Description and characteristics of the Arkadik apple tree, its advantages and disadvantages

Apple trees occupy the first place in terms of area planted around the world. This species is known for its beneficial properties and excellent taste. Apple tree breeders are engaged in breeding, and their work has given culture lovers such a variety as Arkadik. It has enhanced protective properties and can be stored for a long time if the minimum requirements are met.

Selection of the Arkadik variety

Breeding is a branch of agriculture that actively develops methods for creating and breeding new varieties of plants or trees with improved qualities. Breeding methods are based on understanding genetic rules, predicting crosses and planning the results.

The Arkadik apple tree appeared at the beginning of this century, thanks to the crossing of several varieties - Arcadia Yellow and other representatives that showed resistance to frost.

In addition to Arkadika, there are varieties Yellow and Pink. Experts believe that Arkadika combines the best qualities of its predecessors.

What type does it belong to?

Apple trees that are grown for harvest are united under the guise of domestic apple. Further classification is determined by the size of trees, fruits, and degree of ripening. Arkadik belongs to the most common species - bushy.

Advantages and disadvantages

The compact size of Arkadik apple trees, high productivity, and frost resistance are considered an indisputable advantage. The disadvantages are the insufficient strength of the root system and the high cost of seedlings.

Varieties and external characteristics

Trees can reach 4 meters in length. When describing the Arkadik variety, they always mention the varieties that are part of this species.Much is similar in them, but there are differences.

Pink

Trees of this species are of a low-growing type. The fruits are a rich pink color, but they are small and flat. The largest ones reach 80 grams in weight. The trees are not very productive. Of all the varieties, breeders consider this variety to be the weakest.

Sugar

This variety provides about 200 kilograms of apples per tree, which is an indicator of high yield. The name comes from the high sucrose content. The fruits are juicy and have a pink-yellow hue.

Summer yellow

This type of Arkadika differs from related ones in the size of the fruit. They are smaller, can reach 70 grams. The color of the fruit is yellow, rich. In terms of taste, it is one of the most memorable. A significant drawback of the variety is the lack of resistance to a type of disease in fruit and berry crops – scab.

Features of culture

The goal of breeding the Arkadik variety was to obtain a variety that would not be susceptible to scab infection, resistant to low temperatures and retain its taste.

Resistance to sub-zero temperatures

Arkadik has become not only a frost-resistant variety, but also received a high rating according to this classification. It has the ability to withstand frosts down to -35 °C, while maintaining all its qualities.

Resistance to insects and diseases

Scab is a fungal disease that can affect any plant and damage a significant part of the crop. Selection manipulations made Arkadik stable:

• to scab;
• to other fungal diseases;
• to the harmful spread of insects.

In what regions is it grown?

The variety was created for the regions of central Russia. This area is known for the sharp drop in temperatures at night during the autumn period of the year.It is suitable for planting in the far Moscow region. It is successfully grown in the southern regions of central Siberia.

Apple tree productivity

The variety has earned its popularity due to its high yield. Up to 220 kilograms of apples are harvested from one tree. The fruits are characterized by the following characteristics:

• weight reaches 310 grams;
• color – pink-red;
• thin skin;
• shape – semi-oval, oblong;
• taste – sweet and sour, with a shift towards sweet.

Beginning of fruiting

Arkadik begins to bear fruit from the 3rd year of its existence. Ripe fruits cannot stand it and begin to fall off under their own weight.

Self-fertility and pollinator varieties

The peculiarity of Arkadik lies in its self-fertility, that is, if there is no second apple tree in the garden, the tree will only be half covered with ovary. If pollinators are present, budding will be complete. For pollination of Arkadik, varieties of summer type or early autumn maturity are suitable.

Flowering and ripening of apples

Flowering begins in late spring, apples can be harvested in late summer. This variety is considered early ripening.

How and when to harvest

Experts recommend focusing on weather conditions when harvesting. It is carried out in dry weather, in the afternoon.

Nutritional value and use of fruits

Apples are good for health; the average Arkadika fruit contains 94 kilocalories. It contains a lot of vitamins, natural fructose, and microelements necessary for the full functioning of the body.

Apples of this variety are suitable for cooking:

• marmalade;
• jam;
• marshmallows;
• applesauce.

Attention! This variety of apples is not recommended for use in baking or baked as a separate dish.

Landing technique

This type does not have any special requirements for landing. Experts recommend maintaining a distance between trees being planted; it should not be less than 7 meters.

Disembarkation dates

It is better to plant the variety in the fall, but you can do it in the spring.

Spring

The spring planting period has a limit - from the end of April to the end of May, beginning of June. Experts consider soft planting soil to be the only requirement.

Autumn

At the end of summer, after cleaning the area, Arkadik is planted in soft soil until the end of October.

Preparing the seedling and planting hole

The seedling is laid out, the roots are straightened, debris is removed, and bad areas are trimmed. Dig a hole, the width and depth of which should not exceed 1 meter.

Procedure technology

A tree is planted in the center of the hole, the roots are directed down, covered with earth, leaned against supports, tied up, covered with earth, and compacted. After watering and absorbing moisture, the lack of soil is replenished.

How to properly care

To get a harvest, you need to water the plant properly. The apple tree requires systematic watering. The variety is resistant to drought, but it does not have the ability of succulents to store moisture, so its lack affects the ovary, and later on fruiting.

Choosing the best watering

There are several types of watering for fruit crops

Surface

This method involves watering through channels and longitudinal furrows around the plants. Suitable for gardens where strict tree planting is used.

Drip

This is a specially created system that provides moisture access directly to the root of a particular plant.

Sprinkling

The technique is used for long-distance watering with a hose; under pressure, water flows onto the tree crown in the form of rain.

Tree feeding

Feeding is carried out with organic fertilizers:

• nitrogen-containing;
• ammonia-supplemented;
• potassium-phosphorus.

Crown trimming and shaping

Crown formation is important for tree growth and development. It is carried out in the second year of the apple tree’s existence. Pruning is done in the traditional way, after 3-4 buds. Prune in spring and autumn. Information! The branches are adjusted after harvesting.

Protection from diseases and insects

Preventive protective measures include:

• cleansing of old bark;
• spraying with karbofos to protect against ticks;
• regular watering and inspection.

Preparing for winter

In order to prepare the tree for wintering, the following activities are carried out:

• cut off excess branches;
• whitewash the trunk to protect it from the bright winter sun and repel pests;
• young seedlings are covered with thick bags or polyethylene.

With proper care, apple trees of the Arkadik variety will delight you with an excellent harvest.