Apple-tree Elena

The hybrid apple tree Elena is the result of the selection of Belarusian scientists. It was bred at the beginning of the 2000s from the Early Sweet and Discovery varieties. This variety quickly spread to the European part, where the climate is relatively moderate.

Elena's visual characteristics are as follows:

• the tree is not too tall, it belongs to undersized, the maximum height is 3 m;
• the apple tree grows quite compact, the crown is moderately dense, resembles a pyramid in shape;
• branches grow slightly downward, but the ends rush upward;
• the bark is greenish gray;
• shoots are dark red, dense;
• foliage resembles an oval in shape, the surface of the leaf is smooth, there is a jaggedness along the edges;
• the color of the leaves is juicy green above, a shade of gray below;
• there are few leaves at the trunk, at the ends they grow densely;
• profuse flowering, snow-white inflorescences, smell very bright and exquisite.

This variety, like any other, has its own characteristics - advantages and disadvantages. The Elena variety is considered unique among specialists, she has a number of undeniable advantages:

• compactness and low growth allow you to take care of the tree without any problems, harvesting is also not complicated;
• early ripening variety;
• tolerates frost well;
• fruiting is stable;
• self-fertility allows you to do without pollinators;
• aesthetic fruits of the same size;
• great fruit taste;
• apples are suitable for consumption both fresh and canned.

But one cannot ignore the disadvantages that are inherent in this variety:

• fruits are poorly stored, they need to be consumed or preserved within 3 weeks;
• crumble if not collected in time;
• low resistance to some fungal diseases.

The fruits are actively tied, which allows for a bountiful harvest every year. The fruiting period begins quickly - in the second year, the first modest harvest is already being harvested. From the 5th year of life, the tree begins to bear fruit more abundantly. This stage can vary depending on climatic conditions and agricultural practices. Flowering begins in April-May, the aroma is very strong and sweet, insects are actively attracted.

Harvesting can begin in mid-summer and finish in August. In order for the fruits to be large, it is worth periodically thinning the peduncles. If this is not done, the size of the apples will not be uniform and the characteristics of the variety will decrease.

As mentioned above, the apple tree grows well in regions with a temperate climate. It tolerates not too harsh winters well, but in other latitudes you will have to take care of shelter. In Siberia, the nutritional value of fruits decreases due to frost, it is important to mulch the soil and increase the amount of snow in the planting zone. In the south, another problem arises - dry periods, when it is necessary to increase moisture. If this is not done, then the tree will not be able to absorb nutrients from the soil.

This variety is bisexual, so it does not need pollinators. Elena brings crops every year consistently, without interruption.Since the ovaries are actively formed, the yield is very high. About 25 tons of fruits can be harvested from one hectare.

When the fruit reaches technical maturity, it acquires a light green hue. Ripe fruits have a pink-red blush-like color. There are points under the skin, the weight of the apple varies from 120 to 150 g. If the harvest is very plentiful, the size of the fruit may decrease. The pulp is grainy in structure, very juicy, with a strong apple flavor.

To achieve a good harvest, it is important to follow some agronomic measures. First of all, the correct planting of the plant is important:

• the optimal planting time is the autumn period, when the foliage has already fallen, so the tree will have time to adapt before winter;
• you can plant an apple tree in the spring, early enough before the buds begin to swell;
• in spring, the tree needs to be watered very actively;
• as for the soil, the best choice is loam, slightly acidic chernozem;
• if the soil is of a different type, then it is necessary to feed the soil, especially with nitrogenous compounds;
• heavy soils need peat, coarse sand;
• there should be no groundwater nearby;
• a well-lit area of ​​the site is selected for planting;
• other apple trees on the site will not harm the development of the tree of this variety.

The landing algorithm is as follows:

• a hole with a diameter and depth of about 80 cm is being prepared;
• compost or humus is applied to the bottom;
• the pit must be allowed to brew for at least a week;
• after that, a seedling is introduced, the roots are straightened, sprinkled with earth, watered abundantly;
• you need to dig in with the seedling a stake for a garter;
• the distance between apple trees of this variety should not be less than 3 m.

As for agricultural technology, there are a number of measures without which it will not be easy to achieve a good harvest. Despite the fact that the variety is generally unpretentious, the following points must be kept in mind.

• First of all, this is sanitary pruning, in which injured branches are removed. You also need to remove dry shoots and those that grow inside the crown. Formation as such is not required.
• It is necessary to remove weeds in the near-trunk zone in a timely manner and to loosen the soil in order to provide oxygen access.
• Periodically, you need to make potassium-phosphorus fertilizing in the near-stem zone.
• The plant needs to be moistened on time. For the first three years, this is done in the fall. In the event of a dry season, it is important to check the dryness of the soil and water as needed.
• If the flowering is too abundant, thinning is necessary, otherwise the load on the branches will be too strong.
• If the climate is harsh, this variety of apple trees is sheltered for the winter. To do this, use humus or other root insulation. In temperate climates, these activities are not required.

The variety is fairly resistant in terms of diseases, but there are a number of fungal infections that should be avoided. To prevent fungus, preventive measures should be taken:

• damaged parts of the plant are removed and burned;
• in the spring, trees are processed with urea, this must be done before the buds appear;
• after the tree has faded, it is sprayed with a soap-sodium solution;
• in case of cytosporosis and black cancer, all damaged parts must be removed and the sections must be treated with special preparations for healing.

Also, the tree can suffer from pests. To prevent this, it is important to spray the apple tree with insecticidal compositions in time. Treatment with Bordeaux liquid helps from aphids, if the attack is not too serious. A huge number of aphids will destroy karbofos or wormwood decoction. The hawthorn is also dangerous for this variety, from which formulations such as "Aktellika", "Aktara" help.

But it is quite difficult to cope with the moth. It is not enough just to remove all damage, you should treat the trunk and crown with "Entobacterin". Spraying should be carried out before fruit formation.

Any disease or insect problem is easier to prevent than to cure. Accordingly, it is not worth skipping prevention. Mandatory treatments of this kind are carried out in spring and autumn. If this is not done, all agricultural technology may turn out to be meaningless.