Content
The description of the Manitoba apricot variety is of interest to most gardeners. This fruit tree has many advantages, but there are practically no disadvantages. The variety is resistant to cold weather, droughts and diseases, gives a good harvest. It is important to plant the apricot correctly and provide it with comprehensive care.
Breeding history
Apricot "Manitoba" is a late Canadian variety. It got its name from the province of the same name in Canada, where it was bred in 1945. The selection was carried out by the Morden Agricultural Station.
The Manitoba variety is hybrid. To create it, the apricots "McClee" and "Scout" (Siberian-Manchurian group) were crossed.
Description of Canadian late apricot variety Manitoba
Apricot "Manitoba" is a strong and vigorous fruit trees. The main characteristics of the variety are as follows:
- tree height up to 5 m;
- dense and spreading crown;
- shortened shoots;
- long oval leaves with deep serrations and a pointed tip, light green;
- voluminous flowers, shade of pink, strong and pleasant aroma with honey notes;
- high decorativeness during mass flowering - in the shape and size of the inflorescences, the crown resembles sakura;
- large fruits (45 g), they can reach 95-105 g with proper agricultural technology;
- have a bright orange color at late ripeness, there may be a slight blush covering up to 10% of the surface;
- ovoid fruits;
- the pulp has an average density and moderate juiciness, a very delicate and sweet taste with a slight sourness;
- the stone is large (7-8% of the weight of the apricot), has a bitter core, inside it is free.
The photo of apricots of the "Manitoba" variety shows that the skin is noticeably pubescent. This makes the surface of the fruit velvety to the touch.
Inside the Manitoba fruit there is a bone that lacks bitterness
Characteristics
Apricot "Manitoba" is attractive for its unpretentiousness. Before landing, you should study its main characteristics.
Drought tolerance, winter hardiness
This variety shows relative drought tolerance. The Canadian province of Manitoba has a harsh continental climate, which had a good effect on the apricot cultivated in it. This variety feels great in central Russia and does not require shelter for the winter. It belongs to the 4th zone of winter hardiness and survives frosts well down to -29-34 ° C.
This variety has a long period of deep winter dormancy. Good frost resistance in flower buds.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening times
Apricot "Manitoba" is self-fertile, that is, it does not need pollinating trees. To increase the number of ovaries, the neighborhood of such varieties is recommended:
- Pineapple.
- Dessert.
- Northern Triumph.
Blossoming "Manitoba" falls on April-May. The timing of fruit ripening depends on the climate in a particular region. Usually the crop can be harvested in late July or early August.
Productivity, fruiting
Apricot "Manitoba" has an average yield. Fruiting begins at 3-4 years when planted with seedlings, at 5 years when grown from seed. In the southern regions, apricots can ripen in the first decade of July.
Scope of the fruit
Manitoba fruits are attractive for their size, taste and beautiful appearance. They can be eaten fresh or used for processing and preservation. Delicious jams, juices and compotes and preserves are obtained from apricots of this variety.
Disease and pest resistance
Apricot "Manitoba" has good immunity. This variety has a high resistance to many fungal and bacterial infections.
Advantages and disadvantages
Apricot "Manitoba" has many advantages:
- good productivity;
- large and sweet fruits;
- high winter hardiness;
- excellent immunity;
- versatility of crop application.
The only drawback of Manitoba is poor portability.
Landing features
For the successful cultivation of apricots, it is important to choose and prepare the planting material and the site correctly, to act according to a certain algorithm. The cultural neighbors matter.
Recommended timing
In the southern regions, "Manitoba" can be grown from seeds. They must be hardened and stored in a cool place. You can plant seeds in the spring or fall in the middle of the season.
The seeds for planting must be taken from the ripe fruits.
In the middle latitudes, "Manitoba" is grown from seedlings. This should be done in April, while the kidneys are still sleeping. In the southern regions, it is better to plan planting in September-October.
Choosing the right place
The Manitoba apricot planting site must meet the following requirements:
- sunny place - lighting is especially important in the morning;
- inaccessibility of winds from the north;
- elevation;
- the soil is light and well-drained;
- neutral acidity of the earth.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to an apricot
The right neighbors are important for the successful cultivation of apricots. Reducing the risk of soil depletion and disease can be achieved if there are no such crops nearby:
- pear;
- cherry;
- any nuts;
- raspberries;
- peach;
- Rowan;
- plum;
- currant;
- cherries;
- Apple tree.
Early flowers can be planted next to the apricot. The neighborhood of any shrubs and trees is undesirable.
Selection and preparation of planting material
When growing "Manitoba" from seedlings, the following points are important:
- Age 1-2 years old.
- Well-developed root system.
- Lack of dry or frost-bitten areas.
- The bark is brown or reddish brown.
The tree is not afraid of large frosts, is rarely affected by diseases
If planting seeds is planned in the spring, then they must be placed in the sand in the fall and stored in the refrigerator. For such a planting, it is enough to keep the material in the cold for about a day.
Landing algorithm
Landing pits are prepared in advance. For spring planting, this should be done in autumn, for autumn planting - at least 2 weeks in advance. The hole is needed 0.6-0.7 m. Between adjacent seedlings there should be 3-4 m, in rows - 5-6 m.
Landing Algorithm:
- Lay a drainage layer at the bottom of the pit - pebbles, expanded clay.
- Apply mineral fertilizers and organic matter - ammonium nitrate, superphosphate, potassium salt.
- Fill the rest of the place with soil with humus and peat, tamp and water (3-4 buckets).
- Before planting, make a depression in the hole, carefully place a seedling in it so that the root collar remains on the surface. Sprinkle with soil and tamp.
- Tie the seedling to the peg immediately.
- Drizzle (3 buckets).
Follow-up care of the culture
Apricot "Manitoba" requires complex care. One of the main measures is watering.It should be regular and abundant - at least 50 liters of water per tree. It should be warmed up. Water is introduced into the trunk circle.
Seedlings need to be watered 2 times a month, mature trees at least 4 per season:
- in spring with active growth of shoots;
- before flowering;
- 2 weeks before the start of fruit ripening;
- during pre-winter preparation.
Apricot does not like stagnant moisture. In rainy weather, the frequency and abundance of watering is reduced. If the summer is cool and with frequent precipitation, then moisture is not required.
The trunks should be loosened and weeded regularly. These measures provide oxygen access, prevent the formation of a crust on the soil.
One of the points of care is pruning. It is necessary to get rid of too long, dry and frozen shoots. The crown should be up to 3-4 m in height and width.
In late April or early May, be sure to check for wounds and frostbites on the trunks of apricot trees. If they are found, then it is necessary to clean up the damage to living tissue and process it with garden varnish.
Diseases and pests
Apricot "Manitoba" is resistant to fungal diseases, but it can still be affected by them. One of the problems is moniliosis, also called monilial burn, or fruit rot. The development of the disease is favored by a cold and wet spring. The problem is more often observed in the southern Urals, the North Caucasus and in the central regions.
In May, the disease can be detected by fallen ovaries and flowers, in June by dried branches, and then by affected leaves and fruits.
It is necessary to deal with the problem in a comprehensive manner:
- Prune and burn affected branches.
- Treat trees with copper-containing preparations - Bordeaux liquid, "Horus".
- Get rid of pests.
Monilial burn is dangerous for all garden trees, conidia of the fungus are carried by wind and insects
For the prevention of diseases, spraying is needed. In early spring and before flowering, copper-containing preparations are effective, and before bud break, Nitrafen is effective.
Among pests, apricot "Manitoba" can be affected by aphids. She feeds on the juice of leaves and flowers.
You can fight a pest in different ways:
- preparations "Tanrek", "Biotlin", "Akarin", "Fitoverm";
- soap and soda solution;
- infusions of zest, garlic, hot pepper, pine needles, sorrel and chamomile.
To combat aphids, you need to get rid of ants, its carriers
Apricot "Manitoba" can suffer from crustaceans. Adult beetles feed on leaves and flowers, larvae harm the roots. Insects cannot stand the smell of lupine and mustard. Of the drugs, "Aktara", "Zemlin", "Antichrushch" are effective.
Autumn digging of the site serves as the prevention of crumbling.
Apricot "Manitoba" can also suffer from mice and hares that eat the bark. For winter protection, the trunks must be wrapped in durable material.
Conclusion
The description of the Manitoba apricot variety proves that it is easy and profitable to grow it. It produces a good harvest of large and tasty fruits that can be eaten fresh or processed. Apricot care should be comprehensive, all measures are standard.
Reviews of apricot varieties Manitoba
