High winter hardiness and regular fruiting will be ensured by the Antey apple variety

What type does it belong to?

Antey is a winter variety. Apples can be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area for 5-6 months.
At the same time, they do not dry out due to the dense skin and pulp, and for the same reason they do not suffer during transportation.

The tree itself is no less hardy, producing such long-lasting and strong fruits.

In 1996, Antey was included in the State Register of Varieties and Tree and Handicraft Species of Belarus for its hardiness and abundant fruiting.

Antey is a winter-hardy variety and is able to grow and bear fruit safely in regions of Russia where in winter the temperature drops below thirty degrees.

Winter varieties also include: Idared, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Aport and Antonovka vulgaris.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Antey variety apple tree is popular among both summer residents and farmers. The fruits are marketable, shelf-stable and transportable. They have an attractive appearance and pleasant taste. They are quite resistant to diseases and can withstand even severe winter frosts.

The Antey variety is valued for its large and beautiful fruits with a pleasant taste.

Pros:

• good yield;
• early fruiting - apples are formed in the third year;
• frost resistance;
• excellent keeping quality;
• transportability;
• stable fruiting.

Minuses:

• The variety is self-sterile - the presence of pollinators is mandatory;
• no immunity to scab;
• fruits may vary in size.

Pollination

Most apple trees are self-fertile ; to bear fruit they require trees with which cross-pollination is possible.

Antey is no exception , so it is recommended to plant it next to other varieties with an average flowering period.

These can be almost any autumn or summer varieties - of which the best are: Welsey, Anise, Autumn Striped, Saffron Pepin. Winter varieties do not pollinate well with each other.

Summer varieties Zolotoe Letneye, Doch Papirovka, Yandykovsky, Orlovim and Dachny can be used as pollinators.

Reviews

Victoria Alekseevna, 50 years old, Ukraine: “Antey is one of my favorite varieties. Juicy fruits, but with a pleasant sourness that does not spoil them at all. The fruit stores well until next spring.”

Nikita, 57 years old, Moscow region: “Antey is growing up at our dacha, we don’t go there very often. Once I got scab a couple of times, it was overlooked. After that, they began to spray well in the spring for prevention, and there were no more problems. Otherwise, no complaints - an excellent apple tree, unpretentious and productive, the taste of the fruit is simply ideal.”

Description of the variety Antey

Let us consider separately the appearance of the apple tree and the fruit itself.

The height of the tree is average, reaching 2.5 meters.

The crown is sparse, round-pyramidal , clearly divided into tiers , which facilitates formative and sanitary pruning, as well as fruit collection.

The leaves are large, dark green in color, have long petioles, the edges are cut with rounded teeth, the stipules are semilunar or lanceolate.

The base of the leaf is rounded, the tip is pointed.

Fruiting is mixed, but ringlets predominate; the tree can begin to bloom and bear fruit from another two to three years.

Flowering time is average - buds bloom in mid-May.

Apples of the Antey variety are large in size , weighing on average from 200 to 250 grams.

These apples have a blunt-conical, slightly faceted shape with a rather wide folded saucer and a deep, usually rusty funnel.

The sepals are closed, sometimes they can be half-open.

The stalks are often set obliquely.

The fruit is covered with a bright red or purple color, evenly washed out over the main green tone.

The abundant waxy coating gives the peel a bluish tint.

The pulp of apples of this variety is dense, juicy, pale greenish, the seeds are large, the seed chambers are open, medium-sized, the heart is bulbous.

Diseases and pests

History of selection

Antey was bred by an employee of the Belarusian Research Institute of Potato and Fruit and Vegetable Growing, G.K. Kovalenko, by crossing apple trees of the Newtosh and Babushkino , and subsequent crossing of the resulting hybrid with the Belarusian raspberry .

This was not the breeder’s first successful attempt to create a fruitful and tasty winter variety of apples - Belarusian Raspberry was also his brainchild. Antey inherited many qualities from this variety.

Origin and zoning

The “Antey” apple tree was obtained by specialists from the “Institute of Fruit Growing” (Belarus) as a result of crossing well-known winter varieties: “Belarusian Raspberry” with the hybrid “Newtosh” and “Babushkino”. The resulting frost-resistant and unpretentious variety, the fruits of which can be stored for a long time, was highly appreciated by professionals and amateur gardeners in Russia and Belarus. The apple tree is also being tested in the conditions of Polesie and the Steppe zone of Ukraine.

In the photo - the Belarusian Raspberry apple tree, which served as one of the parent forms

The plant is characterized by the fact that it tolerates frost well and even under unfavorable conditions its fruits do not decrease in size and do not lose their taste . In Russia, the variety is zoned and recommended for cultivation in the North-Western and Central regions; in Belarus it is cultivated everywhere.

Region of natural growth

Despite the fact that the Antey variety was created in fairly southern latitudes, where frosty winters are rare, this apple tree is not afraid of the cold.

The tree is quite unpretentious and does not require any additional measures for adaptation in regions with harsh climates.

In addition, the flowering period allows the buds and ovaries of the plant to avoid severe spring frosts.

When planting young seedlings, it is useful to treat the root system with phytohormones to stimulate the formation of new roots and more rapid adaptation to new conditions.

Ripening and fruiting

Fruiting of the variety is one of the important features for which gardeners value Antey.

Beginning of fruiting

The first fruits can be collected even in the second year after planting a young one-year cutting.

Deadlines

The timing of harvesting and storing the fruits of the Antey variety is typical for a winter apple tree.

Maturation

Depending on the climatic conditions of the region, fruit ripening can vary from mid-September to mid-October.

Ripe apple fruits.

Fruit storage

If you store harvested fruits on time correctly, the taste of the fruits and their appearance will be preserved until April. It is only important to ensure the correct temperature, sufficient humidity and ventilation.

Productivity

Unlike a significant part of other apple varieties, Antey does not have a clearly defined cyclicity in fruiting.

It lays flower buds not every year, but every year , so even in those seasons when other apple trees practically do not produce a harvest, trees of this variety stand strewn with ripening fruits.

The number of apples on one adult plant is about 50 kilograms ; when planted according to a five by three scheme, you can achieve a yield of up to 40 tons per square hectare of garden. Due to regular and abundant fruiting, this variety is commercially valuable.

The fruits reach maturity in the second half of September or early October.

Their consumer maturity comes approximately two months after picking the apples , the tone of the peel and pulp becomes a little warmer, slightly yellowish.

From winter to mid-spring, Antey retains all its taste qualities.

Pay attention to other fruitful varieties of apple trees: Dessertny Petrova, Papirovka, Orlovskoe Polesie, Marat Busurin and Orlovskoe Polesie.

Growing in different regions

The characteristics of the variety make it possible to grow the Antey apple tree in different regions. It will only be necessary to slightly adapt the growing and care conditions.

In the Moscow region and Leningrad region

These regions are ideally suited for the cultivation of the Antey variety. Here he is not afraid of even periodic frosts. But, as in other regions, you need to pay attention to protection against scab.

In Ukraine

The territory of Ukraine is excellent for growing this variety. No special care will be required, except that in particularly dry steppe regions it will be necessary to increase the amount of moisture.

In Belarus

The variety was developed in this region and is ideal for cultivation. There will be no requirements or peculiarities of cultivation and care.

Planting and care

This undemanding plant does not require labor-intensive care .

All his needs are limited to basic procedures that are also necessary for all other varieties of apple trees:

• watering in dry weather,
• feeding,
• formative pruning,
• sanitary pruning,
• treatment against pests and diseases.

to start planting young trees in the fall rather than in the spring - after the leaves fall, the period during which the plant takes root safely is much longer than before the buds open.

Over the summer, the plants managed to accumulate nutrients before wintering, their growth period has ended, and they tolerate moving to a new place quite easily, the main thing is to have time to plant them in the ground before frost so that fresh roots have time to appear.

To plant apple trees, you need to choose a well-lit area with light and fairly fertile neutral soil.

High-lying groundwater and acidified soil are not the best option; you should make sure that the area of ​​the future garden is sufficiently dry.

However, it is dangerous to dry out the roots ; before planting, you need to keep them slightly damp, wrapped in waterproof material, and immediately when preparing to place the seedlings in a permanent place, put them in water for several hours.

After trimming the dead and broken roots, a mound of fertile garden soil is poured into the hole prepared for the apple tree, over which they are evenly distributed.

The hole needs to be dug taking into account the fact that the root collar should be 2-3 centimeters above the surface of the earth.

At best, deepening the neck can lead to delayed development and fruiting; at worst, the plant will die.

Having dug a support peg if necessary, you need to cover the roots with soil, carefully compacting it as you pour it into the hole.

You can't trample it too hard. A small mound should remain above the soil level, which will settle after abundant watering.

Having tied up and watered the seedling (it is useful to add root formation stimulants to the water), all that remains is to top up the soil if it has settled too much, and you can leave it to take root quietly.

Apple trees are pruned in the spring, from March to May .

Thanks to the sparse crown divided into tiers, Antey is easily formed in an optimal way, and minimal work is required on the correct arrangement of branches.

But the removal of tops and dead branches should be done regularly. Dead branches are a breeding ground for fungus and woodworm and should not be left on the tree.

In hot, dry weather, trees need watering. The optimal volume of water sufficient to saturate the soil layer with roots is 50-80 liters.

For good growth and fruiting, apple trees are fed with fertilizers that contain sufficient amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen, which are important for the formation of flower buds.

These can be either complex mineral fertilizers or organic bird droppings are ideal Fertilizer application is usually carried out:

• after flowering,
• at the beginning of fruit ripening,
• in August-September (to support the root system).

The frequency of fertilization depends on the fertility and density of the soil.

If the soil is light, permeable and poor, then it is advisable to fertilize the trees every year; in a denser and richer substrate they will feel good, receiving fertilizing once every three years.

With sufficient nutrients, moisture and light, apple trees will quickly begin to bear fruit regularly and abundantly.

Preparing for winter

At an early age, winter Antey apple trees have poor frost resistance, so they need insulation for several years.

10 days before the onset of the first cold weather, all garbage is removed from the garden and digging is carried out. The lower part of the trunk and skeletal branches is treated with slaked lime. Then they are covered with peat, wrapped in film, with a fine metal mesh on top to protect against rodents.

The crown is wrapped in burlap or roofing felt.

In the spring, when above-zero temperatures stabilize, the insulating material is removed.

Appearance

The Antey apple tree does not grow too tall - about 2.5 m, its crown is pyramidal, but is not prone to thickening, although the plant grows quite quickly - and this greatly facilitates the care of the tree. The foliage on the apple tree is large, oval, dark green in color, with clearly visible veins. The fruits are large, with a characteristic apple sourness and delicate aroma, and at the same time very colorful - they are covered with a bright reddish-purple peel, and their flesh is slightly greenish, juicy and dense in consistency.

additional characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive properties of this variety include the following:

• Long shelf life of fresh fruits;
• High frost resistance;
• Regular fruiting.

The main disadvantage is that it is affected by scab.

The Antey apple tree is prone to scab.

Dimensions

The tree is medium-sized up to 3 meters in height . The crown is sparse, pyramidal-rounded, divided into tiers, up to 3 meters in diameter .

Productivity

The productivity of the variety is high . One mature tree can produce up to 50 kg of fruit.

Tasting assessment

The fruits have a sweet and sour taste and are high in nutrients. Apples contain:

• Dry matter – up to 13.0%;
• Titrated acid – up to 0.65%;
• Sugars – up to 10.0%;
• Ascorbic acid – up to 21 mg per 100 grams of fruit;
• Carbohydrates – up to 9.0%;
• Proteins – up to 0.4%;
• Pectin – up to 12%;
• P-active substances – up to 370 mg per 100 grams of fruit.

Winter hardiness

Winter hardiness is high . The tree is able to withstand temperatures below minus 30 C without negative consequences for further development.

Disease resistance

The apple tree is moderately resistant to pests. Affected by scab.

Lifespan of a tree

The lifespan of a tree is 30-35 years , of which the active period is from 5 to 25 years of development.

Antey actively bears fruit from 5 to 25 years of age.

Zoning

This variety was bred by breeders of the Republic of Belarus at the end of the twentieth century. Due to its frost resistance, the variety is grown in all regions of our country.

Look at the video description of the Antey apple tree:

Fruit characteristics

The size of the fruit is larger than average or large (weight 160-210 g), the shape is round-conical, slightly flattened, with wide ribs smoothed along the entire length. The skin is medium thick, dense, smooth, slightly oily. The entire surface is covered with a bluish waxy coating. The main color is yellow-green, the integumentary color is an almost solid bright red blush with burgundy streaks. Subcutaneous points are few, light, and clearly visible.

The pulp is light cream with a greenish tint, medium density, fine-grained, juicy. Taste – sweet and sour, tasting score – 4.1-4.3 (out of 5). The biochemical composition of the fruit contains:

Apples are universally used - used fresh for food, and are also suitable for all types of processing.

Subspecies and options

On a dwarf rootstock

To reduce labor costs when growing trees and harvesting, an increasing number of breeders are growing apple trees on dwarf rootstock. The Antey variety is no exception.
One of the types of rootstock when grown in this way is rootstock 62-396.

After planting, the central conductor is shortened, its length should be 40 cm, the side shoots are cut so that their length is 15-18 cm, they are bent to create wide angles in relation to the central conductor.

Otherwise, the cultivation is the same as for the usual method of forming a tree.

In the video below you can see the Antey apple tree on a dwarf rootstock:

Columnar variety

The Antey apple tree can also be grown in a columnar form - when the branches of the tree grow upward and the crown is small. The properties inherent in the variety remain unchanged.

Features of seasonal care

During the growing season, the apple tree requires nutrients, moderate amounts of water, crown adjustments and soil care.

Abundance of watering

Young seedlings need to be watered much more often than mature apple trees. Plan the first watering in the spring before the buds open and then repeat moistening the soil after 2-3 weeks. The second watering for adult plants is done when they fade, as well as during the growth period of greenfinches. It is advisable to carry out the last water procedure several weeks before harvesting.

The rate of water poured under each tree depends on its age: 2 buckets are enough for one-year-old seedlings, 3-4 buckets for two-year-old seedlings, and 6 to 10 buckets for older ones.

The role of mulch

Each watering should end with cultivating the soil in tree trunk circles

It is important to loosen it in time and clear it of weeds. To prevent moisture from evaporating and weeds from growing, experienced owners lay hay or other mulch under the trees

In this case, it is important to retreat 10-15 cm from the trunks. Otherwise, microorganisms that appear in the decomposing material will easily penetrate the roots of the tree, which, at best, will lead to its diseases

With the beginning of active growth, apple trees are watered with an infusion of chicken manure to increase green mass. During the formation of the ovary, a solution of nitroammophoska, ammonium nitrate (1 tablespoon each), calcium chloride (1.5 tablespoons) and superphosphate (150 g) will be very useful for the tree.

All ingredients must be dissolved in a bucket of water. The next feeding is important at the end of summer. In order to prepare the apple tree for winter, it is advisable to fertilize it with autumn mineral complexes or a superphosphate solution (50 g per 1 liter of water).

Preventative treatment

In the case of Antey, you shouldn’t wait for the first signs of illness; it’s better to be proactive. To do this, in early spring, spray the apple tree with a solution of copper sulfate (50 g per 1 l).

An alternative to it are the following drugs: “Albit”, “Skor”, “Hom”, which must be diluted in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations.

Pruning and crown formation

The crown of the hybrid does not require heavy pruning, since it is not prone to intensive thickening. However, every spring, before the start of sap flow, it is necessary to remove old and disease-affected branches from the tree, clear it of competing sprouts, leaving the stronger one.

Ideally, the bottom layer of branches should consist of third-year growth; on an apple tree, all shoots should receive uniform lighting and not cast shadows on each other. The cut location is just above the third eye. When forming the crown, do not forget to rejuvenate its core.

Preparing for winter

Only young, immature seedlings need shelter for the winter. Their trunk circles are covered with mulch made from humus or compost, and the trunk and branches are wrapped in thick fabric. Mature apple trees will need to be protected from rodents.

To do this, you can hide the trunk behind a fine mesh, roofing felt or spruce branches. In just a few years, Antey apple trees will thank you for your basic care with a good harvest, from which you can make a profit if you wish.



The Antey apple tree is a winter variety characterized by excellent taste and product characteristics. Being the result of crossing a hybrid of winter varieties Babushkino and Newtosh with Belarusian Raspberry, it is distinguished by regular fruiting, good yield and high frost resistance.

Main conclusions

1. The Antey apple tree is one of the best winter varieties of apples, which are characterized by low maintenance, a fairly long shelf life and excellent transportability.
2. The fruits of the Antey apple tree are large in size and bright in color, which, combined with a characteristic sweet and sour taste and delicate aroma, make the variety popular for commercial cultivation.
3. It is best to plant the Antey apple tree in early autumn, since in this case the seedling will have time to form a normal root system and survive the winter safely, whereas during spring planting all the plant’s energy will be spent on growth and bud opening to the detriment of root formation.
4. Caring for the Antey apple tree consists of timely and abundant watering, weeding and loosening the soil (mulching the tree trunk circle will help in these matters), as well as feeding the plant at least three times a season.
5. Considering the particular propensity of the Antey variety to scab, as well as to damage by certain pests, to prevent such troubles in the spring, at the beginning of the season, trees should be treated with fungicides and insecticides, as well as whitewashing the trunk and setting up traps for pests.
6. The Antey harvest is harvested in September-October and the fruits are allowed to rest for a couple of months - that’s when they truly reveal their taste.