Apricot from new patented varieties called Saratov ruby is a guarantee of a bountiful harvest every year. Particular attention to the new product from gardeners and farms is ensured by its high frost resistance and good disease resistance. The Saratov ruby can be found in the garden of amateurs and large agricultural enterprises.
History of the appearance of the variety
It is intended for cultivation in the southern regions of Russia and in the Central Zone, where the climate is quite changeable.It was bred and patented by a breeder from Saratov, A.M. Golubev. by crossing such elite varieties as Krasavets and Pharaoh.
In 2012, the Saratov ruby began its “march” through the Volga regions.
Description
In the Middle and Lower Volga regions, the Saratov ruby apricot variety reaches maximum yields. As for other regions, it has not yet completed testing in appropriate climatic conditions.
According to the description of the variety, this is a mid-early crop. By mid-July, the fruits reach ripeness and can now be eaten fresh, dried or canned in any known way.
And according to tasters, their taste is 4.4-4.5 points. Apricots are well transported, even with high humidity they will not crack, and in a cold room, where the temperature is about +5 ° C, they can be stored for up to 2 months.
Characteristic
The Saratov ruby variety is characterized by excellent taste and attractiveness of its fruits.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
It is believed that this variety is quite frost-resistant and will overwinter when the temperature drops even below -36 ° C. What is noteworthy is that both the wood of the tree and the flower buds resist frost. This is a big plus for the North of Russia. In addition, apricot has a long dormant period.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
Saratov ruby is a self-fertile variety. Many other varieties of apricots can become pollinators for it.
Any of the following properties may be important when choosing:
- frost resistance;
- taste;
- reliability.
These can be varieties such as:
- Gourmand;
- Manitoba;
- Dessert Golubeva;
- Generous and others.
Productivity, fruiting
If the plant is grafted correctly, it will begin to bear fruit early - already 2-3 years after planting. The variety's yield is average - up to 338 centners per hectare, but the tree bears fruit every year without interruption. Apricot will require crop rationing.
It forms too many ovaries, which threatens the fruits becoming smaller. In addition, with strong gusts of wind, they will begin to crumble before reaching full maturity. It is enough to carry out the procedure correctly to avoid such problems.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The resistance of this fruit crop to fungal diseases is one of the clear advantages of this variety. The tree is extremely rarely attacked by moniliosis, fruit rot and clasterosporiosis. But if this happens, the apricot is in real danger. Prevention provides some protection against the spread of any of these diseases.
There is even a well-developed preventive spraying scheme for this variety. The first treatment with copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture, and at the same time with Zircon, aimed at increasing immunity, should take place in early spring, before the buds begin to bloom, the last - in the fall, when the last leaves have fallen.
And yet no one is immune from diseases. If something like this does happen and the tree gets sick, all methods of control are good. Even if there are no obvious signs of disease, and only fruits are falling off on the tree, there is no visible reason to do so without chemicals. Otherwise, the diseased tree will quickly be overcome by pests such as plum moths, fruit moths or pollinated plum aphids.
Pros and cons of the variety
The undoubted advantages of the Saratov ruby include:
- annual fruiting;
- stable yield;
- resistance to fungal diseases;
- excellent taste of fruits;
- transportability.
If we talk about the disadvantages, these are the need for pollinating apricots and crop rationing. Although many gardeners are unlikely to consider this a disadvantage.
Landing Features
The rules for planting this tree are simple and by following them, you can count on the development of a healthy tree. Location and soil. Yes, the ability of the Saratov ruby to survive in severe frosts is an established fact. But you still need to plant it in a sunny place, just not in the southern part of the garden. There is no need for the kidneys to wake up ahead of time.
No flooded lowlands or wetlands so that water does not stagnate in the roots. And be sure to provide shelter for the tree from northern winds. And then you will get large sweet fruits.
This variety is unpretentious, but light, air- and moisture-permeable soils are preferable. Apricots do not like acidic soils. Apricot Saratov ruby has managed to gain numerous admirers in the short period of its existence. There were many amateur and professional gardeners who had already appreciated the frost resistance and annual harvests of this fruit crop with delicious apricots.
