At the moment, there are a very large number of summer, autumn and winter varieties of apple trees.
Breeders annually improve the qualities of old fruit crops or develop new hybrids through crossing. Thus, not so long ago, the foreign variety Modi was bred, which in a fairly short time spread throughout Europe.
The variety was released into Russia quite recently, where, thanks to its qualities and characteristics, it was appreciated in horticulture. In order to find out why the apple tree is so popular in Russian gardens, you need to familiarize yourself with its advantages in more detail.
Description, photo
Modi is a winter variety of apple tree. The fruit crop was developed not so long ago - in 1982 by the Italian selection of the consortium of fruit nurseries CIV by crossing the well-known varieties Gala and Liberty.
Thanks to its characteristics, the apple tree has gained great popularity not only in its homeland, but also in other countries.
The variety is characterized by high frost resistance, immunity to fungal diseases and high yield.
The apples of this fruit crop have very good taste and contain a large amount of nutrients and vitamins, which makes them very valuable in retail trade and processing.
Apple tree Modi.
You can see what the Modi apple tree looks like in more detail in the video below:
Features of the variety
The variety was obtained by cross-breeding the maternal varieties Gala and Liberty in 1982. The result was an environmentally friendly variety that is resistant to scab and other diseases, severe frosts, and produces a large harvest of beautiful, bright and juicy fruits.
Despite its age, the variety was never included in the State Register of the Russian Federation. However, this does not prevent him from enjoying success among gardeners.
The Modi apple tree, a description of the variety and photos of which can often be seen on websites for gardeners, is distinguished by its annual fruiting of large, attractive-looking apples. A good indicator of frost resistance allowed the variety to spread throughout Russia.
The tall, densely leafy plant has genetic resistance to major diseases. The combination of such qualities with record keeping quality makes it possible to grow fruit trees for personal needs and for industrial sales.
Modì apples work best in both raw and cooked dishes such as baking and frying. In their raw form, they can be eaten by cutting into slices and mixing with green salads or served with cheese.
They can also be used to make pies, chips, muffins and scones. This variety pairs well with spinach, fennel, nutmeg, garlic and smoked salmon. When stored in a dark, cool place, the fruits do not lose their quality for more than 2 weeks. When kept in the refrigerator, apples do not lose their taste for several months.
additional characteristics
Advantages and disadvantages
The apple tree has many advantages compared to other fruit crops.
The positive qualities of the Modi variety include the following indicators:
- Good yield;
- High transportability;
- Long period of storage of fruits;
- Frost resistance;
- Immunity to scab and powdery mildew.
The variety also has good resistance to aphids.
No significant deficiencies were identified in the fruit crop.
Dimensions of an adult tree
Medium sized apple tree . The cone-shaped crown is quite wide in size.
Annual growth
no more than 8 cm every year
The annual growth is no more than 8 cm.
Frequency of fruiting
The most important advantages of the variety include annual regular fruiting without a decline in yield even in the most unfavorable years.
Productivity
In garden plots, more than 150 quintals of fruits are harvested from one hectare; accordingly, the yield of one Modi apple tree will be about 50 kg.
The apple tree yield reaches 50 kg.
Tasting assessment
Large apples 180 – 230 gr. elongated in shape, with thick skin, light green in color, with a red blush over the entire surface. The pulp is dense, crispy, sweet and sour taste, very juicy. The tasting assessment of consumer qualities is estimated at - 4.8 points.
Apples Modi.
Winter hardiness
The variety is quite frost-resistant , has good resistance to spring frosts and sub-zero temperatures of 35 degrees. Thanks to these qualities, the tree does not freeze and the fruit buds quickly awaken from hibernation.
Immunity to scab and other diseases
Apple trees are rarely damaged by diseases such as scab and powdery mildew. Has good resistance to aphids.
Without proper care and chemical treatments, apple trees develop fruit rot and rust on the leaves.
Fruit rot.
Leaf rust.
Watch a video about fighting fruit rot:
And also a video about methods of combating leaf rust:
Description of the Modi apple tree variety
Apple trees of this variety are quickly gaining fans due to their unusual qualities, attractive appearance, and high levels of transportability. Because of the last point, they can be transported to any corner of the world without fear of losing the harvest, which is especially valued in the market. The apple trees themselves are winter-hardy, regularly produce consistently high yields, and most importantly, have stable immunity to fungal apple infections. With general indicators of crown compactness, and therefore high yield per hectare, the variety is recommended for growing in intensive commercial gardens, but such a tree will also be very useful in your own garden plot.
Apples: what it looks like
The fruits of this variety are large or even larger than large.
Their average weight ranges from 220-250 grams, but the maximum fruit can reach 280-300 grams. Their shape is predominantly regular, round or round-conical, it is symmetrical, the ribbing is not clearly expressed, but is sometimes noticeable. The funnel is medium in size and may be slightly rusty. The skin is smooth, shiny, glossy, dense, but not thick; sometimes a slight oily coating can be felt on the surface. Its main color is green, becoming yellow as it ripens, but it can hardly be seen under the integumentary blush. It is very dense, uniform, deep red or bright red in color, and occupies more than 95-98% of the surface of the fruit during the period of removable maturity. Subcutaneous dots are light, gray-green, small, numerous, clearly visible on the blush. The chemical composition is most easily assessed by the following indicators:
- P-active substances (catechins) – 320 milligrams.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) – 14.3 milligrams.
- Total sugars (fructose) – 12.1%.
- Pectins (fiber) – 9.6%.
- Titratable acids – 0.47%.
The pulp is dense, fine-grained, crispy, slightly prickly, but more tender, of a pleasant consistency, extremely juicy. It has a strong characteristic aroma, the taste is considered dessert, harmonious, balanced, sweet and sour, but more inclined to sweetness with sourness in the aftertaste. Professional tasters give these apples 4.8 points out of 5 for taste and appearance.
Apple tree Modi: characteristics
Crown and root system
The tree is considered medium-sized. It can grow to a maximum height of approximately 3.5-4 meters , but owners usually limit it to 2.5-3 meters for ease of harvesting and care.
It would be logical to call Modi a natural (natural) semi-dwarf. The crown has a pronounced pyramidal or cone-shaped shape, which makes shaping much easier; over the years it can become broadly oval. The runs are strong, of medium thickness, long, fruiting is concentrated on the ringlets. The leaves are large, dense, slightly elongated, glossy, shiny, with delicate nerves. They are short-pointed, finely crenate, and the edges can be folded into a boat. They are rich green in color, can be dark green or emerald, and have slight pubescence on the reverse side. The root system is superficial, branched, and may or may not have a central core, depending on the rootstock.
Productivity and pollination
The variety is classified as high-yielding, which is unusual for such a compact size tree.
From one trunk you can collect 65-80 kilograms of very tasty and beautiful apples per season. Thus, with a small occupied area, one hectare of an intensive garden will produce approximately 200-220 centners of fruit.
Modi is considered completely self-fertile, that is, to produce apples it does not need other varieties with a suitable flowering period. However, gardeners recommend planting these apple trees interspersed to maximize fertility. It also doesn’t hurt to spray the trees with sugar or honey syrup during the flowering period.
Winter hardiness and disease resistance
The apple tree has very good resistance to frost, but it does not really like sudden changes in temperature. Modi can tolerate -25-27°C without any problems and bear fruit as before, if they last no more than 3-4 weeks in a row. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to properly protect the trees from frost for the winter; this will protect them from death during the cold period.
The variety has immune protection against scab, powdery mildew and some other fungal infections. Therefore, there is no need to worry about getting sick from them. The plant is not very afraid of attacks from aphids and other insects, but it is better to treat it with insecticides regularly and in a timely manner. Other diseases abundantly affect the apple tree, so prevention will not hurt.
Rootstocks and subspecies
There are no subspecies or variants of the Modi variety. Therefore, if the seller offers you some kind of Modi early or Modi red, it is better to refuse the purchase. Apple trees are grown on a wide variety of rootstocks, which is why the compactness, shape and spreading of the crown and root system can vary.
Reviews
Stepan. Vologda Region. “The Modi variety ended up in my garden plot quite by accident.
A neighbor bought two seedlings and gave one to me in a friendly manner. For several years now, these two apple trees have been growing across the fence from each other and every year they delight us with their fruits. The apples are of excellent taste and commercial quality and are among the very first to be sold at the market. And at home we eat them for quite a long time, almost until spring. My wife makes good preserves and preserves from them.”
Julia. Ivanovo. “I am a lover of all varieties of apple trees, but I give the greatest preference to the Modi variety. These are very beautiful, tasty fruits, with very aromatic and juicy pulp. I don’t know why, but it’s very difficult to find them on the shelves of our stores.”
Catherine. Krasnodar region. “Having planted the Modi apple tree on my plot, I have not regretted my choice of this variety. But this is not surprising, because before purchasing I spent a long time studying the photo and description of the variety. The tree is unpretentious in care, adapts well to weather conditions, and is not susceptible to fungal diseases and aphids. The variety is quite high-yielding, which allows not only our family, but also our neighbors to eat the fruits fresh until May. The apples are large, sweet and sour taste, juicy and dense.”
Advantages and disadvantages
The Modi apple tree is attractive for a number of properties. The decorative appearance of the crown, abundant flowering and bright ripe fruits act as a natural decoration of the site.
The list of positive qualities includes:
- high transportability;
- attractive external characteristics of the fruit;
- universal use for consumption and processing;
- frost resistance;
- annual fruiting;
- genetic resistance to scab and major fungal diseases;
- abundant yield.
There are no objective disadvantages of the variety. A minor drawback is the demands on the place of growth and soil composition.
Features of planting and care
Landing
Deadlines
There are two seasons for planting seedlings:
- Spring before the first buds bloom;
- Autumn 1 month before the first frost.
For Modi, both autumn and spring planting are possible.
Advice! For good survival of the fruit crop, planting should not be delayed.
Technology
On good soil for planting a seedling, dig a hole 60 cm deep and 80 cm wide.
Humus and mineral fertilizers are added to the hole, dug up with soil, a mound is formed and in a horizontal position .
Then the roots of the tree are carefully distributed in different directions and carefully buried with soil. After planting, a hole is formed near the tree trunk and watered with 3 buckets of water.
Distance
An adult tree has a fairly wide crown and a well-developed root system. In order for the apple tree to receive the required amount of nutrients and sunlight throughout its life, when planting a seedling, maintain a distance of 6 meters from other fruit crops.
Distance when planting fruit trees.
Agricultural technology and cultivation
Caring for an apple tree will not take much time, since the fruit crop is unpretentious in the choice of soil and has good adaptation to different growing areas. Caring for an apple tree includes the following procedures:
- Timely watering during droughts;
- Weeding and loosening of the tree trunk circle;
- Pest control;
- Fertilizer feeding.
Important! Since the fruit crop has a fairly high yield of large fruits, in order to avoid their underdevelopment and broken branches, gardeners recommend annually thinning out the ovaries and fruits.
Pruning and crown formation
Although the apple tree does not require special attention when growing, it is still worth taking more seriously when pruning and shaping the crown. The first pruning is carried out immediately after planting the seedling, shortening the branches by 1/3. With each subsequent year, all crooked, weak and diseased branches are removed.
Apple tree pruning diagram.
Pollinator varieties
The apple tree is a self-fertile crop in which pollination occurs due to wind and insects. But it is still worth planting in a plot with other varieties of apple trees with the same flowering period. This will promote a larger number of fruit sets.
Watch a video reviewing the best winter varieties of apple trees:
Care instructions
There are no special care recommendations, since the Modi apple tree requires standard operations:
- timely watering at least once every two weeks, in arid areas it should be watered at least once every 7-10 days;
- fertilizing is carried out at least twice per season;
- weeding and loosening are encouraged, as this increases soil aeration;
- Pruning is often only performed for sanitary purposes in the spring, since the Modi apple tree is not prone to thickening and does not require strong crown formation.
Features of ripening and fruiting
Fruiting
Start
The apple tree begins to bear fruit quite early; the harvest is formed on 1-2 year old wood.
Modi bears fruit on 1-2 year old wood.
Peculiarities
The high yield of the Modi fruit crop and its regular fruiting is facilitated by the fact that the tree bears fruits not only on the branches, but also on the trunk ringlets and spears.
Deadlines
Blooms
The apple tree blooms in the 3rd decade of May with beautiful white and pink flowers.
Maturation
The first fruits of the apple tree begin to ripen towards the end of September. Due to the fact that they hold on to the branches very tightly, eating apples is delayed until mid-October.
Modi apples ripen at the end of September.
Fruit storage
After picking, the apples do not deform for quite a long time . Due to their good transportability and keeping quality, they are consumed fresh until the month of May.
History of apple breeding
The Modi variety was first bred by Italian specialists from the Consortium of Italian Nurseries . For this purpose, two other varieties were crossed - Gala and Liberty. Scientists wanted to develop a variety that would have good disease resistance, marketability and unsurpassed taste. The breeders really coped with the task.
The variety was named in honor of the Italian artist Modigliani, in whose works the same shade of red that is present on apple hearths is often found.
Growing in regions
In outskirts of Moscow
The Modi apple tree can grow well in the Moscow region if you follow several growing characteristics. To do this, immediately after planting the seedling, the central conductor is shortened by 2–3 buds, which helps stimulate the growth of skeletal branches. Also, during the first year, the tree is regularly watered and treated for pests.
The Modi apple tree grows well in the Moscow region.
In Krasnodar region
The subtropical climate of the Krasnodar region contributes to the good development of the Modi variety . To avoid overloading the tree with fruits, which is so typical for this region, it is recommended to remove some of the ovaries. In this case, the quality of the crop, its size and taste increase.
Modi apple grown in the Krasnodar region.
Advice! In this region, it is recommended to enrich the soil with nutrients and fertilizers.
In Ukraine
In order for the Modi apple tree to take root well in Ukraine and develop well in the future, several important points must be observed:
- In the first years after planting the seedling, the tree trunk circle is kept clean, periodically weeding and loosening it: the soil near the trunk is mulched with rotted manure;
- With the beginning of fruiting, these procedures are stopped and the tree trunk circle is sown with a lawn.
Technology of planting young seedlings
The main task of the farmer at the initial stage is to choose the right planting material and carry out pre-planting preparation. The rate of plant survival on the site, and, accordingly, the level of productivity in the future will directly depend on this.
Did you know? In an hour, planting trees on an area of 1 hectare absorbs the same amount of carbon dioxide that 200 people emit in the same period of time.
The right choice of seedlings
When choosing seedlings, follow the following rules:
- Planting material should be purchased at sales points that offer plants zoned in a specific area.
- Select seedlings that are 1-2 years old - they take root on the site faster, unlike five-year-old specimens.
- Carefully evaluate the condition of the trunk - it should be smooth, with uniformly colored wood. One-year-old plants consist of a main conductor; two-year-old plants already have skeletal branches located in relation to the main trunk at an angle of 45° to 90°.
- If the purchase is made immediately before planting, it is better to give preference to bare-root seedlings (they are dug up before sale and then packaged in bags for transportation).
- If you cannot plant a seedling right away, it is better to buy a plant with a closed root - they are sold in the container in which they were originally grown.
- Always meticulously inspect the root collar - it is located 5 cm above the central taproot. In this place the trunk is slightly bent, and a healed wound or stump from the cut rootstock is clearly visible on the surface. If this wound is fresh, then you should not buy the plant, as it will not take root well.
- If possible, the condition of the root system should be assessed - it consists of several thick stem shoots and a large number of additional roots. Colored evenly, light gray. The root length should not be less than 30 cm.
- Pay attention to the description on the tag - it indicates the name of the variety, the name of the rootstock, the date of grafting and the regionalization of the plant.
Optimal time and place for landing
Planting time depends on the region of planned cultivation:
- in areas with a cool climate - before buds open, in April - mid-May, depending on the weather;
- in areas with mild, warm weather conditions - in September - early October, but no later than a month before the expected frost.
The planting site should be open, well lit, but protected from drafts. The plant does not develop well in shade and partial shade. The crop is demanding on soil quality. Grows well on chernozems, loams or meadow soils. Sandstones are not suitable for this variety.
If the soil is poor, then six months before planting, 10 kg of peat and sand, 20 kg of fresh manure and 500 g of superphosphate are added to each square meter of digging to a depth of 30 cm. If the level of the fertile layer is 15 cm, then there is no need to fertilize it additionally. It will be enough to carry out deep loosening 2-3 times.
Landing technology
A month before planting, the soil is loosened to a depth of 30 cm and disinfected with a 3% solution of copper sulfate. A week later, they begin to prepare a planting hole measuring 60x80 cm.
The top half of the soil is mixed with:
- 20 kg of compost or rotted manure;
- 300 g nitrophoska.
After this, pour 30 liters of warm (+30°C) water and leave for 3 weeks. Similar holes are dug for pollinators.
Important! A distance of at least 7 m must be maintained from the Modi apple tree to any other fruit crops.
The distance between trees and in rows is calculated based on the type of rootstock:
- vigorous - 6x6 m;
- dwarf - 4x3 m;
- plum/tall cherry - 5x4 m;
- plum/cherry low-growing - 3x3 m.
Diseases and pests
Modi apple trees have good resistance to many diseases . They are practically not susceptible to scab and powdery mildew, which are typical for many varieties of apples. They are also resistant to many pests, including aphids. This variety has good immunity to fungal diseases.
Despite its good disease resistance, the Modi apple tree can be susceptible to fruit rot and rust, which occur without proper care.
Rot can appear as a result of too high humidity and with a large thickening of the crown, which was not trimmed on time.
It can be identified by small brown spots on the fruit. The inside of the apple pulp becomes brown and bitter. Diseased fruits should be immediately removed from the branches, and the plant should be treated with iodine solution. This should be done if the harvest is still far away.- Rust may appear in late May or early June. Yellowish spots can be found on the leaves, which gradually turn rusty and grow throughout the plant. If you do nothing, the rust will spread to the branches with bark. To prevent such a disease, it is necessary to treat trees with Mancozeb. If there are affected parts, they should be removed.
Pests on Modi apple trees can include psyllid, green leafhopper and apple mite. You can get rid of them with the help of special drugs. Fitosporin, which is diluted in a ratio of 5:10, is suitable. They need to spray the crown and soil near the tree itself.
Productivity and specificity of pollination
For full fruiting, the Modi variety needs pollinators . Therefore, it is recommended to plant apple tree varieties with a similar flowering period in the garden plot. The popular varieties “Gala”, “Fuji”, “Golden Delicious” are best suited.
The fruits reach technical ripeness from the end of August until about mid-September. Ripening occurs a week earlier than Golden Delicious. Apples do not fall off, but experienced gardeners recommend not delaying harvesting. Fruiting occurs regularly, annually .
The variety is distinguished by high marketability, transportability and keeping quality of the harvested crop.
Productivity is high and increases with plant age. One mature tree produces about 50 kg, and with industrial cultivation, 150 centners of apples are harvested from 1 hectare.
“Modi” is characterized by excessive formation of fruits; therefore, thinning of the ovary is recommended.
Landing in the ground
Columnar apple trees of the Triumph variety do not tolerate haste. If planting is planned in the spring, you need to prepare the hole in the fall - during this time the soil will have time to prepare and combine with the applied fertilizers. In such a hole, the garden crop takes root better and may even bloom in the first year after planting. However, if the purchase of a seedling was spontaneous, you should plant it immediately. The technology for planting a columnar apple tree is as follows:
- recommended pit parameters 90 x 90;
- a small layer of crushed stone is placed on the bottom as drainage;
- then the stones are covered with 1-2 buckets of organic fertilizers (compost, humus) and 100-150 g of superphosphate;
- a seedling is placed on the fertile layer and covered with soil, which is slightly compacted;
- After planting, the plant is watered abundantly.
The place for planting the Triumph columnar apple tree should be well lit and windless. The soil for growth should be light, fertile, without close groundwater.
Agricultural technology and growing an adult tree
Agrotechnical measures are necessary for the active growth and development of a healthy tree.
Regularity of irrigation
During particularly dry periods of the year, it is necessary to irrigate the tree twice a week. An adult apple tree will need 4 buckets of water. In case of prolonged drought, it is allowed to increase the frequency of watering.
Fertilizer
Immediately after planting, it is necessary to add a fertilizer mixture that includes nitrogen. In the summer season, the tree will need fertilizing that contains potassium and phosphorus. The next feeding is carried out after the buds appear. Organic and mineral compounds are used.
Crown molding
The apple tree will need the first pruning immediately after planting. So, you should shorten the branches by 1/3. Each subsequent pruning is carried out as necessary. After harvesting, damaged and weak branches are removed, and the cut areas are treated with varnish.
Seasonal treatment against insects and infections
As a rule, the fruit tree is treated with a solution of iron sulfate. This is required to protect the tree from pests and diseases.
Also in this case, the time of the procedure is important.
The first treatment is carried out in early spring, when the buds have not yet begun to swell and the temperature is at least 5 degrees. Also during this period, attention is paid to the bark of the tree, where some pests could overwinter.
The next treatment is carried out during flowering, then after the tree has bloomed. And the last spraying is required in the fall.
