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Although apricot is a southern crop, breeders are still trying to develop cold-resistant varieties. One of the successful attempts was the Kichiginsky hybrid obtained in the South Urals.
Breeding history
Work on cold-resistant hybrids began in the 1930s. Employees of the South Ural Research Institute of Horticulture and Potato Growing used natural forms of plants for selection.
Bones were brought from the Far East Manchu apricotgrowing naturally. This species is not picky about the soil, tolerates winter frosts and drought well, gives medium-sized juicy fruits.
During the entire period of work at the institute, 5 new varieties were bred, including Kichiginsky. The variety was obtained in 1978 by free pollination of the Manchurian apricot. It got its name in honor of s. Kichigino, Chelyabinsk region. The breeders A.E. Pankratov and K.K. Mulloyanov.
In 1993, the institute applied for the inclusion of the Kichiginsky hybrid in the State Register. In 1999, after testing, information about the variety was entered into the State Register for the Ural Region.
Apricot Kichiginsky is used in breeding to obtain elite varieties. The most famous of them are Honey, Elite 6-31-8, Golden Nectar. From Kichiginsky, they took a high yield, winter hardiness and good external qualities of the fruits.
Description of culture
Kichiginsky is a medium-sized variety, a crown of medium density, elongated-oval. The leaves are rounded, rich green. The height of the Kichiginsky apricot tree is about 3.5 m. The shoots are straight, dark red in color.
The tree produces beautiful large flowers. The buds and cups are pink, the corollas are white with a pinkish undertone.
Characteristics of apricot variety Kichiginsky:
- rounded shape;
- one-dimensional aligned fruits;
- dimensions 25x25x25 mm;
- the peel is yellow without a bitter taste;
- the pulp is juicy, yellow, sweet and sour taste;
- average weight 14 g.
Photo of apricot Kichiginsky:
The fruits contain dry matter (12.9%), sugar (6.3%), acids (2.3%) and vitamin C (7.6%). Taste qualities are estimated at 4.2 points out of 5.
The State Register recommends growing the Kichiginsky variety in the Ural region: Chelyabinsk, Orenburg, Kurgan regions and the Republic of Bashkortostan. According to reviews about apricot Kichiginsky, it grows without problems in the Volgo-Vyatka and West Siberian regions.
Characteristics
The winter hardiness of the Kichiginsky variety deserves special attention. A prerequisite for its cultivation is the planting of a pollinator.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Apricot Kichiginsky is drought-resistant. The tree needs watering only during the flowering period, if there is little rainfall.
The Kichiginsky variety is distinguished by its increased winter hardiness. The tree tolerates temperatures as low as -40 ° C.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening times
The flowering time of apricot Kichiginsky is the beginning of May. The variety blooms earlier than many varieties of apricots and other crops (plum, cherry, pear, apple). Due to the early timing of flowering, the buds are prone to spring frost.
The Kichiginsky variety is self-fertile.Planting pollinators is required to harvest. The best pollinators for Kichiginsky apricots are other frost-resistant varieties Honey, Pikantny, Chelyabinsky early, Delight, Golden nectar, Korolevsky.
The fruits are harvested in early August. When removed, the fruit has a hard skin that softens on storage. The fruits tolerate long-term transportation well.
Productivity, fruiting
The variety has a low early maturity. The first harvest from a tree is obtained no earlier than 5 years after planting. Under favorable conditions, up to 15 kg of fruits are harvested from the tree.
Scope of the fruit
The fruits of the Kichiginsky variety have a universal purpose. They are used fresh and for the preparation of homemade preparations: jam, jam, juice, compote.
Disease and pest resistance
The Kichiginsky variety is characterized by high resistance to diseases and pests. When grown in the Urals, it is recommended to carry out preventive treatments. Frequent rains, high humidity and low temperatures provoke the spread of fungal diseases.
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits of apricot Kichiginsky:
- high winter hardiness;
- the best pollinator for other apricot varieties;
- good transportability of fruits;
- universal use of fruits.
Disadvantages of the Kichiginsky variety:
- small fruits;
- average taste;
- takes a long time to bear fruit;
- a pollinator is required to form a crop.
Landing features
The apricot is planted in a prepared area. If necessary, improve the quality of the soil.
Recommended timing
Planting dates depend on the region of cultivation of the Kichiginsky apricot. In cold climates, planting work is carried out in early spring before bud break. In the south, work is carried out in early October so that the seedling takes root before winter.
In the middle lane, spring and autumn planting is allowed. It is necessary to focus on weather conditions.
Choosing the right place
A place for planting a culture is chosen taking into account a number of requirements:
- lack of frequent winds;
- flat area;
- fertile loamy soil;
- natural light throughout the day.
In the lowlands, the tree develops slowly, because it is constantly exposed to moisture. The crop also does not tolerate acidic soil, which must be limed before planting.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to an apricot
Apricot does not get along well with shrubs, berry and fruit crops:
- currant;
- raspberries;
- Apple tree;
- pear;
- plum;
- hazel.
Apricot is removed from other trees at a distance of 4 m. It is best to plant a group of apricots of different varieties. Perennial shade-loving grasses grow well under the trees.
Selection and preparation of planting material
Saplings of the Kichiginsky variety are best purchased in nurseries. Annual trees with a strong root system are suitable for planting. The seedlings are examined and specimens are selected without signs of decay or damage.
Before planting, prepare a talker from mullein and clay. When the solution reaches the consistency of sour cream, the roots of the seedling are dipped into it.
Landing algorithm
The apricot planting process consists of the following stages:
- A hole is dug on the site with a diameter of 60 cm and a depth of 70 cm.The dimensions may vary depending on the size of the plant.
- A drainage layer of small pebbles is poured onto the bottom of the pit. The pit is left for 2 weeks to shrink.
- Humus, 500 g of superphosphate and 1 liter of wood ash are added to the fertile soil.
- The seedling is placed in a hole, the roots are covered with earth.
- The soil is tamped, and the planted apricot is watered abundantly.
Follow-up care of the culture
Apricot Kichiginsky is fed in early spring. The soil under the tree is watered with a mullein or urea solution. In the formation of fruits, the culture requires potassium-phosphorus compositions.
Trees do not need frequent watering. Moisture is introduced during the flowering period if constant hot weather is established.
To obtain a high yield, shoots older than 3 years are pruned. Be sure to remove dry, weak and broken branches. Pruning is done in the spring or late autumn.
Roofing material or netting helps to protect the tree trunk from rodents. Young apricots are additionally covered with spruce branches for the winter.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The main diseases of apricot are indicated in the table:
Type of disease | Symptoms | Control measures | Prevention |
Fruit rot | Brown spots on the fruit that grow and cause the fruit to rot. | Treatment with solutions of Horus or Nitrafen preparations. |
|
Scab | Green and brown spots on the leaves, gradually spreading to the shoots and fruits. | Treatment of trees with preparations containing copper. |
Apricot pests are listed in the table:
Pest | Signs of defeat | Control measures | Prevention |
Leaf roll | Folded leaves, cracks appear on the bark. | Treatment of trees with Chlorophos. |
|
Weevil | Affected leaves, buds and flowers. When severely damaged, the tree sheds its foliage. | Spraying with Decis or Kinmix. |
Conclusion
Apricot Kichiginsky is a frost-resistant variety adapted to the harsh conditions of the Urals. To obtain a high yield, the plantings are provided with constant care.
