Apple Legend

With all the popularity of traditional varieties of fruit trees, their latest varieties deserve no less attention. A striking example of this is the Legend apple tree. This is a variety of the latest selection, and therefore it is just necessary to carefully study all its nuances.

The legend was created at VSTISP. The breeding work on this plant was carried out by Professor V.V. Kichina, a star of the first magnitude in domestic plant growing. To develop a hybrid, they used varieties such as Lingonberry and Fuji. The culture entered the federal register in 2008, and many have already appreciated it.

The legend immediately surpassed its "progenitors" many times over. Apples mainly grow on ringlets. The tree is considered a medium-sized crop. However, without pruning, it can reach 2.5-3 m. The branches extend from the trunk almost at right angles.

Other botanical features:

• spherical shape of the crown;

• steel gray bark;

• dark emerald elongated foliage;

• the root system develops taking into account the applied rootstock;

• the possibility of the presence or absence of a central core in the roots.

The round, compact crown of the Legend is rather thick. Shoots are also placed in it compactly. Record frost resistance and extremely low susceptibility to various diseases testify in favor of the plant. Even in unfavorable summer conditions, the deterioration in the quality of the fruit is insignificant. At the same time, the weaknesses of the variety can be considered the differences in fertility during weather changes and the low keeping quality of fruits.

The legend is an early winter apple tree. Under normal conditions, ripeness is reached between October 1 and 10. From the same moment the consumer period begins. It will last until early January. The variety bears the earliest fruits for 2-3 years of development, then it will do this annually.

The culture is traditionally grown in:

• Moscow region;

• Leningrad region;

• Ural regions;

• a number of regions of Siberia.

It makes little sense for Moscow region apple growers to resort to some complex agronomic measures. The only exceptions are very cold or extremely dry years. The same applies to plant cultivation in the Urals and Siberia. In the Leningrad Region, the situation is not much different, but the choice of the landing site is especially critical there. Areas where water stagnates are categorically unacceptable in this cold region.

One Legend apple tree can hold up to 100 kg of fruit. At the same time, the collection per 1 ha is 35 tons. Even the typical measures applied on any apple plantation can achieve such a result. With more careful care, both summer residents and planters can be counted on, according to some sources, to collect 200 kg from a tree. There is nothing particularly complicated about that.

The tasting examination gave the apples an average rating of 4.2 points. Their purpose is universal. The surface is dominated by a greenish-yellow color. The cover color is dark red, most of the apple is striped. The average weight of the fruit is 140-160 g. The smooth and firm peel is shiny.

Large and medium-sized fruits prevail. They boast a sweet, candy-like taste. Legend's creamy flesh is moderately firm. The aroma, if there is, is not too noticeable. The juiciness is quite well expressed, the ribbing is not too great.

The variety is designed for sunny areas only. Even slight shading is contraindicated for him. The depth of the groundwater is a maximum of 2.5 m. If it is impossible to choose a suitable site, you will have to form a very powerful drainage layer according to all the rules. Of the soils, black soil is best, loam is no more than permissible.

The legend should be planted in the fall - both September and October. In the spring you will have to wait until mid-April or early May. The landing hole has a depth of at least 0.8 m, and its cross-section is 1 m. Immediately put humus in the ground, and immediately use a reference stake. A newly planted tree must be watered very abundantly, the root collar remains at a level of 5-6 cm above the ground.

The legend is conditionally self-fertile. For fruiting itself, it does not require the proximity of other apple trees with the same ripening period. Yet farmers will only benefit if they provide this neighborhood. Otherwise, it will be possible to get no more than 25-50% of effectively fruiting ovaries. In this case, it is no longer necessary to talk about a full-scale yield.

In April and May, the plant needs nitrogen supplementation. In the fall, it is necessary to lay phosphorus and potash mixtures. Adult specimens of the Legend are especially diligently fed against the background of bud setting and subsequent flowering. At this point, it is most preferable to use ready-made mineral complexes. More useful are those preparations in which there are microelements that encourage development.

The legend is extremely hardy. In this regard, she can compete with the famous Antonovka.In addition to its resistance to cold weather, the plant also tolerates sharp temperature fluctuations. This moment is characteristic even for apple trees of the first year of development. But a lot also depends on the nuances of agricultural technology, on diligent care.

The protection against infections and harmful insects in this apple tree is very good. It is at least as good as that of the most famous standard varieties. With improper care, however, infection with powdery mildew, scab and bitter pits is likely. In difficult years, not only clear agricultural techniques are needed, but also good treatment with preventive drugs. Insect control is carried out with the help of insecticides, but they are already used strictly out of necessity, and not preemptively.

Gardeners pay attention that the Legend is indeed a disease-resistant apple tree. She is only occasionally affected by scab. Infection with parasites, if possible, is only when other trees are close, or in another violation of agricultural technology. It is worth considering that many unscrupulous sellers under this name are selling openly junk planting material and trees. The plant can survive the winter well, but it still needs at least minimal shelter.