- Authors: S.I. Isaev (Russia, Michurin VNIIS)
- Taste: sweet and sour
- Fruit weight, g: 150
- The beginning of fruiting varieties: for 3-4 years
- Ripening terms: late winter
- Removable maturity: in the second half of September
- Appointment: universal
- Appeared when crossing: Pepin saffron x Anise striped
- Transportability: Yes
- Self-fertility: self-fertile
Apple-tree Vityaz is one of the promising domestic varieties. But you need to use it very skillfully and competently. And to do this, first find out all the details and nuances.
Breeding history of the variety
We created the Vityaz apple tree at the VNIIS im. Michurin. S.I. Isaev took over the leadership of the breeding development. The main work was carried out in the botanical garden at Moscow State University. The main goal of breeders was to increase resistance to frost and enhance immunity. Anise striped and Pepin saffron - widely known varieties were taken as a basis.
Description of the variety
Features, pros and cons
In favor of the Vityaz apple tree is evidenced by:
abundant fruit formation;
full keeping quality of the crop;
attractive commercial qualities of apples;
frost resistance of the variety.
However, the plant will have a spreading crown. In most gardens, it takes up too much space. Despite this, the trunk is relatively low, sloping towards the ground, the height is no more than 2-3 m. Outwardly, the Knight looks more like a weeping willow. The plant has a universal purpose.
Ripening and fruiting
The Vityaz apple tree belongs to the late winter varieties. You can harvest from mid-September. You can expect the appearance of apples in 3-4 years of cultivation. The variety belongs to the self-fertile, early-fertile group.
Yield
Fruiting will occur annually. The collection is very large. Under favorable conditions, it reaches 240 kg. Such results are given by adult apple trees, provided that they are well cared for.
Fruits and their taste
Vityaz apples are yellow-green in color. They resemble a wide or rounded cone in shape. The mass of one apple reaches 150 g. And they also note:
smoothness of the peel;
pleasant sweet and sour taste;
juiciness of the pulp and white color;
tasting indicator - 4.8 points;
the ability to preserve the harvest almost until mid-spring in a refrigerator;
ribbing of apples;
purple-red intermittent strokes and stripes;
carmine blush;
decent portability.
Growing features
You can plant the Vityaz bole both in spring and in autumn. It is more expedient to choose the autumn period, when the seedlings have time to take root a little. But in areas with a harsh climate and early frosts, this should not be done. It is very important that:
the groundwater was low;
landing was on a low mound;
the site was sunny and well warmed up during the day.
The plant can survive partial shade. But completely shaded places are definitely not for him. In this case, it is hardly possible to count on a good harvest.
Top dressing
Vityaz needs recharge both in autumn and spring. With the approach of cold weather, the trunk circle must be mulched. But nitrogen fertilizers cannot be used after the end of the active growing season. The rest of the procedures for feeding apple trees are also well known to gardeners and have long been standardized. It is very important to add superphosphate when preparing for winter.
Frost resistance
The plant has an average level of cold resistance. However, at temperatures below -40 degrees, partial freezing is possible. In all somewhat cold regions, this culture will have to be sheltered. The only exceptions are the southern regions of the country. But even there it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of a particular upcoming season.
Diseases and pests
Vityaz's immunity to scab and other fungal infections is not bad. But it must be reinforced with spring processing. In conditions of massive apple epidemics, it is better to repeat the treatment again. Of insects, the danger is:
apple moth;
fruit sapwood;
hawthorn;
moth;
various types of silkworms.
The apple tree is a popular fruit crop among gardeners. It can be found in many summer cottages. But at the same time, such trees are often affected by various diseases. It is very important to recognize the disease in time and carry out the necessary procedures for a speedy recovery. Otherwise, the fruits will be spoiled, and the tree itself may die altogether.
Review overview
Vityaz's assessments from practicing gardeners are positive. There are no significant shortcomings in this variety. However, it is noted that the spreading of the apple tree can create serious inconveniences, especially in small gardens. Fruits can be successfully sold - they are highly valued by buyers. Importantly, during storage, the quality of the harvested crop only increases.