Contents
Cherry plum Mara is one of the popular varieties of large-fruited plum, characterized by late ripening. The culture grows in the regions of the middle lane, tolerates low temperatures favorably and is quite resistant to various diseases of fungal or viral origin.
History of breeding
Variety Mara was bred in the late 80s of the XX century by cross-pollination of garden cherry plum and Chinese plum by scientists from Belarus. The main work was carried out by such breeders as Matveeva V.A., Maksimenko M.G. and others. The variety was introduced into the State Register of the Federation in 2002.
Description of the culture
This variety of plum is characterized by rather overall dimensions. The height of the Mara cherry plum tree by the 4-5th year of life can reach 3-3,5 meters. The crown is spreading, most often spherical in shape, about 2,5-2,7 meters in diameter. The tree grows especially fast in the first years after planting.
For clarity, below is a photo of the Mara cherry plum. As you can see, the bark of the cherry plum is dark brown, on young shoots it has a slightly reddish tint. The root system is well developed. The leaves are oval, slightly elongated in shape and rich green in color. Flowers white, numerous.
The description of the plum (Plum Mara) also includes the characteristics of the fruit. The fruits are bright yellow, rounded, large and fleshy, the weight of one plum is about 25 g. The stone is poorly separated from the pulp.
Mara plum can be grown both in the southern regions and in the regions of central Our Country.
Features
A distinctive feature of this crop from other plum varieties, most often grown in the south, is its high frost resistance and resistance to pests and diseases. That is why the Mara cherry plum in the Moscow region and other central regions feels great.
Drought resistance, winter resistance
The main characteristic of the Maara cherry plum variety is winter hardiness. The culture can tolerate temperatures up to -35-37 °C.
Drought tolerance is average. In long periods without precipitation, the plant needs to be properly watered.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening period
The plum variety is self-infertile, so Mara cherry plum pollinators are needed to obtain a crop. First of all, these are other varieties of plums that have similar flowering periods, for example, Vitba.
Flowering occurs quite late – in late April or early May. The fruit ripening period falls on the third decade of August or even at the beginning of September. These terms depend on the region where the crop is grown and the characteristics of climatic conditions.
yield, fruiting
The high yield of cherry plum Mara is one of the main advantages of the variety. Starting from the third year after planting, about 37-40 kg of juicy and ripe fruits can be collected from each adult tree. Maximum fruiting begins from about the 7th year of life, then the yield can reach more than 60 kg.
Scope of fruits
The fruits of this variety of plums have excellent taste, and reviews of the Mara cherry plum are the main confirmation of this fact. According to the tasting assessment, the fruits receive 4,2 points out of the maximum 5. The pleasant aroma and sweet and sour taste make it possible to use the plum for making compotes, various sauces, as well as for making preparations for the winter.
Disease and pest resistance
Resistance to fungal or viral diseases, as well as pests in the Mara variety is quite high. Regular preventive measures allow you to avoid any infection of the culture for a long time.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main strengths of the Mara variety are:
- high yield;
- large-fruited;
- winter hardiness and drought resistance;
- immunity to many diseases and resistance to pests;
- excellent tasting fruits.
Weaknesses of culture are:
- self-infertility;
- late flowering and fruiting.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Mara plum is still considered one of the best crops suitable for growing in regions with a cold and unstable climate.
Features of landing
Cultivation of cherry plum Mara has a number of its own characteristics, the observance of which is necessary to obtain a rich harvest and ensure the successful growth of the plant.
Recommended dates
Plums are usually planted in the spring. It is during this period that the risks of freezing of the root system or damage to the shoots are minimized.
Choosing the right place
Cherry plum is a light-loving crop, so for planting it is best to choose the southern or southwestern side of the site with some kind of structure or fence from the north winds. Groundwater should lie at a distance of about 2 meters from the surface of the earth. The variety prefers rather loose, neutral or slightly acidic soils.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherry plum
Yellow cherry plum Mara feels good next to an apricot, other varieties of plums or cherries. It is not recommended to plant a crop next to tomatoes, eggplants, as well as trees and shrubs with a powerful root system.
Selection and preparation of planting material
It is best to purchase seedlings about two years old, since they take root without much effort. When choosing planting material, it is important to pay attention to the following parameters:
- integrity of the root system;
- external condition of shoots and trunk;
- no signs of disease.
It is recommended to purchase seedlings of any plants, including cherry plum, only in proven nurseries where real professionals are engaged in growing crops.
Landing algorithm
The main stages of planting cherry plum:
- Preparation of a pit with a depth and diameter of about 75-80 cm. The topsoil is mixed with black soil, peat and sand in equal amounts. You can also add about 2 kg of ash.
- A layer of crushed stone or expanded clay 10 cm thick is laid at the bottom of the pit.
- The pit is 2/3 filled with prepared substrate, a seedling is placed on top. The root system is covered with the rest of the earth, while the root neck should be flush with the soil.
- The seedling is tied to a peg, and a near-trunk circle is formed around the entire perimeter of the pit.
- Finally, the soil must be shed with 10-15 liters of water and loosened in a day.
Culture aftercare
Undoubtedly, plum (cherry plum Mara) belongs to varieties with high yields. But for this it is important to follow the basic rules of caring for a culture.
You need to water the plum about 1-2 times a month, 10-15 liters of water at a time. The watering regime depends on the climate, but it is important to remember that the variety categorically does not like stagnant water. After each watering, it is necessary to loosen and mulch the soil.
Fertilization for cherry plum is carried out every year according to the following scheme:
- in spring – fertilizers containing nitrogen;
- at the end of May – potash fertilizers;
- in the autumn – preparations containing phosphorus.
Pruning and crown formation is carried out in the spring, until the buds appear. At the same time, all branches are cut off, except for strong, strong and young shoots.
This variety does not require any preparation for the winter, but if desired, the trunk and shoots can be covered with a net to protect against rodents.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The cherry plum variety Mara is very rarely exposed to any diseases or pest attacks. But if the culture is not properly cared for, the following diseases may occur.
Disease | Methods of control and prevention |
Red leaf spot | At the beginning of the growing season for prevention, it is necessary to spray with fungicides. |
Comedy | Cleaning of wounds and subsequent treatment with a solution of copper sulfate (1%) |
Milky luster | Cutting and burning shoots with leaves that have acquired an uncharacteristic silvery sheen |
Pest type | Methods of control and prevention |
Plodojorka | As a preventive measure, trees can be treated with Fufanon or Iskra |
plum sawfly | Regular insecticide treatment |
Conclusion
Cherry plum Mara is a large-fruited, winter-hardy variety with high yields and excellent fruit taste. It is thanks to these advantages that the variety has become so widespread and is grown not only in the south, but also in the central regions.