Apple tree Mantet

The Mantet apple tree is unusual in that it was developed by Canadian breeders. A close acquaintance with the culture allows us to declare that it is highly productive and very promising. But that is why gardeners need to study deeper its features and all the subtleties of handling.

The Mantet apple tree was first grown at an experimental station in the area of ​​the city of Morden, in the south of the Canadian province of Manitoba. The breeding school of Canada is in the shadow of the European and American, but the Malus domestica Mantet variety (the official synonym) demonstrates its capabilities. The variety Grushovka Moskovskaya was taken as a basis, which was subjected to free pollination. Mantet cannot be called a new development - it was introduced back in 1928. Unfortunately, it was not possible to preserve the original climatic qualities.

The height of the trees ranges from 4 to 5 m. The crown has an oval shape, it is rather rare in its structure. Large green leaves shine, have the shape of an elongated ellipse. The tip is directed downward, there is no pubescence. The branches are strongly developed and directed upwards.

Shoots are brown in color. For them, omission and small gray lenticels are typical. The flowers are large and look like a saucer. The white-pink bud has a purple tint. The adjacent petals are colored light pink.

The Mantet variety is self-fertile. Therefore, his trees can even be grown individually. The culture is characterized by strong, intensive growth. A medium-sized crown allows you to calmly plant this plant even in a small area. Flower beds will look great next to the tree.

If you plant several apple trees, then their gaps can be easily filled with berry bushes. There is no need to constantly prune trees. Thanks to the strong skin, storage and transport are noticeably improved. Many people like the sweetness of the fruit. However, the variety also has negative aspects:

• the direction of the branches upwards makes harvesting very difficult;

• regular fruiting can occur only in the first 10 years;

• shoots are fragile, with a plentiful harvest, they can be damaged;

• in the cold season, serious problems are likely;

• caring for the top of the apple tree and preventing the appearance of diseases there is very difficult.

As mentioned, no auxiliary pollinators are required to grow Mantet apple trees. The plant belongs to the summer group. Fruit can be expected from the end of July. In unfavorable weather, this moment shifts to the beginning and even to the middle of August. The first harvests begin in the third year, then the plant will bear fruit in a year; from the 11th year of cultivation, however, the predictability of the fruit seasons is lost.

The culture is zoned for:

• Samara;

• Ryazan;

• Bryansk;

• Vladimirskaya;

• Tula;

• Moscow;

• Kaluga;

• Smolensk regions.

The Mantet apple tree is a high-yielding plant. But it is worth noting that in bad weather the level of pollination of flowers decreases. Then the relevance of close apple-pollinating trees increases significantly. Mature trees at their peak under good conditions can produce up to 70 kg of fruit per year.Then fruiting lasts up to 25 years of age.

Mantet apples are versatile. They have a typical greenish-yellow main surface. The integumentary color is bright scarlet, with a speckled-striped blush. An orange-red background is also noted. The fruit resembles a rounded-oblong cone.

The top of the fruit is slightly ribbed. Other important information:

• an apple weighs from 65 to 80 g;

• medium size, sometimes small;

• the skin is smooth and thin;

• sweet, with a slightly sourish aftertaste;

• dessert quality;

• the ability to preserve a maximum of 1.5-2 weeks after collection;

• white and juicy pulp with an expressive aroma;

• the share of sugars is 10.4%;

• the content of pectin substances is 12.4%.

Mantet is suitable for central Russia. However, in the conditions of the Volga region, the variety also shows itself well. For him, loamy soil, podzol, black soil are preferred. Other soil options are acceptable, but nothing more. Heavily wetted areas are contraindicated.

It is advisable to loosen the soil and prevent it from compaction. It is recommended to choose a bright, but protected from drafts area. The leeward side, protected by various kinds of barriers (including fences), is a good option. The distance between individual apple trees should be at least 3 m. Prepare the planting holes about 14 days before planting. Planting biennial trees in open ground is preferable.

They should already have 3-5 skeletal branches. It is not recommended to cover the root collar with soil. It is better to drive in the garter stakes from the north side. The ground cannot be rammed when disembarking - only light compaction is allowed. Additionally, the planting is watered with 30 liters of water. For mulching use:

• peat;

• manure;

• chopped dry grass.

Since Mantet has limited winter hardiness, the tree should be planted in the spring. Under this condition, the culture will take root and will not die. In the normal season, the plant should be planted in the first half of April. But if the weather is not good, if the frost is likely to return, it is better to postpone work. The maximum allowable time for a spring disembarkation is the end of April.

For this apple tree, as well as for other varieties, you need to use:

• superphosphate;

• urea;

• potash fertilizers;

• potash-phosphorus mixtures;

• humus;

• compost.

The Mantet apple tree can be infested with scab. This problem is especially likely with significant humidity. A special prophylactic treatment with Bordeaux liquid helps to avoid the disease. Copper fungicides should be used in the first half of summer. This variety does not have any specific pests.