Contents
The Lobo apple tree is considered a highly promising variety. Gardeners appreciated the taste of fruits and unpretentiousness to the growing conditions of this crop. Let’s take a closer look at this interesting fruit crop.
Features of the variety
The Lobo apple tree was bred in the city of Ottawa (Canada) in 1906. Local scientists working on the development of a new large-fruited variety began to pollinate the seedlings of the Macintosh apple tree. As a result of the experiment, a new variety of large-fruited apple trees appeared – Lobo.
A few years later – in 1920 – Lobo seedlings appeared in Belarus and the Baltic countries. In 1979, this fruit crop was given the status of a frost-resistant plant.
Today, the Lobo apple tree is grown in Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Our Country. Officially, this variety is zoned for cultivation in the Central Black Earth Economic Region of the Federation. The variety Lobo was widely used in horticultural farms of the Lower Volga region, Oryol, Tambov, Lipetsk, Belgorod and Voronezh regions.
Video “How to care for apple seedlings”
In this video, the expert will share recommendations for the proper care of apple tree seedlings.
Main characteristics
When choosing a variety of fruit tree, it is recommended to carefully read the description of the tree and the technical characteristics.
Tree height and crown width
Judging by the photo, the Lobo apple tree belongs to medium-sized fruit plants. With proper care, the maximum height of an adult tree is 4 m.
During the first years after planting in open ground, the young tree actively grows and quickly forms a crown. Gradually, the highly rounded crown takes the form of a wide-rounded one. Young shoots are curved and of medium thickness. The emerald green color of the foliage has an ovoid shape and a matte rough surface. The tip of the leaf is sharp and dissected.
The fruits of the Lobo variety are large, rounded or slightly elongated conical in shape. The average weight of an apple at the time of technicaloh ripeness – 180 g. As the fruit ripens, the skin color changes from yellow-green to burgundy-red. The pulp is snow-white, with a pronounced granular structure. Apples are juicy and sweet, there is a slight sourness.
Pollinators and yield
The Lobo apple tree has a high yield. From one adult tree, from 200 to 380 kg of ripe fruits are removed. With proper care, as experienced gardeners note, fruiting will be regular and plentiful. The beginning of the growing season falls on 3-4 years after planting the seedling in a permanent place of growth.
However, the Lobo variety is self-infertile. To achieve abundant fruiting, you can not do without pollinating trees. As pollinators, you can use March, Orlik, Green May, Spartak and other early varieties of apple trees.
The Lobo apple tree is a winter variety. The fruits begin to ripen in early autumn, respectively, harvesting occurs in mid-October. The fruits ripen at the same time, so it is recommended not to delay the harvest. The peel on overripe apples cracks, which leads to rotting of the juicy pulp.
Winter hardiness and disease resistance
Under the winter hardiness of a fruit crop is meant resistance to frost and the ability to quickly recover. During severe frosts, the Lobo variety may freeze. However, according to the description, with the arrival of a warm spring, the vitality of the tree is completely restored.
The weak point of this fruit crop is the almost complete lack of immunity to fungal diseases. It is possible to protect the apple tree from scab and powdery mildew by carrying out a number of preventive measures and timely application of fertilizers to the soil.
Rootstock varieties
To increase frost resistance, the Lobo variety is recommended to be grown on any winter-hardy rootstock:
- columnar;
- semi-dwarf;
- dwarf;
- slate.
The slate stock, according to experienced gardeners, is considered one of the best. Such an apple tree does not take up much space in the garden, gives a high yield and rarely gets sick.
Growing rules
For planting an apple tree, you need to choose an area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe garden that is open to the sun. Try to avoid areas with close groundwater. Excess moisture in the soil leads to rotting of the root system and wilting of the tree.
The apple tree does not like a draft and the presence of abundant shade. When landing, it is necessary to observe the inter-row distance. Lobo seedling is planted at a distance of 3,5–4 m from other fruit trees in the garden.
The first year after planting, the tree does not need to be fed. From 2–3 years, mineral and organic fertilizers are applied to the soil. The apple tree loves moderate watering, so the frequency of watering should be determined by the degree of drying of the soil.
Do not forget about the importance of the crown formation procedure. If you do not trim the branches, the crown quickly overgrows, which negatively affects the yield of the tree.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of the Lobo variety include:
- excellent commercial qualities;
- quick adaptation to growing conditions and undemanding care;
- drought resistance and frost resistance;
- stable high yield;
- early fruiting;
- excellent transportability;
- high decorative qualities.
The key disadvantages of this fruit crop are:
- low keeping quality of fruits – no more than 3 months;
- weak resistance to pathogens of fungal infections such as scab and powdery mildew.
According to the reviews of experienced gardeners, the Lobo apple tree needs additional shelter for the winter. In regions with high air humidity, freezing of fruit trees is observed. Whitewashing and warming trees with breathable covering materials helps protect the orchard from frost. The trunk circle is covered with fallen leaves and coniferous branches.
Ripe Lobo apples can be eaten raw, and can also be used for preservation, making various drinks, desserts and gravies. Watch the rate of fruit ripening. Under the mass of fruits, young, fragile branches often break.