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The apple tree is the most common fruit tree that can be found in almost every garden. It is so diverse that you can choose the most suitable variety for growing in any climatic conditions and still get a stable yield. The Modi apple tree is considered a good option for gardeners, because the tree has a lot of advantages. This variety has a good fruiting rate, immunity to fungal diseases and resistance to low temperatures.
The peculiarity of the Modi apple tree is its continuous annual fruiting.
History of breeding
The Modi apple variety is very young, but this did not stop him from taking the forefront in the list of popular fruit trees. An important role in the distribution was played by increased resistance to many diseases of this crop. And this is exactly what the Italian breeders who worked on the breeding of the hybrid achieved.
The Modi apple tree was obtained in 1982 by crossing two well-known varieties: the New Zealand Gala apple tree and the American Liberty. Specialists of CIV (Consortium of Italian Nurseries) worked on hybridization.
The variety was named in honor of the artist Amedeo Modigliani, on whose canvases there is an abundance of red, similar to the color of ripe fruits. But the rich scarlet hue is not the only plus of the apple tree, because excellent taste qualities are also highlighted.
The variety has not yet been entered into the State Register of the Federation, but this does not prevent gardeners from growing it on their plots.
Description of the Modi apple tree
The apple tree of the Modi variety in appearance is not much different from many other representatives of this crop. Gardeners in Our Country and other European countries successfully cultivate this fruit tree on their plots, getting a good harvest.
The height and appearance of the Modi apple tree
Among the features of the appearance of the tree, one can name the fact that the Modi apple tree belongs to medium height, reaching no more than 4 m in height. The crown is cone-shaped towards the top, rather wide towards the bottom. The trunk is strong, branches depart from it almost at a right angle. Shoots of brown color with a green overflow, medium in size and round in cross section. For a year, their growth is about 8 cm. Fruit buds are located at the ends of biennial and annual growths.
The green mass is moderate. The leaves have a brown long petiole, the plates themselves are large, elongated with a pointed end, the edges are wavy, finely serrated. Their color is dark green, the surface is glossy without pubescence.
During the flowering period, numerous white-pink buds appear on the tree, which are collected in small inflorescences of 4-6 pcs.
Description of fruits
At the end of flowering, fruits begin to form, which, as they ripen, acquire an elongated, truncated-conical shape. Ripe apples are large in size, their diameter is 7-8 cm, weight varies from 150 to 300 g.
The peel of the fruit is dense, smooth, with an oily sheen. The color of apples is dark red, some acquire a burgundy hue with small yellow patches.
A longitudinal section shows a heart with closed seminal chambers. The pulp is crispy and juicy, yellowish in color. The density of apples is maintained for another week after removal from the tree. Therefore, they easily tolerate transportation and do not lose their attractive appearance.
Fruits of the Modi apple tree are almost completely dark red, some have a yellow filling
Characteristics of the Modi apple variety
The main characteristics of the Modi apple tree are good taste, winter hardiness and immunity to many diseases. Also, stable fruiting favorably distinguishes the hybrid from other varieties.
Modi apple flavor
The taste qualities of Modi apple fruits are noted as high. They contain a large amount of sugars, while the acid index (approximately 17) is considered optimal so that the taste is balanced. During storage, the amount of sugar in fruits increases. According to the originator, the biological composition per 100 g of apple pulp is on average 12 g of sugars and 0,7 g of acid.
Fruiting terms of the Modi apple tree
The apple tree of the Modi variety is early-growing, it is already possible to expect a harvest in the second year after planting the seedling. But many gardeners recommend not allowing fruit to form until the plant is 3-4 years old.
The Modi apple tree blooms in the second half of May, which lasts for two weeks. After in place of the buds, fruits begin to form. They reach technical maturity by the end of August. The fruits fully ripen by mid-September. And although the apples do not crumble, gardeners do not recommend delaying the harvest so that the crop can be stored longer.
The period from formation to full ripening of Modi apples is 3,5 months, while the full harvest is performed in several approaches.
Productivity
The yield of the Modi variety is high, which increases annually as the tree grows. From one apple tree you can get up to 50 kg of quality fruits. The yield per hectare is up to 150 centners.
Winter hardiness of Modi apple tree
The Modi apple tree is valued not only for its abundant harvest, but also for its winter hardiness. The tree calmly tolerates low temperatures down to -30 ºС without shelter. In areas where winters can be very frosty (up to -35 ºС), the plant needs proper preparation for winter.
Pollinators
The Modi hybrid variety is self-fertile, so the plant needs a nearby pollinator tree to produce a crop. Gala, Golden Delicious, and Fuji apple trees can be considered ideal varieties as pollinators. Their flowering periods are basically the same.
Pollination of the Modi apple tree is mainly carried out by the wind, as well as by insects, so dense planting is encouraged.
Where are modi apples grown?
The Modi apple tree has a wide distribution. In the homeland of Italy, the fruit tree began to be grown almost immediately after testing. In 2014, he began to appear in the gardens of the United States, and then in Europe, as well as South America, New Zealand, Australia and Our Country.
Resistance to diseases
The immunity of the Modi variety is quite stable, so the apple tree is not afraid of powdery mildew and scab. The tree is also resistant to aphids. But, even despite a good immune system, the plant can still be susceptible to rust and fruit rot. Therefore, do not neglect preventive treatment.
Advantages and disadvantages
The hybrid variety Modi is considered quite promising for home and industrial cultivation.
The decorative appearance of the crown and bright red fruits can be a great decoration for any garden.
Pros:
- rapid growth and fruiting as early as 2-3 years after planting;
- annual fruiting without interruption;
- increased productivity;
- excellent taste of fruits;
- attractive appearance;
- good keeping quality of fruits;
- the ability to maintain taste and commercial qualities even during long-term transportation;
- stable immune system;
- winter hardiness
Cons:
- low drought resistance, since the root system is located in the upper layers of the soil;
- a large number of ovaries, which requires thinning or propping branches.
Planting a Modi apple tree
Modi apple trees are planted both in spring and autumn. The seedling is picked up without damage, with a well-developed root system. The landing site is chosen sunny with fertile, non-acidified mail. And since the tree is compact, it does not require a large area. If several seedlings are planted, then they are placed in a row at a distance of 3-5 meters from each other.
A pit is prepared with a size of at least 40 by 50 cm. Before planting, stakes or support devices for tying plants are driven into the hole. Then create a drain. After they put the seedling, spreading its roots well, sprinkle with soil mixture, tamp and water abundantly.
Care instructions
There are no special care recommendations, since the Modi apple tree requires standard operations:
- timely watering at least once every two weeks, in arid areas it should be watered at least once every 7-10 days;
- top dressing is carried out at least twice per season;
- weeding and loosening are welcome, as this allows you to increase soil aeration;
- pruning is often only sanitary in the spring, since the Modi apple tree is not prone to thickening and does not require strong crown formation.
Collection and storage periods
The technical maturity of the fruits of the Modi apple tree comes at the end of August, which allows you to start harvesting them during this period. The ripening process lasts about a month and the apples do not ripen at the same time, which requires several approaches. Therefore, the harvest may be delayed until early October.
The Modi apple tree is a variety of winter ripening
The keeping quality of the fruits is good, which allows them to be stored after removal from the tree for six months. With proper organization, they can even lie fresh without loss of taste and presentation for up to eight months.
Conclusion
The Modi apple tree is a hybrid that, despite not being in the State Register, has long been grown in Our Country. It attracts gardeners with high productivity and unpretentiousness. The fruits are universal in use, they can be eaten immediately after being removed from the tree, as well as various winter preparations and pastries can be prepared from them.
Reviews of gardeners about Modi’s apple tree
