Description of the varieties and characteristics of the Pioneer apple tree variety, growing rules in the regions

The variety of varieties of fruit and berry crops makes you think about choosing the right option. Apple trees are a common planting in garden plots; Pioneer is considered one of the popular varieties. The tree performs the function of decorating or zoning an area as a hedge. The apple tree brings a regular abundant harvest of delicious fruits. Apples of this variety are a storehouse of useful and nutritious substances.

Description of the Pioneer variety

The Pioneer apple tree is a decorative fruit tree. Obtained thanks to selective experiments with the Nedzvetsky variety, which took place on the basis of the Pavlovsk experimental station of the VIR. The characteristics of the plant determine the region where it is grown and contribute to proper planting and further care.

Description of the tree

The apple tree is not tall. Round crown of medium density. Pioneer is valued for its decorative appearance. In the warm spring, pink flowers bloom on it, combining in an original way with burgundy foliage. The variety is often used when forming hedges. A fence made of such wood becomes the highlight of any garden.

Trunk height

The Pioneer variety is considered medium-sized. The height of its trunk is 3-5 m.

Foliage

A distinctive feature of apple tree foliage is the ability to radically change color. During the flowering and fruiting period, the narrow leaves are of a rich emerald hue. Each of them has red veins visible. In autumn, Pioneerka transforms: the crown becomes beetroot-colored.

Apples

The Pioneer crop consists of red, spherical small apples. The weight of one is 15-20 g. The pulp inside is juicy and sweet. One fruit contains up to 11% sugar.

Varieties

In gardening, the apple tree is represented by two subspecies:

• decorative red-leaved variety;
• Chinese Red.

Original varieties are most often intended for use in landscape design.

Decorative red-leaved variety

The red-leaved variety is used to decorate hedges. Its characteristic features define it as an easy-to-care subspecies with high decorative qualities:

1. The trees are medium-sized with a trunk height of up to 4 m.
2. The crown is round and spreading. Reaches several meters in width.
3. The foliage changes color from bright red during flowering to emerald at the fruiting stage.
4. Snow-white flowers bloom on the tree. Then burgundy-colored fruits appear.
5. The variety is characterized by high resistance to plant diseases.

The decorative red-leaved variety is not picky about environmental conditions. It is successfully cultivated in the regions of the middle zone, in the Urals.

Chinese or Chinese Red

Apple tree variety Chinaka unpretentious in care. It has a number of undeniable advantages:

1. High resistance to frost and drought. Despite changes in low or high temperatures, the tree retains its decorative qualities.
2. During the flowering period, flowers of white, pink or red shades bloom on the crown of Kitayka.
3. The harvest is represented by small fruits.
4. Before the onset of cold weather, the foliage of the tree changes color to ocher and purple.

Chinaka apples do not last long. They are used to prepare delicious desserts.

Characteristics of the variety

The characteristic features of the variety should be taken into account to organize proper tree care.

Crown formation

The Pioneer's crown is wide. It is formed thanks to spreading branches and dense foliage.A specific feature is that the leaves on this apple tree last longer than on other trees. Until late autumn, Pioneer retains its foliage cover, rich in color.

Flowering and pollination process

The variety is considered self-pollinating. It does not need additional pollinators. The apple tree begins to bloom in early May. Pink inflorescences bloom on the branches. Then ovaries form on them.

Productivity

3-4 years after planting, the tree begins to bear fruit for the first time. With age, the harvest volume increases. This can be affected by proper care. In September, ripe apples are collected from Pioneerka.

Winter hardiness of decorative Pioneer

The Pioneer apple tree is characterized by high resistance to low temperature changes. The tree can withstand up to -25 degrees without damaging the shoots.

Tree diseases and pests

The tree is not susceptible to the harmful effects of fungal diseases. It is resistant to scab pathogens, the main variety that attacks apple trees.

Apple taste

Thanks to their excellent sweet taste, fragrant Pioneer apples receive high tasting marks from gardeners and ordinary summer residents.

Useful and nutritious substances

Despite their small size, the composition of Pioneer apples is rich in numerous nutrients:

• pectins;
• phytoncides;
• vitamin B, A;
• calcium;
• iron;
• phosphorus.

Antioxidants, which are contained in every apple fruit, are of great importance. Nutrients inhibit the aging process and prevent the development of gene mutations.

Benefits and contraindications of fruits

Apple varieties bring significant benefits:

1. Have a beneficial effect on intestinal motility.
2. Improves the quality of blood vessels.
3. Relieves pain during attacks of urolithiasis.
4. Saturate the human body with useful substances.

To obtain the maximum positive effect from apples, it is necessary to observe moderation in their consumption. Excessive amounts of fruit can lead to exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease.

Planting young trees

Proper planting of an apple tree is important for the full development of the tree in the future.

Preparing the landing site

The tree prefers fertile soils with good drainage. Stagnation of groundwater will negatively affect the health of a young tree. For the apple tree, you need to choose a place protected from drafts and winds.

Selection of seedlings

An apple tree seedling for planting must have a healthy and high-quality root system, strong shoots and trunk.

Distance between seedlings

The distance between seedlings depends on the purpose of planting. If Pioneer is used as a hedge, then the distance between seedlings will be up to 5 m. In the case of a single planting, a distance of 10-15 m is allowed.

Disembarkation dates

It is better to plant Pioneer in early spring after the first warming. This will allow the seedlings to better adapt to the environment and prepare for the winter cold.

What to do during the landing process

Planting an apple tree is not a labor-intensive process. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the hole.
2. Place drainage at the bottom of the hole.
3. Lower the seedling down. Straighten out its roots.
4. Sprinkle the plant with a mixture of soil and organic fertilizer and tamp lightly.
5. Water the planting generously with water.

How to grow a healthy tree

Crop care procedures will help keep the planting healthy and ensure quality development.

Crown trimming

If the Pioneer apple tree performs decorative functions, then pruning is carried out to form and maintain the desired crown shape. Branches that disrupt the composition are removed from the tree.On a plant intended for harvest, fruit-bearing branches are preserved. Every autumn, dry, old, diseased branches are removed. It is recommended to start pruning at the 3-4th year of life.

Buds and flowers

3-4 years after planting, Pioneer is capable of bearing fruit. In early spring, leaves bloom on the tree and buds appear. The apple tree blooms in May. Afterwards, ovaries form on each flower and fruits are formed.

Watering

The Pioneer variety prefers regular moisture. Water the tree once a week. One apple tree consumes up to 10 liters of water. The next day, the soil around the trunk is loosened. During dry periods, the quantity and frequency of watering is increased.

Disease and pest control

The Pioneer apple tree is resistant to fungal diseases and insect pests. Timely preventive measures will reduce the risk of injury to a minimum:

1. Before the flowering period, the tree is treated with a solution of potassium permanganate. This will prevent the occurrence of moniliosis.
2. Cleaning the area of ​​fallen leaves and fruits will protect you from scab. Treatment with Bordeaux mixture will provide the tree with additional immunity.

Fertilizers

In the spring, Pioneer is fed with nitrogen preparations. Before the onset of cold weather, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are applied.

Pollinators

The Pioneer apple tree does not need additional pollinators. The variety is considered self-pollinating.

All about the harvest

The Pioneer variety has a regular harvest. Every year after the first fruiting it increases.

Collection

Ripe fruits are collected in the first half of September. Apples will not be able to hang on the branches for a long time, so they are picked immediately after ripening.

Storage

Apples of this variety are not subject to long-term storage. They are consumed after being collected from the tree.

Transportation

Ripe apples should not be transported over long distances. They will not withstand long journeys, will lose their presentation, and their taste will deteriorate.

Usage

Thanks to their excellent taste and fragrant aroma, the fruits of the Pioneer variety are perfect for a variety of preservations: preserves, jams, marmalade. They are used to make compotes and juices.

Where is the best place to grow red-leaved Pioneer?

The Pioneer variety has a high level of winter hardiness and drought resistance. Thanks to similar advantages, it is cultivated in many regions of the country:

1. Cities of central Russia.
2. Dacha plots in the Moscow region.
3. Central part.

If proper care is provided in winter, the tree can be planted in the northwestern regions.

The Pioneer apple tree has many advantages. The tree, unpretentious in care, pleases with abundant harvests of sweet apples. Thanks to the bright, rich shades of the foliage, the variety is often used in landscape design to form original hedges.