintering, the crop, and especially its roots, must be watered abundantly so that they do not freeze. During the season, “Amur” is fed several times:
- In spring (before and after flowering) - nitrogen-containing fertilizers (manure, urea, saltpeter).
- In summer - foliar feeding (June - nitrogen fertilizers, July - phosphorus and potassium fertilizers).
After harvesting, it is useful to fertilize the tree with wood ash and chalk.
Before the sap begins to flow, the apricot should be pruned.
An excess of fertilizers, as well as a deficiency of them, can have a bad effect on the development of a tree.
Diseases and pests
Apricot "Amur" is resistant to fungal diseases. It is not affected by the disease of stone fruits - cleasterosporiasis. It is noteworthy that the variety has average resistance to moniliosis and can only become infected with it in rainy weather.
The crop may be susceptible to invasion by pests such as codling moths, aphids, leaf rollers and hawthorn butterflies.
Conclusion
The description of the Amur apricot variety confirms that it is excellent for growing in areas with unstable weather conditions. The crop produces a lot of fruit and tolerates wintering well. Apricot is unpretentious in care; the main thing is to plant it away from other trees and take care of pollinating varieties.
Reviews from summer residents about apricot variety Amur
