Apple tree Kovalenkovskoye: description, photos, reviews from gardeners, planting, pruning

Descriptions, photos and reviews about the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree will help gardeners understand the characteristics of the variety. Because the taste and fertility of the fruit tree depend on proper care.

The second name of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree is Red Sweet. This variety was bred at the Republican Unitary Enterprise “Institute of Fruit Growing” of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. The seedling was obtained by open pollination of the American Lafram variety. In 1999, the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree was included in the State Register of Varieties and Tree and Shrub Species of the Republic of Belarus. One of the breeders after whom the tree is named is G.K. Kovalenko. The second co-author is M. I. Sukhotsky.

Description of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree

The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree is a fast-growing variety. The height of the tree reaches up to 5 m in height. The crown is densely branched, the shape is reverse-cone-shaped, symmetrical. The diameter is 3-4 m.

The foliage is small, medium in size, dark green, evenly spaced. The leaf shape is oval, long-pointed. The shoots of the apple tree are strong, pubescent, brown with a reddish tint. The branches grow compactly. The bark is smooth, a glossy tint is noticeable on the shoots and on the tree trunk. Skeletal shoots are slightly curved.

The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree blooms in spring. The inflorescence consists of 5 large flowers. The color of the petals is white. The stalks are medium in size. The kidneys awaken easily. Shoot-forming ability is high.

The fruits have a regular shape and round outline. The skin is thin, light green in color, not yet ripe. The average weight of an apple is 160-180 g. A distinctive feature of the Kovalenkovskoe apple is a dark crimson blush that covers almost the entire surface of the fruit. The better the fruit is lit, the brighter the color.

Description

The Kovalenkovsky apple is the result of accidental pollination. It was discovered by Belarusian breeders; they carried out all the breeding work and gave it a name in honor of one of their employees.

Summer variety Kovalenkovskoye, late ripening. It is neat, round, forms large fruits. The fruits are tasty, sweet, covered with a beautiful blush and a light waxy coating.

In the photo and description of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree before harvesting the fruits.

Taste qualities of the Kovalenkovskoe apple variety

The pulp is white, juicy, fine-grained consistency. The aroma of Kovalenkovskoe apples is medium rich. The taste is sweetish and sugary, the acid is not felt at all. Fruits acquire a harmonious combination 10-12 days after being picked from the tree. According to the tasting scale, Kovalenkovskoe apples received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 possible points.

Fruits of the Kovalenkovskoye variety have a universal purpose. They are used to make preserves, jams, jams, and compotes. Receive juices and purees. Excellent taste is preserved in preparations for the winter. Kovalenkovskoe apples can be stored for a long time in dry form.

Description of fruits

The apples ripen quite large in size, weighing from 150 g to 200 g. The skin of the fruit is greenish in color, but if ripening took place in a well-lit area, the apple acquires an almost solid dark crimson blush.

If the sun's rays hit the apple in scant quantities, then the blush is partial, with stripes and small strokes. The skin of apples is covered with a whitish waxy coating. The shape of the fruit is round, slightly conical. Green subcutaneous dots may be visible. The saucer is widened, the funnel is deepened, the calyx is covered, the stalks are medium in length and thickness.

Pros and cons of the Kovalenkovskoe apple variety

You can determine the strengths and weaknesses of the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree variety not only using photos and descriptions, but also the opinions of gardeners.

Advantages of a fruit tree:

steel and abundant harvests;
excellent taste;
precociousness;
frost resistance;
marketable condition;
resistance to diseases is above average;
A ripe harvest does not fall off for a long time.

The disadvantages of the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree variety are: short shelf life of the fruit, extended ripening period, and predisposition of the crown to overgrow.

Characteristics of the variety

All varietal characteristics of the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree are typical for summer representatives. A closer inspection and evaluation of positive properties will help determine whether the fruit is worth the effort.

Advantages and disadvantages

There are a lot of positive aspects. Among them:

stable large harvest;
resistance to low temperatures;
early start of fruiting.

But there are also disadvantages that need to be taken into account. The apple tree suffers greatly from lack of moisture; the drought resistance of the variety is very low. The tree can be affected by scab and other fungal diseases; it must be additionally protected. The shelf life of the fruit is quite short, but this is typical for summer varieties. Maturation is very drawn out and unfriendly.

Tree height

The apple tree is considered medium-sized. When planting a seedling and without formation, it reaches a maximum height of 5 meters.

Crown width

The crown of the apple tree is medium, round, the branches are powerful, slightly curved. Its diameter reaches 3 meters.

Annual growth

The branches of a young apple tree grow very quickly. Over the course of a year, the growth can be even a meter, so the crown needs to be regularly shaped and trimmed.

Precociousness

The variety is early bearing. The first fruits will appear in the second year, and after another year the number of apples will be plentiful.

Planting and caring for the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree

Kovalenkovskoe apple trees, like other fruit trees, require proper planting and regular care. Particular attention should be paid to the tree in the first years of life. In the future, maintain a healthy condition, carry out preventive treatments and pruning.

Selection and preparation of a landing site

The productivity of fruit crops depends not only on the variety and proper care, but also on the planting location. For the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree, it is advisable to choose areas on a hill where the groundwater level is low. There should be a lot of light; the more sun, the sweeter and tastier the fruits.

Basically, Kovalenkovskoe apple trees grow well in sandy, loamy soils. Heavy and clayey soils with high acidity are not suitable for growing apple trees.

Other varieties of apples growing nearby have a beneficial effect on the fruit tree. Radishes and legumes can be grown in the inter-rows of young plantings.

Important! Sunflowers and corn will create an undesirable proximity to Kovalenkovskoe apple trees, as they greatly deplete the soil.

Preparing a site for future planting of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree consists of several stages:

dig a recess 60x70 cm, 80 cm deep;
pour 1 kg of wood ash and 100 g of superphosphate onto the bottom; instead of the last ingredient, you can add 3 buckets of compost;
Dilute clay layers with sand at the rate of 1 bucket per 1 sq. m.

Preliminary work is carried out a month before planting. If the Kovalenkovskoe tree is planted in the spring, the pit is prepared in the fall.

Preparation of seedlings

A few hours before planting, the roots of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree seedling must be kept in a root stimulator solution. Immediately before the procedure, soak the root system in clay mash, which will ensure better survival.

In order for the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree to quickly adapt to a new location, you should choose high-quality planting material. Signs of a healthy seedling:

elastic, flexible roots without rot or damaged areas;
there is clean bark on the trunk, underneath there is a green layer of cambium;
one or two years of age;
absence of sagging on the root collar.

Landing rules

Experienced gardeners prefer autumn planting of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree. Because young seedlings have time to acclimatize before the onset of cold weather. A damp, warm autumn promotes rapid root growth.

The landing itself implies the following algorithm of actions.

A seedling is placed in the center of the recess.
There should be no kinks or creases in the root processes.
A wooden support 0.8-1 m high is hammered next to the plant.
Fill the hole, lightly compacting the soil so that voids do not form near the roots.
The root collar should remain above the soil.
Form a groove for irrigation.
Pour 20 liters of warm water under the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree.
Tie the trunk to a support to provide stability.
Pour out a layer of mulch 10 cm thick.

Attention! For the winter, the young tree is covered with agrofibre.

Watering and fertilizing

In spring, a young tree is watered 4 times a month, then the frequency of this procedure is reduced. It will be enough to moisten the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree once a month with 30 liters of water, which is distributed along specially made grooves under the tree. Drip irrigation is also used.

The norm for a fruit-bearing fruit tree is up to 6 times per season. In the absence of rain, the frequency of watering is increased. Do not water the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree during the harvest period, so as not to provoke cracking of the fruit. The last moistening procedure is carried out in October, before wintering.

Nutrients stimulate the annual growth of the Kovalenkovskoye tree and have a positive effect on fruiting rates and immunity. Young fruit plantations begin to be fed from the age of three. Mineral fertilizers are applied according to the following scheme:

in spring – pour urea solution (2 tablespoons per bucket of water);
before flowering – treat the crown with the “Ideal” preparation (5 ml per 5 liters of water);
in the fall - replenishment with potassium-phosphorus preparations (2 tbsp. l per 10 l of water).

For the fruit-bearing Kovalenkovskoye apple tree, you should adhere to a four-fold diet:

before the start of sap flow, distribute urea granules along the length of the circumferential circle (50 g);
during the period of bud opening, pour in superphosphate (50 g per 10 liters of water);
After picking the apples, add manure.

Important! If the soil has an acidic pH, then every 5 years the soil is mixed with dolomite flour or lime in the amount of 500 g per 1 sq. m. m area.

Pruning and shaping the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree

The formation of the crown is important in the first five years of the life of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree. Maintain it in a thinned state. This procedure consists of:

in the first year, always in the spring, the trunk is shortened at a height of 80 cm from the surface of the earth;
the next year, cut off the branches growing at an obtuse angle from the trunk.

Powerful shoots are cut by ½ length, weak shoots by 2/3. In the bottom row, only three branches are glorified. The trunk is cut to the levels of the upper shoots, thus stimulating the growth of the lower branches of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree.

Next, branches that prevent others from fully developing are removed. Shoots growing parallel to the trunk or the center of the crown are trimmed.

At the age of four years, the tree forms the third tier of branches. The trunk is not allowed to grow much upward, making it level with the upper side shoots.

In the future, gardeners carry out regular sanitary pruning. The event involves the removal of diseased, dry, broken branches of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree. Root shoots are completely removed. Branch cuts are treated with garden varnish or other antiseptic.

The purpose of preventive pruning of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree is to prevent diseases, the spread of infections, and prevent the appearance of harmful insects. This is achieved by ventilating the crown and better lighting.

Important! Formative pruning of apple trees is carried out only in late autumn.

Preparing for winter

The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree tolerates harsh weather conditions without any particular difficulties, as evidenced by the reviews left by gardeners. However, despite the high rates of cold resistance, young trees need shelter for the winter.

After the end of the growing season, the apple tree trunk is whitened. In winter, during sudden temperature changes, the bark can crack, and the paint serves as a kind of protection.

In autumn, the soil is loosened and watered around the perimeter of the circle around the trunk. The depth of soil wetting reaches 50 cm. In this state, the ground will freeze more slowly and the roots will not be subject to hypothermia. Accordingly, the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree will more easily withstand severe frosts.

At the end of November the fruit tree is covered. Pre-spray with Epin solution to increase immunity. The branches are wrapped in airtight material. The trunk of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree is tied with burlap. The tree trunk circle is covered with a layer of mulch.

Attention! To protect against rodents, the tree trunk is tied with fine mesh for the winter.

Planting technology

To obtain a high-quality harvest, you should work hard in the first stages, following the planting rules. Then the opportunity to grow a healthy fruit tree will increase.

Selection of seedlings

You should start by choosing a good seedling. Planting material must be at least 1 year old. At this age, he will be able to quickly adapt to a new landing site, while avoiding infection with fungal infections. A high-quality seedling can be determined by the following characteristics:

The soil ball is solid and well entwined with roots.
The root system should have a brown tint and be free of growths and swellings.
The stem is flexible, with no damage to the bark.
There is a small thickening on the trunk 10 cm from the root neck.

Important! Before planting in open soil, place the seedlings in a bucket with a growth stimulator and leave for 2 hours.

Site preparation

When choosing a planting site, preference should be given to an area well lit by the sun and protected from cold winds. Before planting, carefully dig up the area.

Required soil composition

The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree prefers loamy soil, characterized by a slightly acidic reaction.

Dimensions and depth of the landing pit

To prepare the planting hole, you need to follow the following instructions:

Dig a square-shaped hole 0.6 m on each side and 75 cm deep. The distance between holes for mass plantings is at least 3 m.
Combine nutritious soil with 100 g of superphosphate and 1 liter of ash, mix. Instead of this composition, you can add 3 buckets of compost.
If the soil is clayey, add sand. Sandy soil requires peat at the rate of 1 bucket per 1 m2.

Technology and planting timing

It is better to plan planting work in the spring, as soon as the snow thaws and the soil warms up, or in the fall, 2-3 weeks before the cold weather. The spring period is suitable for regions with a mild climate where there is no frost.

Planting stages:

Place expanded clay drainage at the bottom of the prepared hole and hammer in a stake.
Apply 2 buckets of complex fertilizer, secure with a layer of nutritious soil.
Place the seedling in the center so that the roots are freely located, then fill the hole with soil.
Water thoroughly and tie the planting material to the support.

The root collar should be above ground level.

Productivity

Kovalenkovskoe apples ripen at the end of August or September. The period depends on the weather conditions of the growing region. The period of fruit readiness is uneven and somewhat extended in time. The fruit tree has a high precocity. Fruiting occurs 2-3 years after planting. One Kovalenkovskoe apple tree at the age of 5-7 years is capable of producing up to 60 kg of fruit per season.

Fruit picking and storage methods must be carefully considered. It is not allowed to pick unripe apples or leave them on the branches after they are fully ripe. There are several ways to determine the readiness of fruits:

easy separation;
the appearance of a dent after pressing;
The color of the seeds is dark brown.

When harvesting Kovalenkovskoe apples, do not shake the tree. The fruits must be plucked from the shoots in a circular motion and carefully placed in a box. Otherwise, the shelf life will be reduced.

In a cool room, fruits can remain fresh for a month; in the refrigerator they can be stored for up to 60 days.

Attention! Kovalenkovskoye apples picked ahead of schedule do not ripen.

Description of the variety

The name Red Sweet eloquently testifies to the excellent taste of the fruit and its elegant, attractive appearance. Experienced gardeners can easily distinguish Kovalenkovskoe from the mass of other apple varieties.

This crop is late-ripening . The fruits ripen at the end of August, and in regions with a cold climate, ripe apples will not be available until mid-September.

After planting, the seedlings grow quite quickly, and when using a rootstock, they can produce their first fruits within 2-3 years.

Tree

Low, medium-sized trees have a fairly dense, densely leafy crown with a diameter of about 3-4 m. The trees are distinguished by their reverse pyramidal, rounded shape and powerful, slightly curved skeletal branches. The trunk and main branches are covered with brown bark, which has a slight glossy tint.

The shoots are dark red, thick, slightly rounded . They are located quite compactly, their surface is covered with pile.

The plant can reach a height of 5 m, although this figure depends on climatic conditions, region, and growing characteristics.

Leaves

The leaves are rich green in color, have an elongated oval shape and crenate edges. Compared to some other varieties, Kovalenkovskaya's leaves are medium in size. The surface of the leaves is slightly glossy, the bottom is covered with a small fluff, and is colored light green.

Flowers

Flowers on apple trees appear early, quite large, with white petals that can take on a soft pink tint. There are up to 5 flowers in one inflorescence .

Fruit

In appearance, the fruits are quite attractive: they have a regular, round-conical shape, while all the apples on the tree usually grow to the same size.
The main color of ripe fruits is light green . Against the main green background there is a deep red blush. For apples located at the top of the tree and on its side branches, closer to the sun, the blush covers the entire surface of the fruit.

Apples located inside the crown, where the sun's rays do not reach, have a less pronounced blush and may be covered with red stripes and streaks.

On the surface of the fruit you can see greenish, medium-sized subcutaneous dots. Compared to some other varieties, the number of subcutaneous dots on Kovalenkovskaya is small, they are barely noticeable, and under the bright red blush the dots may not be visible at all. The length and thickness of the stalks is average, the saucer is wide, of medium depth. The funnel is narrow, recessed, the cup is closed.

One of the main features of the variety is its large, uniform-sized fruits. The weight of one apple is 150-180 g , and with proper care and favorable climatic conditions, an adult apple tree can produce fruits weighing 190-200 g.

The consistency of the pulp is fine-grained, prickly, and not very dense. The pulp has a whitish color. Kovalenkovsky apples are distinguished by their juiciness and pronounced sweet taste. Moreover, even unripe apples have a sweet taste.

The aroma of the fruit is slightly pronounced and light. According to tasters and experts, Kovalenkovsky apples receive a solid 4.5 points out of 5.

Safety

In a cool place, the fruits can retain their taste and freshness for up to 2 months. They can be stored in the cellar for up to 1 month, and in the refrigerator for about 8 weeks .

Although most late varieties have a longer shelf life and can be stored in the cellar for at least 6 months, Kovalenkovskie, despite their late ripening, are noticeably inferior to some of their counterparts. Transportation is well tolerated.

Composition and calorie content

The variety in question is rich in vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances. 100 g of product contains:

12.2 mg ascorbic acid;
107 mg P-active substances;
0.19% titratable acids;
13% fructose.

In addition, apples contain starch, pectin, fiber, vitamins B, A, C, E, PP, K. The fruits also contain a small amount of:

sodium,
potassium,
phosphorus,
copper,
sulfur,
zinc,
calcium and other microelements.

The calorie content of apples is 47 kcal/100 g, the same serving contains:

9.8 g carbohydrates;
0.4 g proteins;
0.4 g fat.

Frost resistance

The crop has good winter hardiness and tolerates frosts well in central Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Some gardeners successfully grow this variety in southern Siberia.

Diseases and pests

Despite the high resistance of the Kovalenkovsky apple tree to scab, if not properly cared for, the tree is susceptible to other diseases or attacks by harmful insects. Therefore, it will be useful for a gardener to know the symptoms of ailments, recommendations for prevention, and treatment.

Moniliosis. Symptoms: the appearance of gray growths on the bark, fruit rot. Prevention: regular sanitary pruning, burning dry branches and foliage. Treatment methods: treatment of the soil under the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree and green crown with a 3% solution of iron sulfate, after flowering, spray with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture.
Powdery mildew. Symptoms: white coating on leaves, shoots, bark. Reset of foliage, significant reduction in yield. Prevention: timely watering and fertilizing with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. Treatment methods: treatment of apple trees with systemic fungicides Falcon, Topsin, following the manufacturer's recommendations. At the end of the season, the Kovalenkovskoe tree is sprayed with 1% Bordeaux mixture.
Black cancer. Symptoms: formation of black spots on the trunk and shoots, the affected parts of the tree rot, and the bark cracks. In severe cases, the disease leads to drying out and death of the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree. Prevention: Rake and burn fallen leaves in which spores can overwinter. Perform whitewashing and sanitary pruning. Treatment methods: remove the affected areas, disinfect the sections with a 3% solution of copper sulfate.
Apple codling moth. Symptoms: premature falling and drying of fruits, which occurs due to the larvae gnawing out the pulp. Prevention: clearing trunks of old bark, digging up the ring around the trunk, using pheromone traps. Treatment methods: before flowering, spray Kovalenkovskoye apple trees with Match 05 EC, and after that the tree is treated with 10% Benzophosphate.
Apple sawfly. Symptoms: the insect violates the integrity of the ovary, as a result the fruits fall off. Prevention: dig up the soil under the apple tree for the winter and use traps. Treatment methods: before the budding process, treat with 10% Karbofos, and after flowering with Endobacterin.
Apple flower beetle. Symptoms: the pest eats up the buds, weakening the flowering process. Bugs cause damage to foliage. Prevention: manual collection of insects, digging up the ground under a tree, disposal of fallen leaves. Treatment methods: at the green cone stage, spray the apple tree with the insecticide Fufanon.

Subtleties of care

The Niedzwiecki apple tree is distinguished by its stability and ability to adapt to even the harshest conditions, however, it is recommended to follow the basic rules of care.

Crown formation

Since the apple tree is most often grown for decorative purposes, giving the crown the required appearance is a primary task. As mentioned earlier, the plant can exist both as a tree and as a bush - this is achieved by special molding pruning.

Important! After the procedure, the cut sites must be treated with garden varnish. In its usual form, the plant independently acquires the correct shape and requires only occasional pruning for sanitary purposes.

As a rule, they begin to remove excess branches only in the third year of the tree’s life. Typically, branches that grow rapidly upward, damaged or diseased shoots are cut off.

In its usual form, the plant independently acquires the correct shape and requires only occasional pruning for sanitary purposes. As a rule, they begin to remove excess branches only in the third year of the tree’s life. Typically, branches that grow rapidly upward, damaged or diseased shoots are cut off.

Processes exceeding half a meter in length are shortened by 1/3. In addition, excess young growth on the trunk below the main crown is subject to mandatory pruning. The rule should be that the lower branches should be longer than the upper ones.

How to water and fertilize a tree

The Niedzwiecki apple tree is highly drought-resistant and can do without water for a long time, however, good growth and abundant fruiting are ensured, among other things, by organizing adequate watering and fertilizing of the tree.

The plant needs to be watered at least once a month (in case of severe drought, the procedure is carried out once every 3 weeks). Each tree needs 2-3 buckets of water, depending on external conditions and the degree of dryness of the soil.

We recommend reading: How to make an apple tree bloom and bear fruit?

When the first fruits begin to appear, you need to stop watering, otherwise the apples will fill too quickly and may crack.

The next time the tree is watered is just before harvest and in preparation for winter. Without proper feeding, achieving intensive growth and fruiting will be much more difficult.

Usually the apple tree is fertilized according to the standard scheme:

spring feeding before flowering begins, it is usually combined with regular watering. Use industrially produced urea (100 g of the substance per 10 liters of water for adult plants and 50 g per 10 liters for young trees up to 3 years old);
in the summer, during the period of completion of flowering and formation of ovaries, fertilize with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (for example, superphosphate 150 g, potassium 120 g and 2.5 liters of chicken manure per 3 buckets of water);
In the fall, it is recommended to fertilize with a nitrophoska solution at the rate of 150 g of the substance per 3 buckets of water.

Prevention and protection against pests and diseases

The variety in question is rarely affected by diseases characteristic of this group of plants, however, gardeners recommend annual spring preventative treatment against particularly dangerous fungal diseases and insect pests.

Did you know? Nowadays, there are over 7,500 thousand varieties of apples on the planet.

Spraying to prevent fungus is carried out in early spring, before buds form. Usually standard fungicidal preparations (for example, Fitosporin) are used according to the instructions.

Reviews

Irina Igorevna, 49 years old, Astrakhan

On the dacha plot there is a Kovalenkovskoe apple tree. The tree is small, it will only bear fruit for the third year, but it is already covered with fruits. It tastes like sweet fruit, without sourness. Children love them very much for this. On the tree, Kovalenkovskoye apples look elegant and beautiful. I recommend this variety to everyone.

Alexey Ivanovich, 57 years old, Belgorod

I recommend the Kovalenkovskoye apple variety. Large, tasty fruits. After ripening, they do not fall and stay on the shoots for a long time. Fruits annually, abundantly. True, apples do not last long, about a month, and then they begin to spoil. We like to eat fruits fresh and rarely use them for canning. Although the jam turns out excellent.

Irina Anatolyevna, 45 years old, Orel

The taste of Kovalenkovskoe apples, of course, is not for everyone. There is no harmonious balance of sour and sweet. Externally, the fruits are attractive and have a marketable appearance. The tree rarely gets sick; it has not been affected by scab at all. However, it constantly requires pruning; the crown quickly overgrows.

Features of growing apple trees in the middle zone

Most varieties of apple trees feel great in the central zone of our country. However, when planting and growing them, it is necessary to follow the general rules of agricultural technology. Otherwise, the tree will not be able to please the gardener with abundant harvests, and in particularly advanced cases it will get sick and die.

Landing

The best time for planting young apple trees in midland gardens is early spring. Autumn planting in this region often fails due to early frosts. Plants with a closed root system can be replanted throughout the season.

Typically, apple trees are planted in holes prepared in the fall. But in areas with high groundwater levels and heavy clay soil, often found in the middle zone, they are planted in a hill of fertile soil. This method allows you to protect the roots of young trees from direct contact with water, which can lead to their rotting and death of the plant.

Video: the intricacies of planting an apple tree

Care

Despite their adaptability to the climatic conditions of the middle zone, apple trees require timely care. Young trees that do not have a powerful root system are especially demanding of it.

Watering

Usually in the middle zone there is enough water in the form of precipitation for apple trees. But in particularly dry years, additional watering is required. Also, to maintain optimal humidity, the tree trunks of apple trees are covered with mulch.

Perennial grasses are often used to sod the tree trunk.

Trimming

Timely pruning is also very important for apple trees. It is necessary for proper crown formation and increased yield. Gardeners in the middle zone usually carry it out in two stages:

in spring - before active sap flow begins;
in the fall - before the onset of cold weather.

Feeding

It is almost impossible to obtain high yields of apples on rather poor soils in the middle zone without timely application of fertilizers. Adult apple trees are usually fed three times a year:

when the tree emerges from wintering;
before flowering;
during the fruiting period.

Both organic matter and minerals are used as fertilizers. When choosing the type of fertilizing, it is necessary to take into account the chemical composition of the soil in order to prevent an overdose of any microelements.

Preparing for winter

Released varieties tolerate severe frosts well. But they often suffer from cracking of the bark, which is caused by sudden changes in temperature, and sunburn. To avoid this, before the onset of cold weather, the trunks are whitened with lime or special paint. This procedure must be repeated in early March. Young trees are additionally wrapped in material that allows air to pass through well.

Pest and disease control

In the central zone, apple trees are often affected by fungal diseases. The most common of them are:

scab;
fruit rot;
powdery mildew;
cytosporosis

Scab is a real scourge of apple orchards in central Russia

In the early stages, fungal diseases can be easily defeated by treating the tree with fungicidal agents, including:

Karbofos;
Bordeaux mixture;
inkstone;
Nitrafen.

Preventive measures include:

pruning branches to improve crown ventilation;
collection and subsequent burning of fallen infected fruits and leaves;
preventive treatment of trees with fungicides and insecticides.

In addition, the good general condition of apple trees, which is achieved by timely care, significantly reduces the risk of diseases and pests.

Landing Features

Planting a Kovalenkovskoe apple tree on a site is carried out according to the generally accepted scheme, so before moving on to solving the problem, it is worth choosing the most suitable place and timing for performing the procedure, buying and preparing an apple tree seedling, and also organizing planting holes, filling them with a sufficient amount of nutritious fertilizers.

Video: Instructions for planting an apple tree

Suitable timing for planting an apple tree

Usually, for planting seedlings of the described variety, spring days are chosen, when the soil in the garden warms up sufficiently (at least +5°C), however, winter planting is not excluded, approximately 3-4 weeks before the expected frost. When performing the procedure in the autumn, young plants will have time to take root and adapt to the site in order to form new young shoots with the first warmth. In this case, fruiting will occur earlier.

Learn about growing other summer apple varieties:

How to choose quality seedlings

Having decided on the timing of the upcoming planting, the seedling itself should be prepared in a timely manner, the quality of which largely determines the success of the entire procedure. If possible, it is advisable to choose one- or two-year-old plants of the variety, since they take root much faster in a new place and are characterized by increased resistance to adverse environmental factors.

As for the place of purchase, it’s good if these are specialized nurseries or gardening stores, whose sellers will be able to provide quality certificates for all goods, although even in this case you need to know what features of the plant to pay attention to

A good seedling is characterized by the following set of positive qualities:

the presence of a flexible, clean and healthy aerial part, without spots and dried places on the branches and leaves (if you scratch the young skin with your fingernail, the cambium layer will always be visible underneath);
“correct”, light brown color of the roots, which must be moderately moist, without any growths or mechanical damage (brown color and small swellings on the surface are a sign of illness);
a clearly visible grafting site, which is very easy to identify by a slight thickening and curvature on the stem part 5–15 cm from the root collar of the plant.

Video: How to choose the right apple tree seedling

If the specimen you have chosen has a closed root system, if possible, you should remove the seedling from the packaging and inspect the rhizome. The earthen ball must be solid and completely entwined with the root system of the apple tree.

Important! When transporting a young plant from the nursery home, it is important to keep the root system moist, preventing the roots from drying out. This task is best accomplished with a damp cloth, which is used to wrap the rhizome.

Preparing the landing site

Being a medium-sized apple tree, plants of the Kovalenkovskoye variety prefer well-lit areas of the territory, protected from sharp gusts of cold winds. The composition of the soil can be anything, but apple trees grow best on loamy, moist substrates with a slightly acidic reaction.

We advise you to read what to plant under an apple tree for beauty and maximum benefit.

If possible, it is worth placing the hole on a slight elevation, thereby avoiding the slightest stagnation of liquid near the root system of the tree.
The dimensions of the planting site depend on the parameters of the rhizome itself, but on average the values will be as follows: 0.8–1 m in width and approximately 40–60 cm in depth (the depth of the hole should be approximately 10 cm greater than the length of the rhizome).
When planting an apple orchard on the territory, at least 4 m of free space is left between neighboring plants of the Kovalenkovskoe variety, and 3 m between rows of plantings. Preparing the site for planting trees begins in the fall, when, after harvesting plant debris, the ground is dug up and fertilized with organic matter : 40–60 t/ha of manure, 200–300 g of potassium salt, 400–500 kg/ha of superphosphate, and if the existing substrate is highly acidic, then it would not be amiss to use 3-4 t/ha of wood ash (or limestone).

In the autumn period, such preparation is quite sufficient, but when organizing a planting hole, you will have to repeat feeding, spending 20–30 kg of organic matter (humus or compost), 0.3–1 kg of superphosphate composition, 0.15–0.4 kg of chloride per hole potassium, 0.8 kg of wood ash. 2/3 of the required dosage of nutrients is poured onto the bottom of the hole, and the remaining amount is mixed with soil, which will be used in the future to seal the lower half of the hole.

The planted seedling is well compacted in the trunk circle, and then watered with a sufficient amount of liquid: at least 2 buckets per plant

Apple tree planting

Planting a Kovalenkovskoye apple tree is not a difficult task, but it requires compliance with certain requirements for the process.

Important! In order for a young apple tree to quickly take root in a new place and begin to grow, before planting a seedling, its root system should be soaked in a growth stimulator “Kornevin” or “Zircon”.
Processing time is at least two hours. All actions are performed in the following sequence:

A 5–10 cm drainage layer of broken brick, expanded clay or gravel is laid at the bottom of the planting hole.
Then, a mound of fertile soil is poured into the center and a one and a half meter wooden stake is driven in.
The selected seedling is placed next to it and its trunk is tied with a soft rope, after carefully straightening all the roots.
At the end of the procedure, the rhizome of the apple tree is covered with soil, gently shaking the seedling to distribute it evenly between the individual roots (no voids should remain). The root collar always protrudes above the surface of the site by about 2-3 cm.

Yield and tasting rating

This Belarusian “guest” bears fruit every year. When propagated on an industrial scale, up to 3 tons per hectare are obtained.

The variety is characterized by rather large and beautiful fruits.

The tasting rating of the variety is 4.5 points . Despite their high sweetness, apples of this type cannot be called sugary. They have high juiciness , which makes them indispensable for the production of juices and nectars.

Preventative treatment

The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree variety is characterized by average disease resistance. Therefore, it is important to carry out preventive measures in the form of spraying. In the spring, trees and soil are treated with Fitosporin-M solution or preparations based on karbofos to prevent infection with fungal diseases. Treatment must be carried out in dry weather, otherwise rain will wash off the composition. The same preparations can be used before flowering and after harvesting.

The apple tree of the Kovalenkovskoye variety has already fallen in love with many summer residents for its pleasant sweet taste and elegant appearance of the fruit.

Botanical description and characteristics of the columnar apple tree Vasyugan

Externally, such apple trees are similar to pyramidal poplars. They have practically no lateral branches, and fruiting occurs on spears and ringlets along the trunk. Their relatively small height (up to 2 m) and early fruiting (2 years) make them extremely popular. The peculiarity of such trees is that they will grow and bear fruit for about 15–20 years, and then begin to die off.

Did you know? The first columnar apple tree was obtained completely by accident

—
it was a mutated branch of the McIntosh variety that was grafted onto the rootstock.
The variety was named Vazhak and became the ancestor of a new type of apple tree. There are a lot of options for using homemade columnar varieties: they are used to decorate gazebos and recreation areas, create hedges and, of course, for harvesting. On average, this is 10–16 kg of apples from one tree. Another feature of these trees is regular fruiting. Yields are affected by weather conditions, soil fertility and watering, but in any case you will have a harvest of apples every year.

Tree morphology and fruit description

The tree is characterized by a small compact cylindrical crown without side branches. The trunk is heavily leafy. Flowering occurs on small branches with flower buds along the trunk. Branching is possible during the first 3 years of growth. If the apical bud dies during this period, the plant forms side shoots, so gardeners try to preserve it.

Did you know? If you plant a plot of 1 hectare with columnar apple trees, then there will be room for 20,000 trees, which in a season will bring a harvest of 800 centners.

After the apple tree begins to bear fruit, its growth stops, and in the remaining years the energy is focused on fruiting. The first harvest can be obtained already in the 2nd year of growth. Over the next 5 years, the yield increases until it reaches its maximum. After 20 years, most of the ringlets will dry out, and the tree will need to be replaced with a new one.

originator - Institute of Horticulture, 1987;
the variety was obtained by crossing Brusnichnaya and KV5;
intended for Central Russia, but grows well in the Far Eastern District;
needs pollinators, productive, disease-resistant, early-bearing;
the tree is low-growing, semi-dwarf;
height 2–3 m, depends on the scion;
the trunk is strong, densely leafy;
the crown is compact, elongated, with a diameter of no more than 1 m;
lifespan - 15 years.

The apple tree blooms in early May. Produces medium-sized fruits. Harvest can be planned for late August or early September, depending on weather conditions.

Find out what an apple is and what its features are.

Fruit characteristics:

apples: round-conical, weighing up to 100–140 g;
peel color: when technically ripe - green, when ripe - red, due to the intense blush covering the fruit;
peel: dense, thin;
pulp texture: juicy, grainy, white;
taste: dessert, sweet and sour;
tasting score: 4 points out of 5;
yield: average, 6–8 kg per tree is harvested annually.

Positive qualities of the variety

The advantages of the Vasyugan columnar apple tree are:
compactness - takes up no more than 1–1.5 m² of land;
high decorative properties;
precociousness - fruiting begins in the 2nd year;
useful life - 15 years;
ease of care;
high winter hardiness;
stable yield;
disease resistance.

The yield of columnar apple trees depends on how good the conditions are for the tree to grow. It definitely needs good lighting, fertile soil and abundant watering.

Main pollinators

The pollinator can be a variety that blooms in early May: for example, the Canadian columnar apple tree Sunrise. If Vasyugan apple trees for planting are purchased at a nursery, then there will certainly be varieties that can be pollinators.

History of the variety

Apple trees of this varietal variety were obtained thanks to the efforts of the Belarusian Research Institute of Fruit Growing, and already in 1999 the new variety was included in the local State Register of New Varieties and Tree and Shrub Species of the Republic of Belarus. Plants of the Lafram variety were used as the parent form, which were amenable to artificial pollination during the experiment. In Russia, the Kovalenkovskoe apple tree is recommended for cultivation in the central regions of the country, but gardeners often plant seedlings in other areas.

Did you know? The first apple orchard in Rus' was planted by Yaroslav the Wise in 1051, and later became known as the garden of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.