Apple-tree Souvenir of Altai

When planning the planting of apple trees on the site, it is worth choosing varieties so that the harvest can be harvested both in summer and in autumn. Among the autumn apple species, the Altai Souvenir variety, adapted to different climatic conditions, is very popular among gardeners and farmers.

The autumn apple variety was obtained as a result of the painstaking work of a group of breeders from the Lisavenko Research Institute of Horticulture in Siberia (Kalinina, Ermakova, Yashchemskaya). Crossing was carried out more than 40 years ago, and the variety was entered into the State Register in 1976. Zoning began 10 years later - from Altai to the West Siberian region. The progenitors of this species were the following varieties - Pepin saffron, Gornoaltaiskoe and Bellefleur-kitaika.

The Altai Souvenir apple tree is a medium-sized tree, the height of which does not exceed 4-5 meters. The crown of the tree is rounded with moderately thickened foliage. Skeletal branches extend from the trunk almost at right angles, so the crown seems lush, spreading. In addition, the tree is endowed with a powerful root system and a good ability to grow branches annually up to 50-60 cm.

Fruit culture The Altai souvenir has its own characteristic features, due to which many gardeners and farmers enjoy it. The main advantages of the variety include a good immune system, high taste and marketability of fruits, sufficient frost resistance and stable fruiting every year.

There are practically no disadvantages of the variety, however, many gardeners note the following: during severe frosts, the tree can freeze slightly.

The active flowering phase occurs in late May - early June and lasts about 10 days. During this period, the tree is covered with incredibly beautiful small flowers with a pronounced aroma. There are so many flowers that branches and foliage are not visible because of them. In the very first flowering, it is recommended to remove all flowers, which will positively affect the quality of the harvest in the future.

Fruiting in the autumn variety. The first apples can be tasted from mid-September. Fruits ripen unevenly, however, they stick tightly on the branches, do not crumble.

This culture feels most comfortable in central Russia, as well as in Altai, in the regions of Siberia.

The yield of the variety is average, but stable, that is, the tree bears fruit annually, without interruption. The quantity and quality of the crop practically does not depend on climatic changes. The first apple harvest can be observed in the fifth year of growth and development of the tree. Apples have a high shelf life, so at the right temperature they can be stored for 4-5 months.

The apple is characterized by medium size (80-130 g), a regular rounded-conical shape with pronounced ribbing and an interesting color - a bright blush with splashes on a light yellow background. The apples taste sweet and sour, without astringency, with good juiciness. The skin is thin, smooth with a wax coating.The apple variety belongs to the universal class, so the fruits are consumed fresh, canned, dried, and used as a filling for baking.

Before planting seedlings, it is recommended to select a site and prepare it. The soil is thoroughly cleared of weeds, dug up to improve air permeability, moistened and saturated with fertilizers. For saplings Altai Souvenir, fertile and loose soil with neutral acidity is suitable. The tree loves moisture, but there should be no stagnant water. The site must be well lit by the sun, protected from drafts and strong winds.

Planting of seedlings is carried out in the spring, at the beginning of April, when the soil is sufficiently warmed up. The distance between seedlings should not be less than 3-4 meters. Two-year-old seedlings without damage and cuts are considered optimal for planting.

This apple species belongs to the self-fertile class, therefore it does not need pollinating trees.

Fertilizers are applied in a complex manner. It is recommended to apply top dressing from the second year of tree growth. Top dressing is applied three times a year - in the spring the soil is fertilized with nitrogen components, in the summer - with a complex of mineral fertilizers, and in the fall - root dressing. During the flowering period, experts recommend the introduction of nitrogen and compost.

The frost resistance of the tree is moderate, therefore, in regions with severe frosts, additional measures will be required to insulate the tree. To do this, you need to mulch, as well as cover the near-stem zone with breathable material - burlap or agrofibre, which will reliably protect the root system.

The tree has excellent immunity, so scab and powdery mildew are not terrible for the apple tree. In addition, the variety is resistant to many fungal diseases. The only disease to which the Altai Souvenir is exposed is moniliosis, it must be eliminated using special preparations.

The Altai Souvenir variety is a favorite fruit crop of residents of regions with a cold climate. Farmers and gardeners describe it as a tree with tasty and juicy fruits that are stored until early spring. Many point to unpretentious care, as well as resistance to many diseases and pest infestations. Commercial farmers report high keeping quality, attractive fruit appearance and lossless transport.