Apple variety Memory to a warrior

The hybridization method using geographically and ecologically distant pairs (or simply remote hybridization), developed by I.V. Michurin, is currently one of the most widespread in apple breeding. For the conditions of central Russia and the Volga region, the most valuable initial forms are Canadian and North American apple varieties. It was with their participation that it was possible to obtain new varieties with special resistance to diseases, in particular to scab. Thanks to this method, in one of the oldest breeding institutions in Russia - VNIISPK, in 1959 it was possible to withdraw the Memory of the Warrior. The parental forms for its creation were Welsey and Antonovka ordinary... The authors are the famous breeder E.N. Sedov and M. V. Mikheeva. Our hero was accepted for variety testing in 1979, entered into the State Register of Breeding Achievements of Russia in 1997. Approved for cultivation in the Central Black Earth District (Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk, Oryol and Tambov regions).

Description

The variety is characterized by large dimensions. The tree is vigorous, tall, on a seed stock it can reach a height of 6 meters, on a dwarf one - 4 meters. A young apple tree has a dense reverse pyramidal crown, but in a plant that has entered the fruiting period, it changes its shape to a spherical or rounded one. Shoots are rather thick, upright, brown-cherry bark, milky-colored lentils, large, frequent leaf arrangement, many leaves are lifted up. The internodes are medium. The buds are conical, growing clinging to the shoot. Skeletal branches extend from the trunk at an acute angle. Most of the harvest in Memory of the Warrior is formed on ringlets. Moderate leafiness. The leaves are dark green, of the usual size, oval-elongated, the apex is sharp (bent to the bottom), the base is narrowed, often wedge-shaped, the edge of the leaf is wavy, double- or triple-serrate with pointed teeth. To the touch, the leaf blade is leathery, the surface is wrinkled, slightly shiny. The petiole is long, medium-thick, covered with pubescence, with an anthocyanin coloration, which passes to the central leaf vein. The stipules of the variety are large, their length is about half the length of the petiole, and are usually lanceolate in shape. Swelling buds are dark pink, with a purple tint. The blossoming flowers of the apple tree are light pink, large, saucer-shaped, almost flat, the corolla forms overlapping petals with slightly raised edges. The stigma of the pistil is at the same level as the anthers.

Fruits are of regular flattened shape, with weakly pronounced blunt edges. The funnel is sharp-conical, narrow, there are no signs of rusting. The saucer is wide, with a small fold. The cup is large, closed. The sub-cup tube is conical or cylindrical. Small, onion-shaped heart. Seeds are small, light brown, ovoid. The peduncle is short or medium, thin, curved, very often oblique. The skin is firm, dull, dry and rough to the touch. During the period of ripeness, the main color of the apple tree is golden-yellow, the integumentary pattern in the form of stripes and specks of beet-red color occupies most of the surface of the fruit. There is a bluish waxy coating. Subcutaneous points are faint, gray. The flesh in Memory of a Warrior is white, closer to the skin with a greenish tint, sometimes with pink veins, fine-grained consistency, tender, juicy, with a classic apple aroma. The taste is sweet and sour, very good.According to the State Register, the assessment of tasters is 4.2 points. Many gardeners really like the taste of the variety, they rate the taste rather as sweet, with a slight sourness, their tasting score is 4.4 - 4.6 points. 100 grams of fresh pulp contains: total amount of sugars 10.9 - 12.5%, titratable acids 0.48%, pectin substances 10.0%, ascorbic acid 8.4 mg, P-active substances 154 mg. Fruit weight is good, about 100 - 120 grams.

Characteristics

• The early maturity of the apple tree is rather average and depends on the stock. On a seed stock, fruiting occurs 6-7 years after planting. On the dwarf one much earlier - on the 4th year;
• in terms of ripening, the variety belongs to the winter. Removable maturity of apples in the Oryol region begins in the second decade of September. The consumer period starts in October;
• According to the State Register, during the years of variety testing, which was carried out in the Michurinsky State Administration of the Tambov Region, the average yield was more than 55 c / ha. It should be noted that the yield increases from year to year. At 8 - 9 years old, one tree brings 35 - 40 kg (on a seed stock), a little more on a dwarf one. At 10 years old, an apple tree can already bring more than 50 kg, on a dwarf rootstock - about 65 kg. Some sources claim that up to 120 kg of fruit can be harvested from one tree at the peak of fruiting and under the most favorable weather conditions;
• the fruiting of the memory of the warrior is notable for its regularity. However, according to the observations of gardeners, some decline in fruiting is still observed - a year with abundant yields can be replaced by a medium-yielding one;
• although the apples are firmly attached to the branches, it is recommended to harvest the crop on time;
• The State Register notes high resistance to disease. The resistance of fruits and leaves to scab is especially appreciated;
• of the pests, the most harm can be caused by the codling moth, the hawthorn, the miner moth;
• with regard to winter hardiness, the State Register does not provide data. VNIISPK characterizes it as average. But, according to gardeners, the variety winters well in the tolerance region;
• drought resistance of the apple tree is average. Long periods of drought can result in the loss of most of the ovaries;
• transportability is at a high level, but during harvesting, you should act carefully so that the apples are not damaged;
• keeping quality is good. Compliance with storage standards will extend the period of harvest consumption until February. Apples will stay in specialized chambers for a month longer;
• the way of use is universal. Winter fruits are a very valuable source of vitamins in the cold season, therefore they are used primarily in their natural form. But a large harvest in Memory of a Warrior can be processed into jam, jam, marmalade, juice, compote, and dried fruits can be cooked.

Self-fertility

This characteristic of the variety has not been confirmed or refuted by either the State Register or VNIISPK. Various sites provide conflicting information.

Planting and leaving

The apple tree can be planted in spring or fall. Most gardeners prefer autumn planting, which is carried out 2 to 3 weeks before the onset of stable frosts. The site is preferable sunny, with deep underground waters. Watering is carried out as needed, the soil should be in a moderately moist state. In a hot period, it is necessary to control the moisture content of the soil in the near-stem circle of plants on a dwarf rootstock, since their root system is located shallow and often suffers from drying out of the soil. Top dressing and preventive spraying are carried out according to standard rules. Sanitary pruning is done as needed, even in summer.

The memory of a soldier is endowed with a mass of excellent qualities, thanks to which it has become very popular in central Russia. Gardeners note the ease of care, but at the same time stable fruiting and good yields. The fruits are distinguished by high consumer qualities, universal use, good keeping quality.In the region of tolerance, the variety shows good winter hardiness, high scab resistance. Of the shortcomings, a relatively late entry of the apple tree into the fruiting period is noted.