The Bolotovskoe apple tree was bred in the seventies of the 20th century in a scientific selection center under the guidance of scientist, professional, academician Evgeniy Nikolaevich Sedov.
Breeders, first of all, wanted to develop a variety that would have high immunity to scab, a common disease for apple trees. As a result, their work turned out to be fruitful, and by crossing the Skryzhapel variety and the 1924 variety, this crop was obtained.
The plant was subjected to long trials for 9 years, and in 2002 the Bolotovskoye apple tree variety was officially registered with a recommendation for cultivation in the Central Black Earth region of the country, as well as the Moscow region. In this article we will talk about the Bolotovskoye apple tree variety in more detail.
Characteristics of the variety
The description of the Bolotovskoye apple should begin with the characteristics of the fruit. They are large, beautiful and tasty. Although it is not stored as long as many others, its qualities make up for such a minor drawback.
Tree
The growth of the apple tree is average or slightly above average. The crown is sparse and spreading, allowing air and sunlight to pass through well. The bark is brown, smooth, and there are few leaves on the branches.
Leaves
The leaves are wrinkled, shiny and large. Their shape is elongated-oval, the tips are wavy with edging. The petiole on which the leaf is held and the veins are noticeable, anthocyanin.
Fruit
The weight of the fruit is usually about 160 grams, but can reach 200 grams. They have a rounded, regular size, with wide ribs and slightly flattened sides. The skin is yellow-green, with a bright red blush in the form of streaks.
During storage, the green color of the peel becomes light yellow. There is no waxy coating or shine, the surface is rather glossy.
Tasting assessment
When bitten, the fruit has a peculiar crunch. The pulp is juicy, dense, the taste is sweet, with a piquant sourness. It was rated 4.3 points.
External assessment
Beautiful apples were also rated on an appearance scale. Bolotovskoe earned a mark of 4.3 points. But some sources indicate 4.4.
Appearance of an apple fruit.
Chemical composition
Apples contain about 10% sugars and a large amount of active substances and vitamins. On the contrary, there are practically no acids – 0.3%.
Winter hardiness
The declared resistance to low temperatures is average. But the variety easily tolerates an indicator of -35 even for a long time.
Disease resistance
The Bolotovskoye apple tree has a gene that is responsible for complete immunity to scab. It also provides a high level of resistance to other common diseases.
Pollinator varieties
The variety needs pollinators for more ovaries. It is best to have an apple tree blooming nearby at the same time. Antonovka, Strefling, Welsey, Brown Striped or Pepin Saffron are ideal.
Lifespan of a tree
The declared lifespan of the Bolotovskoye apple tree variety is up to 50 years. In practice, this has not yet been confirmed, because the variety was recently developed.
Apple tree with first fruits.
Advantages and disadvantages
Each variety has strengths and weaknesses.
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Features of planting and care
The apple tree is unpretentious, and there are no special requirements for planting the variety.
Deadlines
There are several opportunities to plant Bolotovskoye:
- In the spring, when the soil has thawed and warmed up, but before the buds open. Usually this is the end of April - beginning of May.
- In autumn, after the leaves have fallen and a month before frost. You need to focus on the climatic features of the region, but usually this is the last week of September and October.
- In summer, seedlings with a closed root system can be planted at any time.
The video shows the correct process of planting an apple tree.
Technology
You need to prepare a hole for planting in advance. A peg is driven in the center to which the seedling will be tied. Place the young planting so that the root neck is above the ground level. The roots should be carefully spread to the sides and sprinkled with soil. Upon completion of the procedure, watering and mulching are carried out.
Growing and agricultural technology
The variety is considered unpretentious and undemanding. There are no special requirements:
- regular watering 4 times per season;
- seasonal fertilizers;
- spring spraying against pests.
Although the apple tree is immune to scab, it is necessary to periodically inspect the crown and trunk for the appearance of other diseases.
Pruning and crown formation
The apple tree's crown is sparse and not particularly spreading. Therefore, formative pruning is practically not carried out. They remove those shoots that stand out from the general mass, interfere with others, or grow downward. If part of the shoots is affected by pests or has been damaged, it also needs to be removed.
Apple tree pruning diagram.
It is enough to carry out the procedure in the spring, once a season, before the buds bloom. It is important to use a clean tool and seal large cut areas with garden varnish.
Apple tree planting
The further development of the tree and the level of productivity depend on how well the place for planting is chosen, the planting technology is followed and the neighborhood is selected.
Deadlines
Apple trees can be planted in the spring, after the soil has completely warmed up, at the end of summer or at the beginning of autumn.
The conditions for spring planting are the end of frost, the soil should warm up by 1-1.5 shovels.
In the fall, the tree should take full root. This will take 1.5-2 months. You need to do it before mid-September; later the roots may freeze even under a protective cover.
Technology
For planting, prepare a hole approximately 60x60 cm, the size of the earthen ball on the roots serves as a guide. The landing area should be 1.5 times wider.
A drainage layer of expanded clay or finely chopped bricks is laid on the bottom, complex fertilizer is added, and water is poured at the rate of 2-3 buckets per hole.
It is better to take a seedling of the first year. The older he is, the more difficult it is for him to endure the transplant.
The root system must be developed and well closed. Exposed roots make it difficult for the plant to adapt.
The seedling is installed vertically, the place of the rootstock should rise 5-8 cm above the soil, the roots are carefully covered with earth and lightly compacted. The tree must be tied to the base.
Ripening and fruiting
For abundant fruiting, the apple tree needs to be planted with pollinators. These can be any varieties that bloom at the same time. It is very important that there is no rain during flowering and the temperature is above +30 degrees. Adverse weather conditions will negatively affect the harvest.
Precociousness
Bolotovskoye is considered a fast-growing variety and begins to bear fruit already in the fourth year with normal cultivation. An apple tree on a dwarf rootstock bears fruit within 2-3 years, and a columnar representative can provide fruit even in the same year, when planted in spring.
Ripening time
Apples in a state of technical maturity can be harvested in September. But at this time they do not yet fully reveal their taste. Immediately after removal they are sent for recycling. It is very important to carry out the harvest in a timely manner and not to delay it, because the apple tree will drop its fruits if it is left too long.
Harvest shelf life
If removed in a timely manner, the fruits will become very tasty only after a month and will reveal the fullness of their taste. If stored properly, they will not lose it until February. It is only important to choose fruits that are not damaged and without signs of pests. The storage place should be damp and cool.
Productivity
The amount of harvest is so large that the lower branches may even break off due to overload. About 200 kg of fruit are harvested from one Bolotovskoye apple tree.
The photo shows Bolotovskoye before harvest.
Average prices for fruits and seedlings
Considering the mass appeal of the crop, most fruit plant nurseries in all regions of central and southern Russia are engaged in breeding the variety. A retail buyer has the opportunity to purchase apple tree seedlings at any garden market at a price from 500 to 25 thousand rubles, as of March 2022.
The difference in price is explained by the age of the tree and its size . 1 - 2 year old trees are offered at minimum prices, and at a cost of 20 thousand rubles. and above, full-fledged 8-10 meter apple trees with a clod of soil are available for sale, at the age of 8-12 years.
Retail apples of this variety are available in any supermarket in the Moscow region at a price of 80 - 100 rubles. for 1 kg. In the case of wholesale purchases, depending on the tonnage of the batch, the price per 1 kg is reduced by 1.6 - 2.5 times.
Rootstock selection
An apple tree can be grafted onto several types of rootstocks. They may slightly change the properties of the fruit crop itself:
- A medium-sized rootstock grows up to 5-6 meters. It gives powerful, good strength to the apple tree.
- Semi-dwarf rootstock of medium height and earlier fruiting period.
- Dwarf rootstocks are very short and are early bearing. The lifespan of such a tree becomes shorter.
The choice is made based on personal preferences and crown size. The semi-dwarf rootstock 63-396 is considered the most successful. It is very frost-resistant and can withstand any adversity.
Harvest and storage
Based on the description, it becomes clear that the harvest is harvested in early autumn. You need to have time to collect the apples before the tree starts dropping them. Fallen fruits are often used for homemade preparations, drying, and jam.
Productivity in the first years may be weak, but it is increasing. So, if in the first seasons the gardener receives 80 kg of apples, then after a couple of years the maximum fruitfulness reaches 200 kg.
Apples can be stored until the end of February. It is enough to place the fruits in wooden boxes, cover them with hay or paper and leave them in the cellar or on the balcony. Storage temperature should be close to 0°.
Growing in regions
The Bolotovskoye variety is zoned in the Central Black Earth region. It adapts to the natural disasters of this area; the apple tree tolerates rain and severe frosts.
The regions that are located south of the strip on which Moscow is located are simply cozy for Bolotovsky. Here the climate is more gentle, and there are no special growing requirements.
Growing in the northern regions is possible, but planting on a frost-resistant rootstock will be required. It is better to choose semi-dwarfs or dwarfs to make them easier to cover. A number of measures will also be required to cover the trunk and roots. But for normal pollination a high positive temperature is required, so the amount of harvest can be significantly reduced.
Pollination
The Bolotovskoye variety is self-sterile, and apples will not set without the presence of pollinators in the immediate vicinity. Experienced gardeners plant the following varieties of apple trees in the garden that are suitable for these purposes:
- Antonovka;
- Strefling;
- Pepin saffron;
- Cinnamon Striped;
- Welsey.
These trees should be planted at a distance of 20 to 50 meters from Bolotovskoye to obtain a good harvest. The listed varieties of apple trees are characterized by the same flowering period as the species in question.
The flowers emit a distinct aroma, and additional measures to attract insects for pollination are not required.
Useful tips
There are a number of subtleties that should be noted separately:
- The fruits of this variety are very popular with codling moths, so you need to pay attention to protection from pests.
- It is better to dig a couple of old nails into the trunk circle so that the apple tree does not need iron.
- No matter how much you would like to speed up the growth of an apple tree, you cannot feed the seedling with large amounts of nitrogen.
- If some of the branches are damaged by the cold, you need to cut them all off and feed them with nitrogen so that the apple tree recovers faster.
Otherwise, there are no special features or restrictions; the apple tree is easy to grow and does not require any hassle.
Features of growing Bolotovsky
Landing
Basic conditions
- The variety loves wide, open spaces, good lighting and ventilation.
- It is advisable to choose soils that are slightly acidic, and if they are not available, you can “quench” them with lime. Bolotovskoe grows well in loam, chernozem and sandy loam; it also feels good on rocky, infertile soils, but requires additional feeding.
- Groundwater can be a real death sentence for a young seedling. If they are located too high, less than 2.5-3 meters from the surface, then the tree will definitely reach them with its roots. Those, in turn, will begin to rot, which will lead to the death of the trunk. Therefore, it is better to choose elevated places and avoid planting in lowlands, wetlands or floodplain meadows, directly near springs, lakes and rivers.
- The pits for Bolotovsky must be prepared in advance, no less than 3-6 weeks in advance, or even better, a season in advance. They dig them with a diameter of up to 1 meter and a depth of 80-95 centimeters. Half a bucket of soil from the top layer, mixed with a small amount of fertilizer (organic matter, minerals), is poured inside. All this is laid with stones as drainage and filled with 35-50 lire of water.
- At least 5-6 meters should be left between the trees so that they do not conflict with roots or shoots in adulthood.
- Immediately stakes are driven into the holes to tie up young seedlings. It is advisable to place them on the north side.
- Place the tree in a hole for drainage, straighten the rhizome with your hands so that it lies freely, sprinkle it with earth, and tamp it down with your hands. The whole thing is watered on top with 25-45 liters of water, mulched with compost, chopped grass, and sawdust.
Disembarkation dates
There is absolutely no difference whether to plant the Bolotovskoye variety in early spring or late autumn; this does not affect survival rate at all. Trees purchased with a closed root system, in bags, containers or pots, which do not require additional disposal, can be planted even in the middle of summer. If it is very hot, then it is better to shade the young seedlings for the first time.
Protection from frost and rodents
In the Crimea, the Caucasus and almost all of the middle zone, trees practically do not need any tricks to protect them from frost. The trunks can be wrapped in burlap, this will be quite enough. In more severe areas, it is better to also throw mats of straw or hay over the root zone, and wrap young small trees in a tent.
Tree care
Loosening the soil, watering: proper agricultural technology
You can dig up the area near the trunk once a year, in autumn or spring; you can time this process to coincide with pruning dry branches. During the growth of the apple tree, the surface of the soil can be hoeed 6-8 times per season. If you don’t weed the weeds and fluff up the soil so often, this won’t have much effect on anything, the main thing is to remove rotting fruits or leaves from under the tree in a timely manner.
The tree does not really need watering as usual; only at a young age after planting it is good to pour water about once every two weeks. Approximately 25-40 liters will be enough for normal growth, but only if it does not rain. If there is precipitation, you need to count 10-14 days before watering.
Pruning: simple crown formation
Bolotovskoe itself is not at all prone to overgrowth and thickening, so there won’t be much fuss with pruning. All work of this kind should be carried out in the stage of vegetative dormancy, that is, in early spring or late autumn. All branches protruding vertically, growing inside the crown, obviously superfluous and spoiling the shape, are cut off.
Sanitary pruning is most often done in the fall, after fruiting, then all damaged and dry shoots are cut off. But you can do it as needed, even in the spring. All wounds must be immediately covered with garden varnish, paint, and drying oil.
Pollinator varieties
- Striefel.
- Antonovka.
- Welsey.
- Korobovka.
- Borovinka.
- Cinnamon striped.
- Gift to Grafsky.
- Pepin saffron.
- Anises.
Reproduction
- Rooting.
- Grafting buds and cuttings.
- Layers (clones).
Diseases and pests
- Black cancer.
- Powdery mildew.
- Cytosporosis.
- Rust.
- Green aphid.
- Codling moth.
- Hawthorn.
- Shield.
Reviews
Semyon Vladimirovich, 63 years old, Krasnodar: “We bought a new variety by accident. A small apple tree blossomed after 3 years; there was little fruit. I really like that the apple tree does not get scab, we have this often. The taste of the fruit is ordinary, I won’t say that it’s a delight, but it lasts a long time.”
Lyudmila Sergeevna, 48 years old, Orel: “We bought an apple tree after reading various articles and reviews. The tree grows well, neatly, and is medium in size. Fertilize as usual, water and prune. The harvest is large, the apples are beautiful and sweet. It’s enough to put it in for the winter and make compote.”
Apple tree Bolotovskoye: reviews about the variety
Apple tree Bolotovskoye: photo of variety
Considering the reviews of gardeners who have already grown this crop on their plots, it is worth noting that the Bolotovskoye apple tree really does not get scab, moreover, the crown has a compact size and a fairly good taste of the fruit. Others note the large amount of harvest and their long shelf life.
Some gardeners use the fruits to prepare preparations. They make especially good juice.
Basic care requirements
The Bolotovskoye variety belongs to the category of plants that do not require too careful and painstaking care.
Find out how to get rid of rotting apples.
To obtain a high-quality, abundant harvest, it is enough to adhere to the main rules of agricultural technology:
Watering. Young seedlings, 3-5 years old, need regular, abundant moisture, which is recommended once every two weeks under normal climatic conditions, and once a week during drought. It is necessary to pour at least 6-7 buckets of water onto one tree. Adult plants will need about 10-12 buckets for complete moisture
It is especially important to provide the crop with sufficient moisture before bud break, 2-3 weeks after flowering and after harvesting. After irrigation activities, it is recommended to loosen the soil well.
Feeding. In the first year of growth, the plant does not need fertilizing, since a certain amount of nutritional components was added to the planting hole. It is recommended to fertilize the apple tree starting from the second year. The first fertilizing should be carried out in early spring, using a composition of urea, saltpeter and humus. The second portion of fertilizer should be applied during the flowering period of the hybrid. To do this, use a mixture of 10 liters of water, 100 g of superphosphate, 300 g of urea, 1.5 liters of liquid bird droppings and 0.5 buckets of manure. In the summer, you can feed the plant using the foliar method, using purchased phosphorus or potassium preparations. In the fall, after harvesting the fruits, the crop needs to be fed with liquid phosphorus-potassium preparations.
Trimming. Since the hybrid does not have a thickened crown, there is no need to trim the shoots annually. A young plant needs to undergo formative pruning, shortening the shoots by 1/3 of their length. It is recommended to do the cutting of shoots in early spring, before the onset of the sap flow phase. We also must not forget about sanitary pruning, during which dry, damaged, broken and weak branches are removed. All cut areas must be treated with garden pitch or crushed charcoal.
Loosening and weeding. One of the main conditions for caring for an apple tree is loosening the soil and weeding. It is recommended to remove parasitic plants regularly, focusing on the condition of the soil. Weeds should not be allowed to grow strongly, as they inhibit the development of the root system of the crop. It is necessary to systematically loosen the soil, which allows you to enrich the soil with oxygen and saturate it with nutrients, thus activating the growth of the crop.
Further care
Proper care after planting a seedling is necessary so that the crop quickly adapts to the new place of growth.
Regularity of irrigation
Watering the crop must be done every 3 days in the first 2 months after planting the seedling. Subsequently, the frequency of irrigation is reduced to once a week. An adult plant needs to be watered 2 times a month. The volume of water should be at least 20 liters per tree.
Top dressing
The crop is not fertilized in the first year after planting. In the future, it is necessary to apply nitrogen fertilizers in the spring and humus in the fall. During the flowering period, it is necessary to apply potassium phosphate fertilizers. If necessary, complex nutrients can be used during the summer.
Trimming
Tree pruning is carried out immediately after planting. In the future, the pruning process must be carried out every spring, forming the necessary crown. All branches that grow inside the crown are removed. Also, in an adult plant, it is necessary to remove branches that do not bear fruit and make the crown thick, which negatively affects the ripening of the fruit.
Whitewashing wood
Regular use of lime to treat the trunk reduces the risk of pest attack. Lime also eliminates all fungal infections. It is necessary to whiten the trunk with thick lime.
Tree trunk care
In the summer, it is necessary to regularly loosen the soil and remove weeds. Loosening the soil increases the amount of oxygen in the soil. And removing weeds reduces the risk of pest attack.
Preventative treatments
In the spring, before the buds awaken, preventive treatment of seedlings and mature trees is carried out with a solution of copper sulfate, which protects the crop from diseases. In the fall, using chemicals such as Topaz, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment of the bark and branches against the larvae of harmful insects.
Winter protection
The apple tree tolerates frost, but for young seedlings it is necessary to carry out additional insulation. The roots are insulated with peat or humus. Spruce branches are also used for insulation. The trunk is covered with burlap or a wooden structure.
Varieties
In gardening, the apple tree is represented by two subspecies:
- decorative red-leaved variety;
- Chinese Red.
Original varieties are most often intended for use in landscape design.
Decorative red-leaved variety
The red-leaved variety is used to decorate hedges. Its characteristic features define it as an easy-to-care subspecies with high decorative qualities:
- The trees are medium-sized with a trunk height of up to 4 m.
- The crown is round and spreading. Reaches several meters in width.
- The foliage changes color from bright red during flowering to emerald at the fruiting stage.
- Snow-white flowers bloom on the tree. Then burgundy-colored fruits appear.
- The variety is characterized by high resistance to plant diseases.
The decorative red-leaved variety is not picky about environmental conditions. It is successfully cultivated in the regions of the middle zone, in the Urals.
Description of the Teremok apple tree variety, selection history and productivityRead
Chinese or Chinese Red
The Chinese apple tree variety is unpretentious in care. It has a number of undeniable advantages:
- High resistance to frost and drought. Despite changes in low or high temperatures, the tree retains its decorative qualities.
- During the flowering period, flowers of white, pink or red shades bloom on the crown of Kitayka.
- The harvest is represented by small fruits.
- Before the onset of cold weather, the foliage of the tree changes color to ocher and purple.
Chinaka apples do not last long. They are used to prepare delicious desserts.
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