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The variety of varieties of apple trees amazes even experienced gardeners. And each of them differs not only in the taste of fruits, but also in such indicators as winter hardiness, resistance to fungal diseases, frequency and abundance of fruiting, long shelf life and others. Therefore, each owner of a personal plot chooses the best varieties for his orchard in the hope of getting a plentiful harvest of fragrant apples. And when choosing, much attention is paid to such qualities as the speed of fruit ripening, their excellent taste and aroma. It is desirable that the selected variety combines as many positive qualities as possible. Almost all the positive characteristics described above are possessed by the Medunitsa apple tree.
This variety has deservedly been very popular with gardeners for more than half a century. Bred in the 30s of the last century, the Medunitsa apple tree still gives abundant harvests in garden plots and in the southernmost regions of Our Country, and in Siberia, and in the Urals. The area of distribution of Lungwort is so wide that it is difficult to believe in its ability to adapt so quickly to new conditions. In this article, you will learn everything about the unique and at the same time unpretentious Medunitsa apple tree, variety description, photos, reviews, planting and growing rules, as well as some care features that determine the duration and quality of fruiting.
The history of breeding Lungwort
Isaev S.I. began breeding work on the development of a new variety, the distinctive feature of which should be precisely frost resistance, in the early 30s of the last century. Thanks to his activities, the catalog of varietal fruit trees has been replenished with more than 40 different varieties, which differ not only in winter hardiness, but also in resistance to various fungal diseases. The apple tree cultivar Medunitsa was bred by crossing the Canadian cultivar Welsey and Cinnamon Striped.
But the name “Medunitsa” this apple tree received by no means for the aroma and taste of honey that its fruits possess. Rather, the breeder gave this name to the apple tree in honor of the flower of the same name, which blooms among the first in spring. In addition, the scientist-biologist called his beloved wife “Medunitsa”. The apple tree has several more names – “Honey”, “Honey”.
For excellent breeding activity and the excellent qualities of the Medunitsa apple tree, the professor was awarded the Stalin Prize. But, despite all the merits and the great work done, Medunitsa and many other varieties bred by him were never registered in the State Register.
Variety description
The description of the Medunitsa apple tree variety, as well as its photos and reviews, will allow you to make a first impression of this fruit tree, its external characteristics and distinctive qualities, the taste of the fruit and understand why gardeners love it so much.
Tree characteristics
In appearance, height and spreading of the crown, Lungwort is more likely to be classified as a tall variety. Indeed, on a seed rootstock, an apple tree grows more than 7 meters in height. The skeleton of the crown of an adult tree is sparse and close to a pyramidal shape. The apple tree has a fairly wide, well-leafed crown.
Lungwort is characterized by an excellent shoot formation ability, which, coupled with high growth, requires a special approach to the rules and timing of annual pruning of branches for crown formation and abundant fruiting.
The shade of the crown is predominantly light green. Shoots are light brown in color. The foliage has a rounded, slightly oblong shape with a light yellow tint. In the middle, the leaf plates are slightly curved.
Characteristics of fruits
Fruits of an apple-tree of Lungwort of average size. The mass of apples varies between 100-150 gr. Larger fruits are extremely rare. The shape of the apples is predominantly rounded. Occasionally, they may have a narrowed, conical shape.
Ripe fruits are yellow-green in color with bright orange-red flashes. In the full ripening phase, Lungwort apples are bright red or yellow with a bright scarlet blush. In any phase of maturity, red flashes are clearly visible.
In terms of taste, the Medunitsa apple tree is classified as a sweet summer variety. The content of natural sugars in fruits is at least 14%, and often exceeds this figure. The acidity is low. For this reason, even unripe apples can be eaten.
Tasting assessment of the taste qualities of fruits in full maturity – 4,3-4,6 points on a 5-point system. Apples are juicy. The pulp is dense. The fruits have a light aroma and taste of honey.
Advantages and disadvantages
The uniqueness of the variety of apple trees Medunitsa summer is its ability to grow in cold regions with a harsh climate and retain all of the above qualities. Traditional varieties of apple trees are characterized by high acidity.
Benefits of the Apple Lungwort
- High frost resistance;
- High resistance to fungal diseases, in particular to scab and rot;
- Sweet taste of fruits;
- High survival rate of seedlings;
- Unpretentiousness in care;
- Early and abundant fruiting;
- Ripe fruits hang on the branches for a long time;
- Self-pollinating variety;
- early maturation.
Despite a lot of advantages, the Medunitsa apple tree has and disadvantages:
- Very short shelf life of the crop;
- Changes in the taste and aroma of apples during storage;
- Mature apple trees need to be pruned regularly for a bountiful harvest.
Fruiting lungwort
Saplings of the apple tree Lungwort, grafted on a seed stock, begin to bear fruit for 5-6 years. The ability to bear fruit is preserved for more than 50 years. But the peak falls on the first 12-15 years of fruiting. Subsequently, the yield depends on timely care and timely pruning of branches to form the crown of an apple tree.
Harvest of the fruits of Lungwort summer begins in mid-August – early September. Apples ripen unevenly due to the strong leafiness of the trees. Fruits sometimes lack sunlight for full ripening.
Flowering Lungwort and suitable pollinator varieties
The apple tree Lungwort is self-pollinating. But to improve the yield and quality of fruits, gardeners recommend choosing suitable “neighbors” for her. When choosing suitable companions, special attention should be paid to the timing of flowering trees. Lungwort gains color in late May – mid-June. Therefore, neighbors must be selected with an identical flowering period.
The following varieties will be good pollinators of the apple tree Medunitsa:
- Victory;
- Anis Sverdlovsk;
- Cinnamon striped.
Harvesting and storage of crops
Lungwort apples can be harvested both unripe and in the full ripening phase. Storage of apples depends on the degree of maturity. Unripe fruits can be stored for 3-4 months. Ripe apples should not be stored for more than a month.
A feature of the fruits of this variety is the change in taste and aroma of apples over time, which are perfectly preserved for no more than two to three weeks.
Fruits of Lungwort are not subject to long-term storage. But sweet and fragrant apples are often used by gardeners to make apple compotes, jams, marmalades and other preparations for the winter.
Winter hardiness of the apple tree Medunitsa
Frost resistance is an important quality when choosing a suitable apple variety. Due to the excellent indicators of high frost resistance, Medunitsa has received well-deserved recognition not only among the owners of household plots, but also in horticulture, in the cultivation of apples on an industrial scale.
Apple trees tolerate low temperatures very well. Frosts in -35˚С -40˚С Medunitsa are not terrible. Therefore, this variety has become so widespread. Apple trees rarely suffer from severe winter frosts and tolerate spring frosts very well.
Disease resistance
Scab is the most common disease of fruit trees. The urgency of this problem in horticulture was also acute during the years of the breeding of Medunitsa. She has not lost her sharpness even now.
During the breeding work, Isaev paid special attention to the resistance of apple trees to fungal diseases. And he managed to achieve the task – Lungwort has a strong immunity to scab.
However, it should be borne in mind that over such a long period, new strains of diseases have appeared. Unfortunately, this variety has no immunity to them. Therefore, annual prevention against fungal diseases is necessary for apple trees.
What rootstocks should be grown on
At the time of the acquisition of seedlings of the apple tree of Lungwort, great attention should be paid to which rootstock the plant was grafted on. Depends on:
- tree height;
- Apple tree appearance and size;
- Ripening and fruiting period;
- Planting scheme for apple trees;
- Duration and frequency of fruiting;
- Lifespan of fruit trees.
seed rootstock
Medunitsa grown on a seed rootstock requires careful care and annual pruning to form a crown.
Description and characteristics of the apple tree Lungwort on a seed stock:
- With proper care, the apple tree bears fruit for 45-50 years;
- The height of an adult apple tree is 5-7 meters;
- The fruiting period begins at 5-6 years;
- The minimum distance between seedlings is 4,5-5 meters. The crown of apple trees is very wide.
Semi-dwarf rootstock
Gardeners recommend purchasing tall varieties, in particular Medunitsa, on a semi-dwarf stock. It is easier for such seedlings to provide proper care and freely harvest a bountiful harvest. Unlike ordinary apple trees, the height of an adult tree will be lower, fruiting begins much earlier.
Characteristics of the semi-dwarf lungwort:
- The height of an adult tree is 4-4,5 m
- The apple tree begins to bear fruit in 3-4 years.
- The distance between seedlings is 3 m.
- It can grow in close proximity to groundwater.
Columnar and dwarf rootstocks
The convenience and advantages of miniature varieties are undeniable. If the usual Lungwort has a pyramidal shape, then undersized apple trees can have a triangular or spherical shape. Like all representatives of this variety, she needs regular crown formation for abundant fruiting.
Characteristics of the lungwort apple tree grown on a dwarf rootstock:
- The height of the apple tree is 1,5-2 m;
- The onset of fruiting in 2,5-3,5 years;
- The minimum distance between seedlings is at least 1 m.
Features of apple trees on a columnar rootstock:
- Early fruiting. The dwarf lungwort begins to bear fruit even in the second year. But for the full development of a young seedling in the first 1,5-2 years, experienced gardeners recommend cutting off the ovaries.
- Due to their small size, apple trees require garters and special care.
- Columnar apple trees are bred for the purpose of abundant fruiting. Therefore, their lifespan is very short. Columnar lungworts bear fruit no more than 10-12 years.
Do not forget that the root system of all dwarf varieties is the most vulnerable spot. It is not so strongly branched and is located too close to the surface of the earth. Therefore, too strong, gusty winds are detrimental to all trees of miniature varieties.
Features of planting apple trees
Considering that in one place an apple tree can grow up to 50 years, the choice of a suitable site must be approached with particular care. It is very important that the following conditions are met:
- The place for planting apple trees should be sufficiently lit and protected from piercing winds.
- Summer lungwort should not be planted in a site with a close occurrence of groundwater. She doesn’t like waterlogging. The only exception is an apple tree grown on a semi-dwarf rootstock.
- When determining the optimal distances between seedlings, one should strictly adhere to the recommendations of gardeners. So, for summer Lungwort, the minimum distance is 4,5-5 m, for semi-caric – 3-3,5 m, for dwarf – 1-1,5 m. This is due to the characteristics of the root system and the size of the crown of apple trees of different varieties.
- The width and depth of the planting hole directly depends on the composition of the soil. Provided that the soil is loose and fertile, the size of the planting hole is 40 cm X 35 cm. On heavy, dense soil, you will have to dig a larger hole: 1 m X 70 cm.
You can plant seedlings of apple trees both in spring and autumn. In the spring, planting dates are limited. So that young trees calmly adapt and take root in a new place.
In autumn, in the central part of Our Country and in the southern regions, it is desirable to plant Medunitsa seedlings in October. In areas with a harsh climate, planting work should be completed in late September – early October.
If the soil on your site is not fertile, then during planting, you can add humus (1,5-2 buckets), superphosphate or potassium-phosphorus fertilizers (300-400 gr), potassium sulfate (no more than 80-100 gr) to the soil during planting . Mix everything thoroughly with ordinary, garden soil.
When planting, please note that the roots of the seedlings should be located freely in the pit. The roots must not be allowed to curl.
Before planting, drive a wooden stick or peg about 2-2,5 meters high into the center of the landing pit. Subsequently, a young tree will need to be tied to it. This will help seedlings survive bad weather in the first 1,5-2 years, withstand strong winds, and reduce the likelihood of damage to branches.
Make sure that after planting, the root neck is 4-5 cm above the soil level. Set the seedling in the planting hole. It is very convenient to plant young apple trees together. Fill the hole with prepared soil mixture. Tamp the soil well and water Lungwort abundantly. Under each seedling after planting, it is necessary to pour at least 5-6 buckets of water.
For the first 2-3 years, fertilizers in the soil for an apple tree will be enough. And after this period, it will be necessary to feed the trees annually: in the spring – nitrogen-based fertilizers, in the fall – phosphorus-potassium.
Winter apple variety
For more than half a century, thanks to the work of breeders, many variations based on Medunitsa have been created. The purpose of breeding work was to improve the frost resistance of trees and increase the shelf life of fruits. The result of many years of research was the apple tree Medunitsa winter.
Description Winter lungwort, photos, reviews:
- Apples ripen a month later – at the end of September;
- The fruits are stored until spring;
- In the winter version of Lungwort, the acid content in the fruits is much higher than in the summer. Therefore, winter-grade apples are not so sweet during the ripening period;
- The rules for planting and subsequent care for the winter Medunitsa practically do not differ from the recommendations for caring for the summer variety.
When planting a winter apple tree, you should take into account the flowering time and plant good pollinators nearby. The flowering period of both should match.
The author of the video will tell you about the features of the apple tree Lungwort and its fruits
Conclusion
To this day, the apple tree Medunitsa is very popular among amateur gardeners due to such excellent qualities as frost resistance, strong immunity to fungal diseases, early ripening, and abundant fruiting. The delicate, honey aroma and sweet taste of the fruit appealed to many gourmets and lovers of eating apples straight from the tree. Culinary specialists also note that the most fragrant and delicious desserts are obtained from apples of this variety. Not every variety receives such recognition and love from gardeners as Medunitsa deserves.