Contents
The columnar apple variety Vasyugan is a compact, low-growing, high-yielding, frost-resistant tree. Recently, these species have been very popular because they are suitable for cultivation in almost all regions. With proper care, the tree not only bears fruit abundantly every year, but also retains an elegant decorative shape.
A characteristic feature of the apple tree is the growth of the trunk in a vertical direction without lateral branches.
History of breeding
The Vasyugan apple variety was bred in 1987 at the State Moscow Institute of Horticulture by breeders N. G. Morozov and V. V. Kichina. The plant was obtained by crossing the Brusnichnaya and KV-5 varieties. The culture was bred specifically for cultivation in the Far East and the Urals.
Vasyugan apple trees take root perfectly in Central Our Country
Characteristics of the columnar apple tree Vasyugan
Summer varieties of columnar apple trees Vasyugan are divided into dwarf, semi-dwarf and vigorous. In addition, several subspecies are classified into early, late summer and early autumn.
Dwarf varieties are characterized by high annual productivity
Appearance of fruit and tree
The Vasyugan apple tree is distinguished by the following external characteristics:
- crown height of an adult 7-8-year-old vigorous tree – up to 3 m;
- crown height of an adult 7-8-year-old bonsai – up to 2 m;
- crown width – up to 0,5 m;
- the shape of the crown is cylindrical, columnar;
- annual crown growth – up to 20 cm;
- the trunk is strong, strongly leafy;
- twigs are short, with many annulus;
- the shape of the leaves is elongated, large, with pointed tips;
- leaf color – bright green;
- fruit weight – up to 200 g;
- the shape of the fruit is round-conical, elongated;
- fruit surface is hard;
- the color of the fruit is yellow-green, with a characteristic red or pink blush;
- the color of the pulp of the fruit is white, with a creamy tint;
- the structure of the pulp is juicy, fine-grained, dense;
- the aroma of the pulp is classic apple;
- the peel of the fruit is thin, dense.
The columnar variety of apple trees Vasyugan is a productive, early-growing, compact, unpretentious culture
Life time
On a personal plot, the columnar variety Vasyugan can grow for 15-20 years. After 20 years, the plant gradually begins to die.
At the first sign of dying, the apple tree should be uprooted and replaced with a new seedling.
Taste
The excellent taste qualities of the pulp of Vasyugan apples cannot leave indifferent lovers of a healthy diet. Vitamin fruits have a delicate dessert, sweet-sour taste.
The fruits of the Vasyugan variety are characterized by a tasting score of 4 points out of the maximum possible 5
Growing regions
The columnar dwarf variety Vasyugan is specially bred for cultivation in the difficult conditions of the North of Our Country. At present, the culture is successfully grown everywhere: from the Urals, Trans-Urals, Siberia to the Far East.
Trees of the dwarf columnar Vasyugan variety perfectly tolerate various conditions, except for the equatorial and tropical climate. To enter a new vegetative cycle, the plant needs several months of winter dormancy.
The apple tree of the columnar dwarf variety Vasyugan is planted for various purposes: for harvesting, as hedges, as the main decor of arbors and picturesque recreation areas
Productivity
The compact columnar apple tree Vasyugan is characterized by a stable yield. Up to 7 kg of ripe fruit can be harvested from one tree annually. Every year productivity increases. Peak yield starts at 4 years of age. High productivity is observed for about 15 years. After the end of this period, the tree bears fruit, but the weight of the fruit is noticeably reduced (up to 50 g), most of the annulus dries up.
The yield is influenced not only by the quality of irrigation and the level of soil fertility, but also by weather conditions.
Frost resistance
The miniature Vasyugan apple tree is a frost-resistant crop that tolerates temperatures down to -42 ⁰С. Frost resistance is the main dominant trump card of the culture, which was specially bred for the harsh conditions of the Far East.
The columnar miniature apple tree of the Vasyugan variety successfully “survives” harsh winters, with extreme temperatures up to -45 ⁰С
Disease and pest resistance
To the most common pests of fruit trees, the variety of columnar compact apple trees Vasyugan has sufficient immunity above the average level. The plant shows an increased level of resistance to the main diseases of this species.
At the first signs of diseases and the appearance of pests, plants should be treated with special solutions of insecticides and fungicides.
Flowering period and ripening period
The flowering period is indicated by the beginning of May. The color is formed on small twigs with flower buds located along the surface of the trunk. The flowers of the columnar miniature apple tree of the Vasyugan variety are large, with a pronounced aroma that attracts the attention of insects (in particular, pollinating bees).
In order to maximize the yield near the crop, it is necessary to plant an appropriate pollinator variety with the same flowering time.
The unique ability of the Vasyugan apple tree is fruiting in the year of planting. To maintain the health and viability of the culture, the ovaries should be cut off so that the plant does not waste energy on fruit ripening.
The ripening period for apples is the end of August or the beginning of September (depending on the weather conditions of the region).
Vasyugan inflorescences are especially large in size and have a strong aroma.
Pollinators
The flowering of the Vasyugan apple tree falls on the first decade of May. The pollinator for the plant can be any other variety of apple trees of this species (for example, the columnar Canadian Sunrise), the flowering period of which is also characterized by the beginning of May.
The plant needs the presence of neighboring varieties-pollinators
Transportation and storage
Ripe Vasyugan apples remain suitable for transportation for 1-3 months. The shelf life of apples of this variety is indicated for periods from 1 to 3 months, since at an air temperature of up to 0 ⁰С and maintaining an air humidity level of up to 80%, the fruits are able to maintain taste characteristics.
Vasyugan apples do not have a high degree of keeping quality
Advantages and disadvantages
The miniature Vasyugan apple tree is characterized by a wide range of significant advantages:
- the prevailing classic apple flavor of fruit pulp;
- excellent taste qualities of fruits;
- universal application;
- compact size of trees (up to 1-1,5 m²);
- resistance to pathogens of major diseases and pests;
- frost resistance;
- aesthetic appearance;
- precocity, fruiting for 2 years after planting;
- long term use of culture, up to 15 years;
- easy care;
- stable yield.
Among the shortcomings of the plant, an insufficiently long shelf life of fruits (up to 1-3 months) can be distinguished.
Thanks to its amazing aesthetic data, the Vasyugan apple tree is used in landscape design to decorate the local area.
Rules of landing
When purchasing Vasyugan apple tree seedlings, attention should be paid to the bark and roots. These plant parts should not contain growths, dark spots, or other signs of disease. The root system cannot be overdried or damaged.
In southern regions with relatively warm winters, apple seedlings are planted in September. In the northern regions, planting is done in early spring.
Young seedlings of Vasyugan are planted in a hole, up to 70 cm wide and deep. The bottom of the hole should contain a nutrient mixture of:
- land;
- dolomite flour;
- compost or humus;
- peat;
- superphosphate and potash fertilizers;
- river sand.
A well with a nutrient mixture is prepared in advance, 1-2 weeks before planting apple seedlings in open ground. Immediately before planting, the hole is moistened with 10 liters of water, a peg is driven in near the center of the hole. The seedling of the tree is placed in the center of the hole. The roots are evenly straightened, avoiding the formation of creases. The soil around a young apple tree is trampled, watered, mulched and the seedling is fixed near a pre-prepared peg, which serves as a support for the plant.
It is best to grow plants from seedlings purchased in specialized nurseries.
Cultivation and care
The apple tree of domestic selection Vasyugan is distinguished by its unpretentiousness in care. The plant is characterized by the following features of agricultural technology:
- plenty of sunshine;
- winter temperature range – 12 ⁰С-35 ⁰С;
- complete absence of drafts;
- landing site – hills;
- low occurrence of groundwater (more than 2 m from the soil surface);
- soil – loamy, sandy, chernozem;
- distance between trees from 0,5 m to 1 m.
Unpretentious garden culture successfully takes root in the harsh conditions of the north
Daily care for the domestic Vasyugan apple tree includes the following activities:
- loosening of the soil;
- watering;
- fertilizer;
- sanitary pruning;
- weed removal;
- pest protection;
- disease prevention.
During the period of active growth of the plant (the first 4 years), the young tree needs more frequent watering. During the dry period, one 10-liter bucket of water should be applied daily for each plant or drip irrigation should be organized. In the event of a complete absence of rain, the crop needs surface watering of the crown (at least 1 time per month).
After each watering, the soil around the apple trees is loosened, weeds are removed.
Feeding is carried out from early spring to July with a frequency of 1 time per month. Plants “prefer” natural organic fertilizers, ammonium nitrate.
The main task of the gardener is to preserve the apical bud, which gives rise to a future shoot. If the natural apical bud is damaged, one of the most healthy and strong shoots is selected from vertically growing shoots, the rest are removed. This allows you to save the columnar appearance of the tree.
After the start of the sap flow process, old, diseased, damaged branches are cut.
To prevent diseases, trees are periodically treated with solutions of insecticides and fungicides, since during rainy summer periods there is a risk of damage to plants by scab. Bordeaux mixture is used to combat the disease.
As the main measures in preparation for winter, mulch is removed around the apple tree, the plant is sheltered from frost and rodents with spruce branches or roofing material.
In the spring, the shelter, as well as fallen leaves, are removed, the ground around the Vasyugan columnar apple tree is cleared of debris.
1-2 times during the summer period, you can feed the apple tree on the foliage with urea
Collection and storage
Ripe apples of domestic selection are characterized by a bright red color, which the fruits acquire by the end of summer. Depending on weather conditions, apples are harvested in August-September. For transportation and storage, apples are sorted, placed in boxes or boxes.
The shelf life of fruits without loss of taste characteristics is up to 1 month; total shelf life – up to 3 months at a humidity of 80%, air temperature up to 0 ⁰С.
Picking fruit is best on a sunny day.
Conclusion
The variety of the columnar apple tree Vasyugan is distinguished by high yields and precocity. Due to its compact size, the plant can be conveniently placed in the garden even with a limited area. Excellent taste, excellent presentation, high winter hardiness and frost resistance, strong immunity – these are not all the advantages of this crop.
Vasyugan apple tree is the best choice for growing in the harsh conditions of Siberia
Reviews
