If you want to enjoy apples of decent taste until the onset of spring, it is recommended to look at the apple tree called Memory of Kovalenko. Today, garden crops are successfully grown by Russian gardeners in the middle zone, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with the advantages and studying information about the features of garden crops, which will help beginners and experienced gardeners in obtaining a decent harvest.
Description of the variety
The Pamyati Kovalenko apple tree appeared thanks to the work of a team of Belarusian scientists. The distinctive quality of the new species is the low tree trunk and compact crown shape. Such features make it possible today not to use dwarf rootstocks and to form dense plantings.
The description classifies the variety as a late-winter variety, which indicates the possibility of long-term storage of fruits. Initially, the hybrid was bred as resistant to cold and frost, but the growing practice of the last 10 years indicates that the trees are insufficiently resistant to too low temperatures.
Characteristics
The Pamyati Kovalenko variety produces fruits of an attractive presentation, which allows it to be grown on an industrial scale. Apples have a regular round shape or slightly reminiscent of a cone. Their average weight reaches 160 g.
The skin of the apple fruit is dense, the surface is smooth, shiny in appearance and looks like it has been rubbed with oil. At the moment of final ripening, the apples acquire a dark red color with a characteristic blush that occupies most of the fruit.
Fruits can stay on branches for a long time, so the problem of massive shedding is not typical for trees.
Pros and cons of the variety
The advantages of the variety include its compactness and good ability to form a crown of the correct shape. The advantages of a garden plant include:
- regular fruiting;
- high rate of fruiting of commercial quality fruits;
- resistance to scab;
- short deadlines for early fruit yield.
The taste and commercial benefits of apples are preserved for a long period. The disadvantages include the insufficient ability of trees to tolerate long-term low-temperature environmental conditions.
Dimensions of an adult tree, annual growth
Trees of this variety are not very large, and the branches formed at almost right angles and the rarity of their arrangement allow an increase in planting density. The shoots are formed of medium thickness and have a moderate growth capacity. The height of the tree can reach 4 m, the crown diameter can be up to 3 m. On average, the annual growth is no more than 18 mm.
Frequency of fruiting
Gardeners note the regularity and sufficient abundance of fruiting of apple trees. During the cultivation process, no data were noted on the frequency of harvest yield. The first fruits are obtained in the 4th year. When using a semi-dwarf rootstock, the fruiting period is from 2 to 3 years, but the size and weight of the apples is reduced.
Productivity
The hybrid is characterized by stability and regularity of yield. When grown in private plots, the yield ranges from 40 to 50 kg. On an industrial scale, the value can reach 30 t/ha.
Tasting assessment
The apple pulp is yellowish-cream in color. The structure of the fruit is dense, juicy, fine-grained. The fruits have a sweet and sour dessert flavor and a pronounced apple aroma. On a 5-point tasting scale, the species received a rating of 4.5, and its taste was recognized as the standard.
Frost resistance
There are different estimates regarding the winter hardiness of the variety. Most experts classify the plant as winter-hardy and assess its ability to withstand cold as good. The trees winter well in central Russian regions and are able to withstand temporary temperature drops down to -45 °C.
Disease resistance
The advantage of the garden crop is the resistance of apple trees to scab.The weak point of garden crops is wood and tree bark, which may not withstand the invasion of pests and diseases.
Timing of flowering and fruit ripening
Hybrid Memory Kovalenko begins to bloom in May, but the timing can be adjusted by weather conditions. Late winter ripening makes it possible to harvest in late September. The fruits can be eaten immediately or stored for long-term storage. Fresh apples retain their taste and appearance until February.
Favorable areas for cultivation
Good yield rates and tree survival rates are recorded in central Russia and Belarus. Such areas are considered the most suitable for growing apple trees of the Pamyat Kovalenko variety.
