Content
One of the oldest Russian varieties of apple trees is Semerenko. The variety is still popular both among summer residents and among gardeners. And this is not surprising, since Semerenko has proven himself well. Let's get acquainted with its description, main characteristics, reviews and photos. We will learn how to properly plant and care for an apple tree of this variety.
Breeding history
Semerenko is an old apple variety. The exact origin of the species is unknown. For the first time a fruit tree was described by the famous gardener Lev Platonovich Simirenko. The Soviet breeder named the new variety in honor of his father - Renet Platon Simirenko. Later the name was changed, now the apples are known as Semerenko.
In 1947, the variety was added to the state register of Russia. Since the plant prefers a mild and warm climate, the apple tree began to be grown in the southern part of the country and in the Central Black Earth region. Also, the fruit tree is cultivated in Georgia, North Ossetia, Abkhazia and Ukraine.
Description of the variety
Semerenko - late-ripening, high-yielding and self-fertile variety. It is also called winter, as apples can be stored for about 8-9 months.
Wood
The apple tree is tall, with a dense and spreading crown, which has the shape of an inverted cauldron. The bark of the tree is gray, with a reddish tint on the sunny side. Shoots are brown-green, straight, may bend slightly. Lentils are rare and small. Shoots grow 45-60 cm per year, depending on age.
Leaves are medium in size, light green in color with a shiny surface and a curling top. The shape is round, elongated. The leaf plate bends slightly downward. The flowers are large, white, saucer-shaped.
Fruit
Semerenko fruits are large and medium. The average weight of one apple is 155-180 g, some specimens can reach 190-200 grams. They have an asymmetrical, flattened-rounded shape. The surface is smooth and even, the rind is firm. There are subcutaneous dots of white color, which do not exceed 2-3 mm in diameter. A characteristic feature of Semerenko apples are wart formations, about 7 mm in size. Usually there are no more than 2-3 of them.
Ripe fruits are bright green; a light pink blush may appear on the sunny side. The pulp is fine-grained, juicy, dense, white or slightly greenish. The taste is pleasant, sweet and sour. During storage, the skin acquires a yellow tint, and the consistency of the apple becomes looser.
Productivity and ripening time
Semerenko is one of the highest-yielding varieties. The tree begins to bear fruit 5 years after planting. The apple tree blooms in May, and the harvest ripens in late September - October. A 7-8 year old plant bears about 12-16 kg of fruit. A tree older than 10 years gives up to 100 kg of yield. Up to 13-15 years old, the apple tree bears fruit annually. But with age, the number of fruits decreases, and then the harvest becomes periodic.
Dignity
Many gardeners and summer residents grow the Semerenko apple tree on their site. This variety is popular as it has many advantages:
- apples have excellent marketability and taste;
- fruits tolerate long-term transportation well and can be stored for about 7-8 months;
- the tree is famous for its high yield;
- the plant tolerates a lack of moisture and heat well, while the number of apples does not decrease;
- suitable for dietary and baby food;
- fruits are not prone to shedding.
Apples help in the treatment of vitamin deficiency and anemia, rheumatism and gastrointestinal diseases. The fruits can be eaten fresh, prepared from them compotes, juices, preserves, added to salads and pies.
disadvantages
The main disadvantages of the Semerenko apple tree:
- Low frost resistance. In the northern regions, trees need to be covered for the winter.
- The apple tree is not capable of self-pollination. It is recommended to plant a pollinator next to it, for example, Golden Delicious, Memory of Sergeev or Idared;
- The tree needs to be pruned annually. The plant grows strongly.
- Low resistance to scab and powdery mildew.
- A tree older than 13-15 years produces an unstable crop.
If you provide the apple tree with competent care and create favorable conditions for it, many troubles can be avoided.
Features of agricultural technology
To grow a healthy apple tree that will bring a rich and high-quality harvest, you need to follow the rules of agricultural technology.
Landing dates
In the spring Semerenko planted in late March or early April before the kidneys awaken. By this time, the snow should have melted. Before winter, the seedling will have time to gain strength and take root.
Autumn planting is started during the period from September 15 to October 15... In this case, a month should remain before the first frost. When spring comes and the weather is warm, the seedling will grow quickly.
Site selection
The Semerenko apple tree prefers a flat area that is well lit by the sun. If the tree is planted in the shade, its fruit will be sour. Yablona needs protection from cold, northerly winds. Therefore, it is planted on the south side of any structure or fence. Semerenko does not like swampy and waterlogged soils. Groundwater should be located no closer than 1.5-2 meters to the surface.
The apple tree of this variety grows best on fertile and loose soil. The most preferred are loam, sandy loam, chernozems and sod-podzolic soils.
Planting pit preparation
The selected area should be dug up, stones and weeds should be removed. If the soil is clayey, add sand. Two weeks before landing, you need dig a hole about 60-70 cm deep and 90-100 cm in diameter. Set aside the top layer of soil, add 2-3 buckets of humus to it, 1 bucket of ash, 1 tbsp each. l. superphosphate and potassium salt. Mix the mixture thoroughly and pour into the planting hole. Pour several buckets of water on top.
Landing scheme
Step-by-step process of planting an apple tree of the Semerenko variety:
- Free the prepared pit halfway from the soil mixture.
- Drive in the peg intended for the garter of the apple tree.
- Lower the seedling into the groove and spread its roots.
- Shaking slightly, cover it with soil. Root collar should be 5-8 cm above ground level.
- Compact the soil around the apple tree and pour 2-3 buckets of warm water.
- As soon as the moisture is absorbed, cover the trunk circle with a layer of sawdust, peat, twigs or dry grass.
Since the apple tree of this variety tends to grow, the interval between trees should be at least 3 meters. The distance between the rows is about 5 meters.
Care features
Semerenko is an unpretentious apple variety. Knowing how to care for it, you can grow a healthy tree that will delight you with delicious and aromatic fruits.
Watering
Young trees should be watered 2-3 times a month with 25-30 liters of water. The frequency of irrigation depends on the weather. An adult apple tree of the Semerenko variety tolerates drought well. Despite this, the soil needs to be moistened 3-4 times a season with 40-50 liters of water. It must be warm and well-kept.
After watering, the soil around the apple tree should be loosened and weeded. Thanks to this procedure, the roots of the tree are saturated with oxygen.
Pruning
The Semerenko apple tree is prone to crown growth, which contributes to a decrease in yield and an increase in the risk of diseases. therefore pruning is recommended in spring and autumn. Dried, damaged, old, diseased and improperly growing branches should be removed. Do not touch the ringlets and fruit spears. It is advisable to cover the sections with oil paint or garden varnish.
Top dressing
The Semerenko apple tree can be fed for the third year after planting. In the spring (April-May), the tree is fertilized with nitrogen-containing mixtures - ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium sulfate. In autumn (in October, after picking apples), phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, such as superphosphate, potassium sulfate and wood ash, are applied to the soil. They contribute to the establishment of the crop. Manure or humus is applied every 1-2 years.
If the weather is dry, then the fertilizer should be diluted in water. The resulting solution is poured over the apple tree trunk circle. In wet weather, the mixture is spread evenly around the tree and the soil is loosened.
Shelter for the winter
This apple variety does not tolerate temperatures below -25 degrees. Before the onset of cold weather, the soil under the apple tree is mulched with peat, humus or sawdust. The barrel is wrapped in burlap or thermal insulation materials.
Young trees are very sensitive to frost, so they are completely covered for the winter. This can be done using spruce branches. When snow falls, a snowdrift is collected around the apple tree, which serves as additional protection.
Disease prevention
The Semerenko apple variety is susceptible to scab and powdery mildew. To prevent fungal diseases in early spring, the tree is sprayed with Bordeaux mixture or preparations containing copper.
After the flowering of the apple tree, biofungicides are used - Fitosporin, Zircon, Raek. The funds improve the endurance and resistance of various cultures to adverse environmental factors.
Gardeners reviews
Conclusion
Cultivation of an apple tree Semerenko does not require special costs and efforts. In return, the tree gives a wonderful harvest of juicy apples, which you can feast on all winter. The variety is recommended for gardeners who live in regions with temperate and warm climates.
