Columnar Apple Currency

Columnar varieties of apple trees have recently become more and more of interest to gardeners. Their compactness and abundance of fruits allow them to grow and get a good harvest in small areas. It is to these varieties that the Currency apple tree belongs.

Work on the hybridization of the variety was carried out in Moscow. In 1986, V.V. Kichina and N.G. Morozova, breeders of VSTISP, crossed the varieties Elita KB6 and the American donor OR38T17. As a result of hybridization, the new variety took only the best qualities from its parents. It is worth noting that this parental couple gave birth to another variety called Lukomor. The Currency variety was tested until 1994. And only after that it was handed over to gardeners for cultivation. The variety was registered in the State Register 10 years later - in 2004.

A small semi-dwarf tree - medium-sized and fast-growing. An adult tree reaches a height of 2.5 m. The dense columnar crown is about 20-30 cm wide. The shoots are located very close to the trunk and are directed upwards. They are medium in size, moderately pubescent, green-brown bark.

On the branches there are elongated leaves of a rich dark green color. It is worth noting that the leaf retains this color until the onset of leaf fall. The inner side of the leaf is slightly pubescent.

Many inflorescences, white with a pinkish tinge, are formed by large flowers, which give the tree of this variety a decorative effect.

The internodes of the tree are greatly shortened, the ringlets are very close to each other.

Variety Currency is now widely used as a parent when breeding new trees with a columnar crown shape. The variety has won such attention among breeders due to its positive qualities, which include:

• taste advantages;

• high marketability;

• high resistance to cold;

• immunity to many types of scab;

• early maturity;

• lack of fruit crumbling;

• stable harvest;

• transportability and good keeping quality of the crop;

• compact and decorative type of plant.

There are several disadvantages:

• the fruiting period of the tree lasts only 14-16 years;

• the risk of powdery mildew damage (gardeners estimate it at 2 points out of 4);

• the cost of planting material is high.

Variety Currency is one of the few columnar apple trees for its early maturity. A seedling planted in spring can bloom in a year in May. Experienced gardeners recommend removing these inflorescences completely so that the apple tree gains strength.

By ripening terms Currency is a winter variety. Apples reach full maturity in the first decade of October. In the event that, for some reason, it was not possible to completely harvest the crop, then you should not be upset. Ripe apples can hang on the tree for a very long time and not crumble.

There are some features of the fruiting of this variety. In the early years, gardeners are advised to regulate flowering and ovary formation:

• in the first year after planting, all formed inflorescences must be removed;

• in the second year, leave 7-8 fruits;

• in subsequent years, leave 3-4 flowers on the fruit link, after the formation of the ovary, remove all the fruits, leaving only one.

Adult, normal fruiting occurs in 4-5 years and lasts up to 15-16 years.

The tree is recommended for growing in central Russia, in the North Caucasus, and also because of its high frost resistance, an apple tree of this variety is also grown in the northern regions.

The variety is distinguished by its high yield. At the age of 4-5 years, 5-6 kg of fruit can be harvested from one tree, or from 80 to 100 tons per hectare. Since the tree is compact, planting trees frequently will not affect yields, unlike conventional tall varieties.

The apples of the "Currency" variety are characterized by their uniformity: the same shape and weight. Large rounded fruits are gaining ripening in their weight of 250 g. The pronounced integumentary golden-yellow color of apples is decorated with a pink blush on the sides.

The pulp is juicy, white, protected by a thin dense skin, which shines a little in the sun.

Apples taste sweet. Professional tasters rate the palatability 4.3 out of 5.

Apples are stored until mid-February, have a dessert purpose and are most often used fresh.

For planting an apple tree Currency, sunny or slightly shaded areas are suitable. In the shade, trees wither, which is bad for flowering and fruiting.

Groundwater at the planting sites should not come close to the roots, otherwise the root system begins to rot. If there is an open body of water nearby, then it is better not to use this site for the same reason.

Airy, light soils with low acidity are well suited for planting. Well cultivated in black soil, on loam and sandy loam soils.

Planting pits begin to be prepared in the fall. They are dug up, humus is added there, filled with water and left. In the spring, any drainage is added to the pit - 15-20 cm, then they immediately put stakes to which the tree will be tied. The distance between the trees should be 40-50 cm. The young seedling is covered with earth and watered abundantly with warm water. It is recommended to mulch the ground above the root system. This will help keep the root system moist.

Twice a year, the soil under the trees must be loosened or not dug very deeply.

Trees need to be watered 1-2 times a week for 15-20 liters. At the beginning of October, watering is stopped to prepare the trees for winter.

Columnar apple varieties, like ordinary ones, need crown pruning. Its formation should begin 2-3 years after planting. For this, two large processes are left, and all the rest are cut off. These actions are repeated after a year, leaving more fruiting branches.

Since the variety is partially self-fertile, the tree needs pollinating neighbors for successful pollination. The varieties President, Medoc, Triumph are well suited.

It is recommended to feed the trees 1-2 times during the growing season. This should be done in the spring, before bud break, and in the fall, before preparing the trees for winter. Fertilizers are scattered over the root system, then the soil is dug up and poured abundantly with water. It is important to remember that you do not need to dig up the ground very deeply so that the root system does not get hurt.

As a top dressing you can use:

• manure;

• humus;

• ammonium nitrate;

• urea;

• superphosphate;

• bird droppings;

• compost and other fertilizers.

High winter hardiness distinguishes this variety from other apple trees. These compact trees tolerate temperatures as low as –38 ° C. The Currency variety does not need shelter even in the northern regions of Russia.

Since the variety has a high rate of resistance to various types of scab, this increases the tree's immunity to other diseases. But preventive treatment still needs to be done. Such treatment will also help get rid of pests.

Judging by the reviews of gardeners, the Currency variety has become widespread in all regions of Russia. He fell in love for its easy care, decorative appearance of the tree and excellent taste of the fruit.