Apple-tree Bolotovskoe

While growing apples in your own garden is not difficult at all, there are a few important things a gardener needs to know before taking on such a business. Beginners are advised to first grow a tree that is resistant to all sorts of diseases. A good option would be the Bolotovskoe variety.

Bolotovskoe apple appeared thanks to the All-Russian Research Institute of Selection of Fruit Crops. The goal of several scientists was to create an apple tree that will have the maximum resistance to apple scab. And they succeeded in crossing the Skryzhapel and 1924 varieties.

The early maturity of the described apple is average. It is not an ornamental plant with a height of 2.5 to 3 meters. Crohn in adulthood is formed by a sparse rounded.

The foliage is large, elliptical, elongated. There is a slight sharpness at the end. The shade is dark green. The leaves are wrinkled, have a glossy sheen. There is gross nerve on their surface.

Branches are rarely found on the main trunk. Shoots are formed of brown color, there is a slight pubescence on them.

During the flowering period, large, saucer-shaped flowers bloom on the tree.

Whichever variety is considered has both pros and cons. Of the advantages of Bolotovsky, it is necessary to highlight:

• resistance to diseases such as scab;

• high productivity;

• decent quality apples.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then it is imperative to say about the poor keeping quality of the fruits and their quick shedding if the crop is not harvested on time.

Ripening period - winter. Fruit ripeness comes in September.

Bolotovskoe begins to bear fruit only 6-7 years after planting.

Most often, the described variety can be found in the Moscow region, but this is not the only region where Bolotovskoe demonstrates a high yield. The Urals, the North Caucasus and other regions of our country are also suitable for growing apple trees.

In the years when the tree reaches its maturity, it is possible to harvest up to 130 centners of ripe fruits per hectare.

The universal purpose of Bolotovsky apples means that they can decorate a festive table, cook compote or jam from them.

The main shade is greenish-yellow, there is a slight blush of red, which lays down on the peel in stripes and specks.

The fruits have a wide ribbed, flattened shape. Weight from 150 to 160 grams.

There is no waxy coating on the skin, it is dull and oily.

Tasters characterize the taste of these apples as sweet and sour. The pulp is juicy and quite firm.

When planting Bolotovsky seedlings, it is better to arrange them tightly, according to a scheme from 0.4 to 0.7 m in a row.Small holes are dug, fertilized only with organic matter (it is undesirable to apply mineral fertilizers).

Pruning the apple tree every year is not just recommended - it is necessary. Without regular pruning, the tree produces a lot of unnecessary vegetative growth, which then turns into fruiting shoots. If Bolotovskoe has too many such branches, the load increases, as a result the quality and size of apples suffer.

The key is to achieve a healthy balance between vegetative and fruiting shoots so that the tree has enough energy to produce large fruit.

Maintaining a clean area around the tree by pulling weeds will prevent the rapid consumption of nutrients from the soil. Cleaning up vegetable debris is one of the means of preventing the transmission of many diseases from apple to apple.

Experts recommend sprinkling trees of the Bolotovskoe variety with garden oil or infusion of garlic to protect them from overwintering pests, larvae and insect eggs. Specialty sprays are available on the market, but they should be used with care following the instructions on the package.

As for pollination, Bolotovskoe belongs to self-fertile varieties. Autumn and winter varieties of apple trees are used as pollinators. It is best to use the varieties Streyfling, Welsey, Pepin Saffron.

After planting, the trees are fed with urea three times per season - the first feeding is carried out immediately after the leaves appear, then 2 more every two weeks. Chicken droppings are also added in spring and summer.

It is very important to monitor the amount of trace elements in the soil. Boron deficiency leads to a deterioration in the quality of Bolotovsky's fruit. However, its excess is the reason that the fruit becomes toxic. This can be determined by the fruits that ripen ahead of time and fall off faster. It is best to use a special test to understand which elements need to be added by applying mineral fertilizers, and which do not need to be added.

Bolotovsky's frost resistance is assessed as good.

In order to timely detect the symptoms of diseases or damage by harmful organisms, Bolotovsky trees are constantly examined, paying special attention to the condition of the leaves.

This variety is highly resistant to scab, a disease that most often affects apple trees. This was achieved thanks to a special gene Vf.

In some regions, the gardens of Bolotovsky can be affected by powdery mildew. High humidity encourages the growth of this fungus, so it is very important to ensure good air circulation for the apple trees. Sunshine, proper distance from other trees, and regular pruning will help prevent powdery mildew. One of the most effective means of control is a fungicidal spray. It is also important to keep the garden tidy and remove all leaf debris from under the tree. This is the only way to prevent powdery mildew spores from overwintering in infected buds and fallen leaves.

Brown spot can be another problem for the grower. To cope with this disease, all infected branches must be removed from the tree in winter. This must be done before the plant releases new growth in the spring. Pruning should be done a few centimeters below the infection.

Pruning tools are disinfected each time they move from branch to branch. A solution of one part bleach to 9 parts water is perfect for this.

In the fight against insects such as apple larva, weevils, aphids, you will have to spend a lot of time and effort. The gardener should use insecticides that are applied to the tree at intervals of 2 weeks from late June to mid-August. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and do not spray the trees just before harvesting.