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Apple tree Berkutovskoe is a variety of domestic selection, created specifically for the climatic conditions of the Lower Volga region from the Saratov to the Astrakhan region. Differs in resistance to frosts and droughts. Gives very sweet apples, which, subject to storage conditions, can last until the May holidays. It is undemanding to care, but needs regular feeding.
History of breeding
The apple-tree variety Berkutovskoe was bred on an experimental base near Saratov by breeders G.V. Kondratieva. and Berkut O.D. Anis pink-striped and Antonovka ordinary were taken as a basis.
The variety was successfully tested and included in the register of breeding achievements in 1987. In 1991 he received the gold medal of the All- Exhibition Center. Approved for cultivation in the Lower Volga region, and spread to neighboring regions.
Description of the Berkutovskoe apple tree with a photo
In the description of the culture, the appearance of the tree, the height, the shape of the crown, as well as the size and color of the fruit, are of particular importance. These and other options are discussed below.
tree appearance
The Berkutovskoe variety apple tree is represented by a medium-sized tree, the crown is rounded, the density is moderate. The branches are straight, strong enough, the thickness is medium. The bark of the main trunk on the trunk is light gray, smooth. The bark of the shoots is red-brown, with pubescence. There are few lentils, they are small in size, the color is cream.
Fruiting begins at 3 years of age
The buds of the Berkutovskoe apple tree are appressed, of medium size, with pubescence, the shape is round. The leaves are quite large, elliptical in shape, long-pointed, the color is green, the surface is wrinkled, matte. The edges of the leaves are serrated, petioles are small in length and thickness, covered with pubescence, have stipules.
The flowers of the Berkutovskoe apple tree are shaped like saucers. Petals are oval, pinkish-white in color. The claws are medium in size, the buds are small, the color is cream. The buds of the flowers are small, with pubescence.
Description of fruits
The fruits of the Berkutovskoye apple tree are small, weighing about 140-160 g, some specimens reach 240-250 g. The shape is round, reminiscent of Antonovka representatives. Surface with small bumps, glistens in the sun. The color is yellow, with greenish tints. Blurred red blush is visible. Subcutaneous points are small, white, they are clearly visible. The stems are medium, straight. The funnel is quite deep, has a sharp-conical shape, the thickness is medium. Slight rusting is noticeable.
A cluster of Berkutovskoe apple fruits is nonfalling, closed type, sometimes semi-open. Saucers are medium, finely ribbed. The hearts are large, onion-shaped, the chambers are large, open. The subcup tubes are short, the width is average. Seeds are large, conical, brown.
Characteristic of the variety
Among the main characteristics of the winter apple tree Berkutovskoe, the taste of the fruit, the ripening period, the yield and winter hardiness are especially interesting. The main parameters are described below.
Palatability
The taste of Berkutovskoe apples is pleasant, with a balance of sweet and sour. At the tasting, it receives the highest marks – from 4,5 to 4,8 points out of 5,0. The pulp is white, fine-grained structure, dense texture, quite juicy.
Apples with a fairly dense texture and a pronounced sweet taste
Ripening dates for apple trees Berkutovskoe
The Berkutovskoye apple tree begins to bear fruit from the age of 3-4, while good yields are observed from the 6-8th season. Fruiting is stable, every year. Ripening later – the second half of October. This is the stage of removable maturity when it is time to harvest. For fruits to become truly tasty, they need to be allowed to lie down for several weeks in the cellar.
Productivity
The yield of the Berkutovskoe apple tree is quite high – it brings up to 70 kg from 1 tree. Since fruiting is stable, the variety can be bred both for oneself and for sale.
Frost resistance of apple-tree Berkutovskoe
One of the advantages is high winter hardiness. Trees grow well in the Lower Volga region, adapt to the climatic conditions of the Black Earth and the middle zone.
Apple pollinators Berkutovskoe
The variety can be grown without pollinators, but for consistently high yields it is necessary to plant apple trees with similar flowering times. For example, the Sinap northern variety is well suited, which is also characterized by sufficient winter hardiness.
Growing regions
The Berkutovskoye apple tree is specially bred for the regions of the Lower Volga region: Saratov, Volgograd and Astrakhan regions, Kalmykia.
Cultivation is also allowed in the middle lane (if there is additional shelter for the winter). In the Urals, in Siberia, it will be difficult or even impossible to breed a crop due to harsh winters.
Resistance to diseases
The immunity of the Berkutovskoe apple tree is average. In rainy weather, it can suffer from powdery mildew. Scab resistance is weak. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out mandatory preventive treatments using fungicides, insecticides and folk remedies.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Berkutovskoye variety is valued by summer residents and gardeners for very tasty apples of an attractive appearance. The culture is early-growing, gives a fairly good harvest, while being winter hardy. Therefore, such trees can be planted in most regions of Central Our Country.
The fruits are sweet and juicy
Pros:
- very tasty apples;
- good yield;
- precocity (fruits appear from 3-4 years of age);
- fruiting annual;
- good keeping quality (up to 200 days);
- high winter hardiness;
- trees are low, with a compact crown;
- drought resistance;
- commercial cultivation is possible.
Cons:
- may suffer from powdery mildew;
- resistance to scab is average;
- if the apples are not removed in time, they crumble.
Planting an apple tree Berkutovskoe
In the regions of the Lower Volga region, planting the Berkutovskoye apple tree is best planned for autumn from late September to mid-October. During this time, the root system of the seedling will have time to take root, then harden during frosts and start growing immediately with the onset of heat. If the main deadline is missed, landing can be done in the spring – then work begins in early April.
Previously, the site is dug up and fertilized. To do this, you can make a complex mineral fertilizer (50 g per 1 m²) or humus, compost (7-10 kg per 1 m2). If the soil is clayey, its structure is improved by sand or sawdust in the amount of 3-5 kg for the same area.
When planting an apple tree, Berkutovskoe act as follows:
- Several holes are planned with a depth and diameter of 80-90 cm at a distance of at least 3 m.
- Install the peg.
- Small stones are placed at the bottom.
- Place a seedling in the center.
- Sprinkle with soil, tamp, leaving the root neck above 7 cm above the surface.
- Water and mulch.
Care instructions
To get a good harvest of winter apples of the Berkutovskoye variety, as in the description and in the photo, gardeners in the reviews recommend following the basic rules of care:
- Young seedlings are watered weekly, mature trees – 1-2 times a month.
- Nitrogen fertilizers are applied every spring, during budding they give complex mineral supplements or organic matter, for example, mullein infusion 1:10.
- The trunk circle is periodically loosened, weeded.
- In early spring, sanitary and formative pruning is planned.
- At the same time, it is necessary to do preventive treatment with fungicides, for example, Bordeaux liquid.
- For the winter, the trunk circle is mulched with straw, hay, sawdust, needles. The layer height must be at least 10 cm.
Subject to the rules of care, the yield from one tree reaches 70 kg
Collection and storage periods
Harvesting should be planned for the second half of October. As soon as the apples turn greenish-yellow, they are removed. The fruits of the Berkutovskoye apple tree are stored in a cellar, basement or other utility room where the following conditions can be maintained:
- temperature from 0 to 3 degrees Celsius;
- constant humidity 80%
- darkness;
- periodic ventilation.
The fruits are transferred to wooden boxes or other containers. Consumer maturity occurs in 2-3 weeks. Since Berkutovskoe is a winter variety of apple trees, fruits can be stored for 5-6 months or more (up to 200 days). During this time, they do not lose their commercial and taste qualities.
Conclusion
Apple-tree Berkutovskoe is one of the best varieties for the Lower Volga region. The variety is winter-hardy, tolerates drought well, but immunity is not the strongest. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments annually, using drugs and folk remedies.
Reviews of gardeners about the apple tree Berkutovskoe
