Apple-tree Belarusian sweet

Belarusian sweet is a popular variety of apple trees that are distinguished by their early maturity. It was developed by the Belarusian Research Institute of Fruit Growing, but is widespread in many CIS countries. The variety is suitable for private cultivation and industrial cultivation.

The tree is medium-sized, reaches 3 m in height, forms a rounded crown that does not differ in density. In shape, the apple tree is slightly drooping, somewhat conical, but without a pronounced silhouette. Gradually gets spreading. The branches are attached to the trunk at an acute angle. The resulting shoots are green or slightly brown, in an adult tree they are coarse, brownish.

The root system of the tree is superficial. When grown on a rootstock, the central core is formed according to its type. Apples are formed exclusively on the ringlets. Ripe fruits are firmly attached to the branches, not prone to crumbling.

Among the parental varieties of Belorusskoe Sweet, there were such varieties as Antonovka Obykhodnaya and Pepinka Litovskaya. Breeding work lasted from 1977 to 1999, after which the apple tree was classified as elite. She added to the state register in 2005.

The apples of the Belarusian Sweet are successfully stored from October to February, up to 5 months. The trees reach adult sizes by the age of 8. The obvious advantages of this variety include:

• convenience of harvesting;

• attractive appearance, marketability of fruits;

• the possibility of growing on rootstocks;

• lack of sourness and astringency in taste;

• abundant fruiting.

The downside is a significant reduction in the shelf life of fruits when they are not picked on time. Leaving apples on the branches until November-December, you can not expect good keeping quality from them.

The variety is very fast-growing. In warm regions, removable maturity can be extended until October, in other regions the harvest is harvested in September. Fruiting begins 2 or 3 years after planting.

According to official data, the variety is zoned for cultivation in the North-Western Federal District, but practical experience shows that Belorusskoe Sweet is successfully cultivated in different regions, including the Urals, Siberia and the Komi Republic. There is evidence of harvests in the Vologda Oblast and Kaliningrad.

For trees under 5 years of age, yield rates are up to 50 kg, up to 30 t / ha and more.

Belarusian sweet yields fruits of universal purpose, with a basic green skin, but with a cover of a red hue, blurred over most of the surface, with a light waxy bloom. The shape of the apple is round, asymmetrical. Weight reaches 170 g. Fruits are above average in size, very sweet taste (4.1 points according to the tasting rating), with clean white flesh. There is a slight characteristic aroma.

Trees are sensitive to the quality of the soil at the planting site. Belarusian sweet grows well on soils of normal acidity with a sandy loam or loamy composition, it needs an abundant flow of sunlight, a good flow of air to the roots. For disembarkation, open spaces are chosen. On dwarf rootstocks, plants bear fruit in the first year, show more abundant and harmonious fruiting.

The apple-tree Belarusian sweet is recommended to be planted in the spring, before bud break. In most regions, this corresponds to the period from late April to early May. Autumn planting is also possible, but its timing is calculated so that the tree has time to take root before the onset of frost. The pit is prepared in advance, with a diameter of 1 m and a depth of about 0.8 m, 2-4 m are left between the trees.

The soil mixture is formed before placing the seedling. The garden soil removed from the hole, peat or humus, wood ash are connected. All components are well mixed, then put into the pit at least 1/3. A support is placed on top, which is necessary in the first 3 years of the plant's life, a seedling is placed with straightened roots, covered with soil so that the root collar rises 10-15 cm above it.

Watering a young plant immediately after transferring it to a new location should be done with care. Belarusian sweet is moistened in the root zone, directly around the sprout. Use a narrow-nosed watering can or a plastic bottle. The first watering is the most plentiful - 30-40 liters of water.

In the process of cultivation, the Belarusian sweet apple may tend to thicken the crown. In this case, attention should be paid to sanitary pruning, rejuvenation and thinning of branches. The procedure is carried out in early spring or late autumn, upon completion of sap flow. Sick and dry shoots, as well as those that grow inside the crown, are necessarily removed.

The variety is self-fertile, does not need the presence of other apple trees in the garden. But their presence can increase the yield by 25-50%. A favorable factor for pollination is the presence of a nearby apiary.

It is recommended to use organic fertilizers as top dressing - peat, compost, manure. They are applied at the root in the spring. During the summer and autumn, the plant will need minerals. It is better to use complex fertilizers.

The variety is very hardy. Without shelter, it can withstand temperatures up to -36 degrees Celsius. Young trees require protection from hares for the winter in order to exclude damage to the bark, freezing of the bare trunk. To do this, they are wrapped in sheaves of straw, spruce branches, in addition, you can use foam rubber, covering it on the outside with a layer of solid oil.

Apple-tree Belorusskoe sweet is practically not affected by diseases typical for this type of trees. It is resistant to bark and wood cancers and scab. At the same time, one should not neglect regular insecticidal treatments. They are needed 2-3 times a year. The trunk and skeletal branches in the spring are covered with a liquid solution of lime.

For Russia, the Belorusskoe Sweet variety is still new, only being mastered. According to the owners, even five-year-old seedlings give good yields, do not create big problems during cultivation, and take root well in the Russian climate. Some gardeners even consider the Belarusian sweet to be the best kind of apple tree, pointing to the excellent taste and aroma of the fruit. Trees do not freeze even in the coldest winters and show impressive disease resistance.

In Belarus, the variety is more common. Here it is appreciated for its many applications, it is used for canning, cooking compotes and preserves. The disadvantages include only a noticeable difference in the cultivation of seedlings on rootstocks of different types, as well as the need for careful sanitary pruning of the crown in adult trees.