Contents
Breeders work day after day to get new agricultural plants for cultivation in every climatic region. The apple-tree variety Darunok was specially bred for the Republic of Belarus. It has an impressive yield, frost resistance and excellent immunity to traditional diseases of fruit crops.
History of breeding
The variety Darunok 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 apple variety Darunok with a photo
The Darunok variety was specially bred for growing in the climate of Belarus, so it tolerates moderate winters quite easily, and is also able to survive some time without precipitation. The powerful root system of an adult tree makes it easy to withstand short-term drying of the soil.
The fruits of the Darunok apple tree have a small layer of wax coating
Depending on the rootstock used, the timing of the first harvest may vary. On dwarf and low-growing rootstocks, fruits appear in 2-3 years of the tree’s life. On average, from the moment a one-year-old seedling is planted to the first crops, 3-4 years pass, depending on the care and growing conditions.
Appearance of fruit and tree
The apple tree has a main trunk of medium size, rarely reaches a height of more than 3-4 m. The branches of an adult Darunk form a spherical crown with a diameter of up to 6 m. -20 cm.
The most significant factor in choosing this variety for a summer cottage or home garden is the appearance of the fruit. Darunok in Belarusian means “gift” – the reason for such a name becomes clear. The fruits are very large, reaching 180-200 g. Their shape is slightly asymmetrical, there are barely noticeable ribs on the surface. The flesh is greenish. Dense red skin has a strong wax coating.
Life time
The period of active vegetation of any apple tree can vary due to many factors. Regardless of the variety, most trees live up to 30-40 years, keeping the period of active fruiting up to 25 years. When growing Darunk on dwarf or undersized 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 its active growing season.
Taste
When choosing an apple tree variety for their summer cottage, many gardeners first of all think about the taste of future fruits. Darunok has a balanced composition. For every 100 g of pulp, there are:
- sugar – 11,75%;
- RSV – 12,8%;
- acids – 0,7%.
A moderate level of 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 fruits 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
Given 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 Our Country and Ukraine. The only exceptions are the regions located north of St. Petersburg.
The apple tree is quite easy to cultivate in more severe climates. With proper care of the tree, it bears fruit abundantly in the Urals and western Siberia, as well as in the Far East region.
Productivity
When tested by Belarusian breeders, the Darunok variety amazed with abundant harvests – up to 50-70 tons of fruits were harvested from one hectare. Of course, in his garden, a rare person will be able to recreate such ideal conditions. According to statistics, the average yield of an apple tree is 25-30 tons per hectare.
Frost resistance
Darunok has enhanced frost resistance compared to its predecessors. In the conditions of continental winter, the apple tree of this variety easily withstands short temperature drops up to -30 degrees. Longer colds require additional insulation of the trunk and branches from the gardener.
The apple tree of this variety easily withstands short-term frosts.
A feature of the variety is resistance to recurrent cold weather even after flowering has begun. Late spring frosts and near-zero temperatures do not damage the buds. Budding temporarily stops and resumes immediately after the stabilization of weather conditions.
Disease and pest resistance
At the time of selection, scientists at the gene level laid a gene in the apple tree that makes it completely resistant to scab and other ailments. Despite this, experienced gardeners strongly recommend the use of a number of preventive measures to prevent fungal and infectious diseases.
The Darunok apple tree remains susceptible to common pests. The most dangerous for her are the codling moth, goose, bukarka and kidney weevil. At the first signs of infection, the plant is treated with complex insecticidal preparations.
Flowering period and ripening period
Despite the resistance to early spring frosts, the Darunok apple tree is in no hurry to bloom. The first buds appear in the second and third decade 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 apple tree Darunok
This variety is self-pollinating. Under the conditions of mono-planting, Darunok apple trees do not need additional varieties to improve fruiting. At the same time, they can act as pollinators for species, provided that they have the same flowering time.
Transportation and storage
Variety Darunok refers to winter, which means that its consumer maturity comes closer to the end of November. Like other similar species, it has excellent mating parameters. Subject to simple requirements, the freshness of apples is preserved until the first spring months.
The fruits of the Darunok variety retain 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 injured. Given the later onset of consumer maturity, Darunok apples will definitely withstand 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 should be understood that it was bred specifically for a particular area of cultivation. The main advantages are as follows:
- high winter hardiness in continental climate;
- large fruits with a balanced taste;
- endurance to transportation;
- long shelf life;
- self-pollination;
- scab immunity;
- early fruiting.
When compared with more productive southern varieties, low fruiting and insufficient sweetness could be distinguished. But under the condition of growing in the local climate, the Darunok variety does not have any significant disadvantages.
Landing
The most important step in obtaining a healthy adult tree is the moment of rooting in open ground. If some rules are not followed, you can destroy the apple tree or significantly delay its fruiting. Planting Darunk begins with the selection of a seedling. It is best to give preference to a one-year-old plant – older specimens take root with difficulty.
The grafting site of the apple tree should protrude above ground level
Planting of apple trees of the Darunok variety is carried out in the spring after the soil warms up. Six months before this, it is necessary to dig large planting pits, 1x1x1 m in size. A bucket of mullein is laid out at the bottom of each, after which it is sprinkled with loose earth so that its edge touches the lower parts of the roots. The Darunk 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.
Cultivation
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 ensure the most frequent watering for accelerated vegetation. It is important that the 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 pits will be enough. In the future, the trees of this variety are fed with complex fertilizers 2 times – after the snow has melted and the crop has been harvested.
Care
For proper vegetation of the Darunok variety, the apple tree needs sanitary and formative pruning. In the first case, after the snow melts, it is necessary to inspect the plant, removing dead branches and thinning. The formation is aimed at creating a lush spherical crown.
Every gardener must remember that any large tree has an extensive root system. Trunk circles need constant weed removal, otherwise there is a possibility of not getting enough moisture during irrigation.
Collection and storage
At the end of September, they begin to collect the fruits of Darunk. Considering that the apple tree belongs to late varieties, it is necessary to approach the collection of fruits with special care. It is worth avoiding sharp throws of fruits into the basket so as not to damage the skin and not leave a dent. To increase the shelf life, Darunok is collected together with the stalk.
Picking apples Darunok is carried out together with the stalk
To store apples, you can use both ordinary wooden pallets and special containers in which there are separate recesses for each fruit. After the onset of full consumer maturity in late autumn, each apple is wrapped in paper to maximize the shelf life. Storage should be done in a cold room – a country cellar or an unheated basement is best.
Conclusion
The Darunok apple variety is ideal for growing in continental climates. The tree, which is undemanding in care, easily survives short frosts and pleases the owners with abundant harvests of large tasty fruits that will retain nutrients and presentation until spring.
Reviews
