Description of the Gornoaltaiskaya apple tree variety, cultivation features and breeding history

Among fruit-bearing trees, crops bred in Russia deserve attention. They are adapted specifically to the climatic conditions of the Middle Zone. In this case, we will consider an apple tree of Gorno-Altai origin. The breed of fruit trees is maximally adapted to the climate of the country. The Altai fruit-bearing breed of mountain origin has distinctive features that need to be considered in detail.

History of variety development

This variety of fruit and berry plant was introduced in the post-war period.Let's consider the main points of the historical breeding of this plant variety:

1. This apple tree variety was first bred back in 1937 in Siberia at the Lisavenko Research Institute of Horticulture.
2. In 1949, this breed became interested in the highest ranks, which is why the seedlings were sent for state testing.
3. In 1959, the variety was recognized and then zoned in Siberia, as well as in the Volga-Vyatka region.

This variety of apple trees is very popular among gardeners in the Middle Zone to this day, as it has a number of advantages compared to other varieties.

The history of the fruit and berry plant, starting from the mid-twentieth century, was quite eventful, but during all this time the plant remained a semi-cultivated species.

Description of the Gorno-Altai apple tree

Let's begin to describe this type of plant with its dimensions. The apple tree has an average height of 3 to 3.5 meters. You also need to pay attention to other parameters inherent to this variety:

• the fruits contain a high content of vitamins and nutrients;
• after planting seedlings in open ground, after 4-5 years, the tree begins to bear its first harvest;
• ripe fruits as a whole are stored for a short time (usually the shelf life is about one month);
• an adult tree has good fruiting rates (average yield is 36 kilograms);
• ripe fruits have a characteristic ruddy red color, with small yellow-green inserts in the area of ​​the stalks.

This variety is maximally adapted to the unfavorable climatic conditions of the Middle Zone, which is why the apple tree bears fruit early (usually in late July or mid-August).

The fruits from this tree are small in size, usually weighing no more than 45 grams, but the distinctive feature of apples is their rich sweet and sour taste.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other variety of apples, Gorno-Altai fruit and berry trees are characterized by positive qualities and disadvantages. Let's look at the main advantages of this variety:

• high productivity;
• the tree is resistant to cold and disease;
• the apple tree bears fruit early;
• the fruits do not fall off when ripe;
• plants quickly recover from damage;
• young apple trees quickly stretch to the optimal size;
• young seedlings bear fruit after 4 years.

Among the disadvantages of this variety, it can be noted that the plant loves sunlight and does not tolerate excess humidity. In addition, when ripe, the fruits are located quite high, which makes it almost impossible to collect them all without auxiliary equipment.

During prolonged rainy weather, the skin on the fruit begins to crack, and in addition, ripe apples are stored for less than a month, since the fruit tree of this species does not tolerate excess moisture well.

Frost resistance of apple trees

Since this variety came from cold regions, it has some characteristic features:

• the plant easily tolerates low temperatures;
• loves sunlight;
• does not tolerate remote cultivation (the apple tree should not be placed far from other trees);
• does not tolerate excess humidity;
• It is recommended to cover young seedlings during severe frosts.

In case of abundant and early snowfall, it is not necessary to cover young trees, since the variety was bred specifically for cold conditions.

Young seedlings are sheltered at the base for the winter, and in the third or fourth year, insulation can be abandoned, since the tree should already have become stronger by this time.

Diseases and pests

This variety of fruit and berry tree is resistant to both diseases and pests. Let's look at the main points:

• the plant freely tolerates diseases, including scab;
• due to the composition of the bark of the Gorno-Altai apple tree, pests avoid it;
• In order for the tree to be resistant to diseases and pests, it needs to be fed with natural fertilizers.

The only thing this apple tree variety is afraid of is fungal diseases, but they appear only if the tree is not provided with appropriate care.

The Gorno-Altai apple tree is resistant to disease and also quickly recovers from damage, but it is not recommended to lose sight of the moment when the plant is affected by a fungal disease.

Growing regions

This tree variety is resistant to cold weather, but grows best in the following regions:

1. Middle Strip.
2. Far East.
3. Southern part of Siberia.
4. Volga region and other southern regions of Central Russia.

At the same time, apple trees feel comfortable in the northern regions, but plant fertility decreases here.

Regardless of the region in which this apple tree variety grows, it requires care (especially in the first years), otherwise you may not expect a bountiful fruit harvest.