Cultivation of the apple tree "Northern Synapse": advantages and disadvantages of the variety, planting and care

The late-winter apples of the "Northern Synapse" variety are not inferior in taste to the favorite varieties of the aristocracy of the Northern Hemisphere.

However, the emergence of this group was caused by the desire to improve the existing elite fruits, intended for nobles.

The variety has a high resistance to frost, which is of particular importance in regions where climatic conditions limit the growing season of plants. Let's try to figure out how to grow the Northern Synaph apple tree on our site, and analyze the main advantages and disadvantages of the tree.

History of apple varieties

The appearance of the "Northern Synapse" was due to the desire of breeders to create something like the famous elite apple variety "Crimean Synap", the fruits of which were brought specifically for the pre-revolutionary beau monde. There was a great taste of these apples, but the costly and long-term transportation caused resentment. Therefore, members of the Michurin All-Union Research Institute of Horticulture volunteered to create something new and necessarily with the frost resistance gene.

As a result of lengthy trials and experiments, the disciple and follower of Michurin Sergey Isaev produced the Northern Synapse grade. It was obtained by free pollination of the seed of the apple tree, "Chinese Kandil" and perfectly combined the highest taste qualities with endurance to the harsh weather conditions. The author dreamed of such a tandem.

Later the variety was zoned for other regions, taking into account the peculiarities of climate and soil. Therefore, to meet these trees now can be both on the backyards and in the gardens of the processing enterprises of Russia.In addition, the genes of the "Northern Synapse" are fundamental in subsequent varieties - "Orlovsky Sinap", "Moscow Winter", "Moscow Later". The variety is recommended by breeders for use in the cultivation of early ripening apples.

Description of the characteristics of the apple tree "Northern Synapse"

The basic qualities of the variety are early ripeness, endurance to frost and the ability to fully develop in a reduced growing season, as well as excellent taste characteristics of the fruit. Consider the features of the "Northern Synapse" in more detail.

Tree description

Externally, apple trees differ strongly branched conical crown and tall trunk, reaching a height of 6-7 meters. On powerful skeletal branches, a multitude of thin, side-mounted shoots are formed.Bark gray-cherry color. The leaves are elongate, ovate, with a glossy surface and a pubescent inner side, dark gray-green color. Inflorescences on short legs, flowers are large, with scarlet petals. Fruits are tied on the growths of skeletal branches and lateral sprouts.

The Northern Synaph apple trees are moderately resistant to dry weather, powdery mildew and scab, therefore they require appropriate care and preventive measures from diseases.

Fruit Description

The ripening of apples of this variety begins in October. And full maturity comes only after 2-3 months, closer to the New Year. The fruits have a pleasant aroma, medium size, conical or stacanoid shape and a yellow-green color. One apple weighs approximately from 100 to 150 g. During storage, a rich red blush appears on the fruits. Under a thick smooth skin, covered with a waxy bloom, white specks are clearly visible. The flesh is fine-grained, juicy, snow-white in color, sometimes with a slight greenish tint. The fruit tastes sweet-sour, with a slight spicy aftertaste.

The peculiarity of the fruit lies in extreme keeping quality with absolute preservation of appearance and useful substances.Subject to the rules of storage and proper preparation of the cellar, apples of this variety can last until July. Excellent quality is the versatility of apples: they are suitable for both raw consumption, and for home canning and cooking desserts. Siberian gardeners especially appreciate the variety for its unique aroma, which winter fruits confer on home-made wine.

Pros and cons varieties

Although the breeders managed to turn all their dreams into reality when creating the variety Northern Synapse, it turned out to be not perfect either. Gardeners have found in it both positive and negative sides. In responses, trees of this breed are often called "kings of the garden" and explain this by such qualities:

• speed of fruits;
• excellent winter hardiness of apple trees;
• the ability to fruit on short rootstocks for the 2nd year;
• keeping quality of fruit for 7-8 months;
• the ability of adult apple trees of the Northern Synapa to high yields.Under the conditions of proper agricultural technology, up to 170 kg of apples can be harvested from a single tree.

With all the listed advantages, there was also a fly in the ointment. In the process of cultivation it turned out that apple trees require constant care. And, if there is not enough time or other resources to create the necessary conditions for the variety, the harvest rapidly falls and becomes shallow in size.

In order for apples to reach full ripening, warm weather throughout the summer is imperative. In addition, if it is also rainy autumn with stable weather without sudden changes in temperature, there will be no blush on the fruit. With abundant fruiting, the taste qualities of apples are reduced.

Indignation causes and tallness of the trunk. With such a branched and tall giant, it is difficult to get winter apples, protecting them from blows and abrasions. Yes, and the tree creates a lot of shade in the yard or in the garden. It is also bad that the fruits ripen too late for harvesting, and for consumption they must lie down for another two months.

The timing and choice of places for planting an apple

The Northern Synaph apple variety will develop well when planting a seedling in a well-lit, spacious area, where nothing will block its access to the sun.

Particular comfort to the tree will provide loose, breathable light soils. Sugar and black soil with neutral acidity will do. When choosing a place it is important to consider the location of groundwater. Ideally, they should be at a distance of 2-2.5 m, otherwise the roots from the excess of moisture will begin to rot, and the tree will die.

When you have decided on a place and got a high-quality planting material, which is of no small importance, you can start landing.

Some gardeners prefer spring rooting of saplings, because such trees have time to adapt, grow strong, and grow strong roots and branches for winter. In this case, it is recommended to land in the last weeks of April and early May. It is important that the earth is not cold, so, given the climatic features of a particular region, wait until the ground warms up sufficiently. The relative disadvantages of spring time is the need to constantly moisten the root system. Other specialists for winter-hardy varieties prefer autumn planting, emphasizing the ability of such seedlings to strengthen roots, which is facilitated by damp autumn soil, and quickly get up to speed with the onset of heat. Such rooting is better to plan for a few weeks before the start of frost. Optimal terms are considered the beginning of October.

According to agronomists, young trees that are not more than 2 years old should be planted in the spring, and all other specimens, except the old ones, should be planted in the autumn. In case of the need to transplant 10-year-old apple trees, it is better to plan the planting for the winter time in order to injure the plant as little as possible.

Preparatory work before landing

To prepare for planting apple trees should be for a month. During this period, it is important to determine the site where this variety will grow and prepare a pit 70 cm deep and about 1 m wide. It is desirable to fold the first shovels with the substrate separately from the rest of the barren soil removed from the lower layers.

In windy areas, it is recommended to install a peg in the middle of the groove for further attachment to it of the branches of a young tree. The base of the wood is better to burn, to prevent the appearance of decay during the decomposition of the material. Then the upper ground is mixed with equal parts of humus, peat, sand and compost. The bottom of the pit is drained, after which it is filled to the top with the prepared mixture. This is done so that, as a result of the subsequent sedimentation of the soil, the apple tree does not appear in the middle of a deep funnel, where the collected water will destroy the roots. In conclusion, the pit is covered with plastic wrap and secure its edges. During 3-4 weeks a microclimate favorable for the root system of apple trees is formed there.

Do not forget a day before planting dip the roots of a seedling in a container of water. The tree should be well saturated with moisture.

Rules for planting apple seedlings

Correct planting apple seedlings Any variety is in such important for the tree stages:

1. Inspection of seedlings for rot, dried up areas and mechanical damage to the root system, as well as the presence of dry sprouts.In cases of suspicious brown edges on the rhizome, they must be cut to live wood.
2. Processing roots clay mash.
3. Planting in a prepared pit with a rigorous expansion of the root system (the said peg should be located on the south side of the trunk, to prevent sunburn).
4. Watering seedlings (if planting is carried out in the spring, water should be poured until the earth ceases to absorb moisture).
5. Powder the roots with the substrate from the top layer of the earth and carefully stitch it (the trunk should be shaken intensively several times so that the voids formed underground and the roots do not dry out).
6. Inspection of the root collar. It should rise 4-5 cm above the ground. Deepening this place is fraught with a meager harvest of small sizes, excessive elevation is dangerous dehydration and death of the plant. It is better to pour a small mound of soil on the transition of the root to the trunk so that the water flows during irrigation and precipitation.
7. Mulching pristvolny circle. It is important to retreat from the tree 15 cm, to reduce the risk of infection by pathogenic microbes formed in the process of decomposition of the mulch.
8. Garter branches to the installed peg (it is better to use a cloth tape for this).

Rules for seasonal care for an apple tree

Poor care for the representatives of this winter-hardy variety will affect the development of the plant and its yield. Therefore, in this case, it is of particular importance to timely watering, feeding, loosening the soil, mulching pristvolnyh circles and prevention of diseases, rodents and pests. We will understand in order, where to start gratification apple trees, "Northern Synapse."

Pollinating an apple tree

This aspect should be solicited while planting a tree, picking up the right neighbors for it. The fact is that the variety is only partially self-fertile. This means that other pollinators are needed to increase yields by about 40%. According to botanists who calculate the ratio of phlorizin in the bases of the columns of pollinated trees and pollen pollinators, a good percentage of ovary formation in cases of neighborhood with apple varieties: Slavyanka, Pomon Chinese, Antonovka ordinary, Pepin saffron.

Scientists believe that summer varieties are not effective near the winter, therefore, it is recommended to group the trees in the garden on this basis.

Pest and disease treatment

To prevent fungi and bacteria from attacking your apple trees, take care of spring cleaning of the plants by removing all damaged and dead areas in the spring. In the autumn, do not forget to rake the soil, freeing from fallen leaves, where harmful insects overwinter and pathogens multiply.

In the spring before bud break, foliar disinfection of fruit trees with copper sulphate or "Skor" is obligatory. After flowering, the crown is treated with copper oxychloride. And when the fruits are removed from the tree, you need to spray the branches and trunk with copper sulphate, or with a liquid solution of soap. But the best prevention is competent care.

At the first detection of signs of scab, powdery mildew or cytosporosis, treatment is carried out urgently with the use of the preparations "Khom", "Topaz", "Colloidal sulfur", "Strobe".

How to conduct watering

Apple trees, regardless of the variety, need 3-5 waterings for the entire season of development and fruiting. Weather conditions can adjust this amount, adding to the garden owners more hassle and age of trees. For the first time all the plants need to be watered before buds begin to blossom. If it is too hot outside, then young saplings under 5 years old should be additionally fed with moisture every week, observing the water consumption norms (we will focus on them below).

The rest of the fruit crops in the garden will be organized a second watering after they blossom and the formation of the ovary begins. Hot weather forces additional irrigation during the growth of greenfinches, otherwise they may stop growing and crumble. The last moistening is done 3 weeks before the fruits are removed. The stable heat in October again makes it necessary to water trees additionally in order to saturate moisture and protect it from freezing in winter.

The amount of water needed for each tree is calculated based on the age of the culture.So, for young saplings up to 1 year the recommended rate is 20-30 liters of fluid per 1 square meter. Every year, apple trees should be added to a bucket of water until they reach 6 years. Older specimens need about 6-10 buckets of water per square meter of the wheel circle.

Fertilization

Top dressing of apple trees "Northern synapse" is determined by their vegetative periods. The plant experiences an acute shortage of nutrients in the spring during an intensive build-up of shoots. It is compensated by nitrogen-containing fertilizers or a solution of nitroammofoski and ammonium nitrate. For the active development of the crown, you can water the tree with chicken manure (3 times before the formation of fruits).

The next fertilizer is carried out when the fruiting period begins, that is, the ovary is formed on the tree. You can make mineral complex substances or a mixture of 1 compost bucket, 50 g of potassium chloride, 140 g of superphosphate, 30 g of nitroammofoski.

At the end of the summer, apple trees are fed with humus or purchased fertilizers labeled "autumn" to prepare for wintering.And also feed the frost-resistant properties of the “Northern Synapse”, processing the crown with superphosphate (30 g: 1 l of water).

To neutralize the oxidized substrate after 3-4 years, liming is carried out at the rate of 150 g of dolomite flour per 1 square meter of the garden.

Cropping and crown formation

Each pruning of apple trees involves cleaning the plants from areas affected by the disease or pests, frostbitten and old branches. This is done for a better turnover, which prevents plant diseases.

Considering the peculiarity of the Northern Synaph branches to develop without thickening the crown, there is no need for its formation. Every spring should be sanitary trim, after disinfecting shears. Be sure to close up sections on large areas with garden pitch. In the autumn, remove weak growths so that the tree can safely survive the winter.

On the one-year tree of the “Northern Synapse”, the growth is removed by 40–20 cm. The following year, the branches are shortened so that the crown is formed from sprouts of three tiers. In this case, of course, leave strong shoots.

Wintering apple trees

The increased resistance of the variety "Northern Synapse" was the reason why gardeners among themselves call the tree "armor-piercing". The winter-hardiness genes grafted by breeders allow the tree to comfortably carry even 40-degree frosts. Therefore, the breed is popular with residents of the Central Black Earth region of the Russian Federation.

Protect from harsh winters should only young plants that have not yet become stronger, which have not reached the fifth anniversary. For this purpose, a 20-centimeter layer of mulch pristvolny circles.

Harvesting and Storage

It is time for harvesting from the Northern Synaph apple trees in October. The fruits, since they have not yet reached full-fledged ripeness, are not showered from the branches. In dry weather, they should be carefully removed with special equipment that is easy to build at home with a long stick and a piece of a plastic bottle. Apple picking starts from the lower branches, gradually rising to the top. You can not shake the trunk, allowing the stress of the fruit.

In the vault bring only whole fruit, without scratches, bumps and dents.To prevent the apples from spoiling, each should be wrapped in clean paper and carefully laid in one layer, rather than in bulk, in wooden or cardboard boxes.

At the forums, the hostesses share their experience in processing fruits with a weak manganese solution. But experts on this matter have their own opinion: with such disinfection, apples should be wiped dry from moisture, and the protective wax deposits will be destroyed. Therefore, this method is ideal for autumn fruits.

Keep in mind that in the cellar the temperature varied within 1-3 degrees of heat, and the humidity of the air did not exceed 90%. In cases where this figure is below 85%, you need to soak the wrap with vegetable oil. Provide high-quality ventilation in the room and warm the walls so that fruits and vegetables do not suffer from extreme temperature jumps in winter.

Other storage methods offer to fall asleep apples wet river sand or sawdust. You can save them in tied plastic bags.