Apple tree Aphrodite: description and characteristics of the variety, reviews from gardeners with photos

What type does it belong to?

The active life span of a new variety usually does not exceed 300 years. There are, however, long-lived varieties - Aport , for example. He is already 900 years old. And Calville the Snowy is even more - 2000 years old.
In our country, varietal selection began relatively recently - at the beginning of the 20th century. Therefore, many apple trees common in gardening are described in the description with the note: “folk selection.”

Aphrodite apple tree is a new table variety of winter-hardy apple tree , which has been tested for 25 years in the Central Black Earth Region and the Lower Volga .

Creating a new variety is not an end in itself; specialists purposefully work to give the plant new properties and qualities useful to humans:

• resistance to the climatic characteristics of the region (winter hardiness, drought resistance);
• resistance to species-specific diseases;
• acceleration of fruit ripening;
• increased fertility;
• reduction in readiness for fruiting;
• improving the marketability of fruits;
• improving the chemical composition of pulp;
• changing morphological characteristics for the purpose of care efficiency.

During the breeding work, the Aphrodite apple tree acquired a new immune gene (Vf), which makes the plant immune to 5 races of a fungal disease that is destructive to apple trees - scab. This was how the advantages of the new variety, obtained from seedlings with open pollination, were secured, although this required many years of effort.

The following varieties are also resistant to scab: Pepinchik’s Daughter, Uralets, Yubilyar, Stroevsky and Renet Chernenko.

Apple tree "Aphrodite" - description

This variety is a winter apple tree and has very good immunity to various common diseases caused by a fungus. The plant was bred in 1981 at the Institute for Breeding of Free-Pollinated Fruit Crops. Experienced breeding scientists worked on the culture. After the plant was bred and passed a series of checks, the apple tree became officially registered.

Advantages of the apple tree

1. Winter hardiness in the conditions of the European part of Russia.
2. Eliminates the need for additional means of protecting the tree before winter.
3. Resistance of the root system to the proximity of groundwater.
4. High yield (278 c/ha).
5. Annual fruiting.
6. Immunity to scab.
7. High quality fruits (commercial and consumer).
8. A chemical complex of substances that promote the prevention and healing of the human body.
9. Suitability for long-term storage of fruits (until January at 0 degrees) and transportation.

No deficiencies were identified during the 25-year trial of the variety.

The following varieties are also distinguished by high productivity: Gala, Antey, Welsey, Quinti and Bratchud.

Characteristics

A number of features of the variety make it popular and valuable. The apple tree is distinguished by its productivity and fertility, long life span, and resistance to various influences.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive properties of the apple tree can be listed for quite a long time. Among them it is worth noting:

• high yield rates;
• versatility of fruits;
• resistance to frost and thaw;
• complete immunity to scab.

But the variety’s shortcomings were not particularly noticed. The shelf life of winter fruits is quite short - about 3 months, after which the quality of the fruit begins to decline.

Dimensions of an adult tree

The Aphrodite apple tree is quite tall. Its height can reach 10 meters. The crown is very wide, rounded, spreading, the stem is strong.

Mature apple tree Aphrodite.

Annual growth

In the first few years, a young apple tree grows 50-60 cm until it reaches its height. An adult tree grows 10-12 cm per year, which is also quite a lot.

Frequency of fruiting

During the cultivation period of the Aphrodite variety, there were no interruptions in fruiting. The apple tree bears fruit every year.

Productivity

Yields are high. One tree can produce about 150 kg of apples. The apple tree reaches these indicators in 7-8 years.

Tasting assessment

The Aphrodite variety produces medium-sized fruits. They are juicy, sweet and sour, the flesh is dense and meaty. It is considered a dining room and is widely used in the kitchen.

Winter hardiness

The tree is resistant to extreme cold. It can easily withstand temperatures down to -40°C and even -45°C. In addition, the variety is also not afraid of spring frosts and thaws.

Disease resistance

Thanks to the work of breeders, the Aphrodite variety is endowed with a gene that makes it resistant to almost all types of fungal diseases.

Fruit rot on an apple tree.

However, under certain conditions, fruit rot may appear on the apple tree. This happens if the garden is not kept clean. Regular cleaning of the tree trunk from debris and fallen leaves will help avoid this disease.

Description of the Aphrodite variety

Like many apple trees, Aphrodite is a self-sterile variety . For full and abundant fruiting, it needs a pollinating partner.

The suitable choice of pollinators for this variety is small: Stroevskoe (winter variety of later selection) and Kurnakovskoe (elite variety; in the State Register since 2002).

Moreover, the latter, in the process of pollination, itself counts on Aphrodite’s reciprocity.

However, both partner trees meet the main requirements for pollinators:

• they have common flowering and fruiting periods with Aphrodite;
• they belong to the winter type of apples;
• characterized by resistance to scab;
• have the same lifespan and productivity.

Help: Since the main carriers of pollen are bees, and their flight radius does not exceed 2 km, the pollinating tree must be located within this zone.

1. Aphrodite belongs to the early winter varieties , but the “keeping quality” of its fruits does not exceed 3 months. Full ripeness of apples (consumer) occurs only after harvesting (2-3 weeks later), which occurs in the second half of September.
2. The plant exhibits reproductive functions from the age of 4-5 years . At productive age it produces 150 kg of fruit from one trunk. The general lifespan for apple trees is 50-60 years.
3. This variety is characterized by annual high yields, without periods of decline.
4. The winter hardiness of this apple tree is manifested in its tolerance to temperature changes in the Russian winter, with its thaws and frosts.
5. During selection, the variety is protected from the destructive effects of fungal diseases.
6. Aphrodite apple as a table variety is consumed fresh and can be processed into dried fruits, juices, compotes, preserves, jams, marmalade, fruit wine - cider.

Interesting: Regular consumption of apples helps strengthen the immune system, improves metabolism and the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

The following varieties can boast of particular benefits for humans: Orlinka, Orlovsky Pioneer, Moscow Winter, Aromatic and Young Naturalist.

Features of ripening and fruiting

Fruiting

Start

Aphrodite is a fast-growing variety . The first apples appear on the tree 4–5 years after planting.

Peculiarities

One of the main advantages of the variety is considered to be high annual yields. The fruits are set on different types of ringlets, which promotes regular fruiting.

Deadlines

Blooms

Apple tree blossom.
Large flower buds begin to open in the 3rd decade of May . White buds with a pink tint have beautiful petals and a pronounced aroma.

Maturation

Apples are ripe in September . On the 20th the first fruits ripen.

Fruit storage

Apples do not lose their quality for 3 months . With the correct humidity and air temperature, storage time can increase to 2 weeks.

Photo

External data

Let us consider separately the appearance of the apple tree and its fruit.

Large, fast-growing trees have a not too dense, rounded crown . Feature: skeletal branches are formed at right angles to the trunk.

Young shoots with a slight edge are curved and have a brown color. The bark of an adult tree is greenish-brown and smooth.

Before flowering, small buds pressed against the shoots can be seen on the branches. Flowers will appear from the larger ones, in the form of umbrella inflorescences of 4-6 flowers each.

In buds, the flowers are pale pink in color; when they open, they become even lighter. The size of the flowers is medium, shaped like a saucer, in the center of which there are fused pistils and anthers of 10-20 stamens.

The leaves appear along with the flowers, but due to their slow growth, they allow the flowers to dominate the crown during the flowering period before the ovary forms.

Once fully formed, the leaves reach medium size with an oblong shape. The color is dark green with a yellowish tint. The leaf blade on the back side is slightly pubescent, the edge is wavy, the petiole is proportional.

Apples are distinguished by their decorativeness: the greenish-yellow skin is mostly covered with a striped crimson blush, which becomes even brighter at the time of consumer ripeness.

The fruit is small, up to 140 g, with shiny smooth skin and a characteristic oily sheen. The seed chambers are closed, the seeds are conical, medium in size, brown in color.

The varietal feature of the pulp is pink veins in a white dense structure. The Aphrodite apple is famous for its juiciness and sweet and sour taste.

Help: There are 10,000 varieties of apples in the world. There are 300 of them in our country. 8% of them are old varieties inherited. New varieties are focused on regional characteristics.

What do gardeners say about the Aphrodite variety?

If you read the reviews of some gardeners, you can understand that the Aphrodite variety is very good. Here are some of them.

1. “I planted this variety in the garden 12 years ago and am very glad that I did it. Over such a fairly long period, the Aphrodite variety never showed its shortcomings. I think because she doesn't have any. The apple tree requires minimal care, so you don’t need to put in a lot of effort. During that time, the apple tree never got sick, but I took good care of it.

I did not cover it for the winter, since our frosts are not too severe and the apple tree survived the winter period just fine. I really like apple fruits, they are tasty and juicy, and there are a lot of them. Moreover, every year the harvest is high, regardless of anything. Apples make very tasty juices, compotes and jams.”

2. “I planted an apple tree 28 years ago, and so far the harvest is very stable and there are always a lot of apples. I learned about this wonderful variety from my neighbor, who mainly grew only this variety of apple trees. I believe, like many gardeners, that this variety is one of the best varieties, so every apple lover should plant it.

The tree is no more and survives the winter well without any problems. No special care is required for the apple tree.”

Subtleties of cultivation

In fact, this variety does not claim exceptional growing conditions. The sunny side, protected from strong winds, will suit him perfectly.

The main thing is that the neighbors in the garden do not crowd, there is room to grow , and the soil is not swampy. Therefore, you should not plant an apple tree in lowlands, where water does not drain for a long time after melting snow or rain. Although the Aphrodite apple tree tolerates groundwater tolerably.

You should not use a place where another apple tree has grown old for new plantings, and it is not practical to plant next to the house: carrion, flies, leaf litter.

It is wise to plant apple trees of different types on the site: a couple of summer ones, a couple of autumn ones and a winter variety. Then the family will have vitamins all summer and winter.

Important: Young trees should be planted at a distance from old ones so that the branched root system of the latter, intertwined, does not oppress the seedling.

Reviews

Over the entire period, the apple tree showed its best side:

• Does not take much time to care for;
• Does not freeze;
• Not susceptible to fungal diseases.
• The productivity is very high, the whole tree is strewn with beautiful, elegant fruits.

Apple trees tolerate frost well.
Ripe apples are very tasty, juicy, with an unforgettable aroma. We enjoy their taste not only when consumed fresh, but also in baked goods, compotes, juices, preserves and jams.”

My favorite variety is Aphrodite.

The fruits of this apple tree have an unforgettable sweetish sour taste and juiciness . When you bite into an apple, the juice comes out directly onto your lips.

Mom makes delicious jams from them. We also dry them and add them to various dishes in winter.”

After this time, I can say from my own experience that the variety really turned out to be one of the best .

The apple tree has fairly good resistance to various diseases; it requires watering and pruning in care.

The variety is quite productive, with good quality fruits. The wife makes various preparations and preserves for the winter from the fruits. These fruits also make excellent cider.”

Landing technology

The abundance of future harvests directly depends on the correct choice of seedlings and strict adherence to planting technology.

That's why:

• buy seedlings only from trusted suppliers who have licenses and certificates for their products;

• pay attention to the packaging of planting material (ideally, it will be made from wet peat), it should not be dried or have leaves;
• Beware of seedlings “exchanged” with neighbors and unfamiliar people: you can introduce infection or pests into your garden;
• To ensure reliable engraftment, plant two and three year olds.

Important: Dried roots and broken shoots must be trimmed; Carefully remove the leaves without damaging the buds; cut off the crown by 10 cm, leaving 6-7 productive buds.

The planting process should be planned for spring (late April) or autumn (no later than the 20th of October). If there is an unexpected delay in planting, it is wiser to bury the seedling for the winter and plant it in the spring. Soils of a wide variety of characteristics are suitable for planting apple trees of this variety.

Important: The hole for the seedling is prepared a week before the planned planting.

• standard is 1m (diameter) by 0.7m (depth);

• During the planting process, organic fertilizers are applied;
• they are mixed with loosened soil and formed into a mound;
• the roots of the rootstock are spread along the mound;
• a stake prudently driven into the center of the hole provides support for a weak tree for a couple of years;
• the roots are covered with earth, which is trampled down;
• the root collar protrudes 5 cm above the soil level;
• the seedling is watered abundantly until the soil is clearly moistened (5 buckets);
• the tree trunk circle is mulched with peat (5 cm) or humus;
• Watering is repeated at intervals of a week.

Features of planting and care

Landing

Deadlines

Planting an apple tree.
Apple trees are planted in early spring before the first buds bloom, or in the fall 3 weeks before the first frost.

You should know! A 2-year-old seedling takes root much faster and better.

Technology

1. To plant a seedling, dig a hole 70 cm deep and 80 cm wide.
2. Organic fertilizers are added and mixed with the soil.
3. Next, I form a mound in the recess, place a seedling on it, straighten the roots and carefully cover it with earth.
4. After the work is completed, the tree is watered abundantly and the trunk circle is mulched with 5 cm of humus.

Distance

The fruit crop is vigorous ; for sufficiently good lighting of an adult tree, when planting, take into account a distance of 6–7 meters from other fruit crops.

Agricultural technology and cultivation

For good plant development and high productivity, the apple tree needs care throughout its life.

Maintenance includes the following::

• Regular watering;
• Weeding and loosening of the tree trunk circle;
• Pest prevention;
• Protection from rodents.

Advice! Nitrogen and mineral fertilizers in liquid form are applied annually under the tree trunk. These fertilizers promote early fruiting of tasty and healthy fruits.

Pruning and crown formation

The fruit crop has a fairly high productivity of life.

On average, it is about 80 years .

To rejuvenate the tree, weak, damaged and old branches are removed annually.

Pollinator varieties

The apple tree itself is barren. To set fruit, it requires cross-pollination with other varieties of apple trees.

Care system

The care system consists of mandatory seasonal activities:

• loosening and watering;
• pruning branches;
• root application of fertilizers;
• prevention of possible biological damage.

Watering is done 5 times per season, more often in hot summers.

You can moisten the ground under the apple tree in several ways, but always only in the evening:

• pouring tree trunk circles (3 buckets each);
• sprinkling (the crown is moistened and cleared of dust and insects);
• by making furrows around the trunk;
• drip irrigation (for dry areas).

Important: For greater efficiency, watering should begin with loosening, using a crowbar or fork for this purpose to pierce the soil in several places by 30-40 cm.

Pruning always precedes the main vegetative periods of a plant’s life and has several goals:

• formation of a trunk;
• crown formation;
• sanitary pruning;
• pruning to increase yield;
• for wood rejuvenation;
• to prepare for winter.

You can control the future harvest by stimulating fruiting during the flowering period: to do this, thin out the ovary, removing flowers in the center of the bunch or leaving 1-2 ovaries in the bunch.

Fertilization of the apple tree is carried out throughout its productive life and is regulated by the main seasonal phases.

Organic and mineral (phosphorus and potassium) substances are added in liquid or granular form in precise proportions, according to a special scheme. For the Aphrodite variety, this procedure is no different from the general approach to root feeding of apple trees.

Prevention of possible biological damage from fungal spores is included in the variety already during the selection period. The trunk can be protected from insect pests by whitewashing (young trees with chalk, old trees with lime).

But the main concern of gardeners remains protecting the trunk of the apple tree from attacks by rodents (mice and hares). The tree is protected from them by tying the trunk with spruce branches, parchment or roofing felt (on a layer of burlap).

Interesting: Mulching the tree trunk circle with sawdust soaked in kerosene effectively protects against rodents.

Description, characteristics and regions of distribution of the Aphrodite apple tree

Every summer resident is tormented by the question of what type of apple tree to plant on his plot, so as not to make a mistake. Everyone wants to harvest a tasty, abundant harvest with juicy and crispy pulp with minimal care. So that the plant is resistant to diseases and withstands cold weather, and the fruits are stored for a long time. The Aphrodite apple tree has all of the above properties.

Description and characteristics of the variety

Breeders have managed to develop an ideal fruit crop that maintains its performance under various growing conditions. The basic descriptions of the variety do not change depending on weather conditions and the degree of care:

• belongs to the winter species;
• resistant to fungal diseases;
• the tree grows large and strong;
• maximum height is 10 meters;
• fast growing plant;
• crown is round;
• apples are consumed fresh and processed;
• mixed fruiting;
• umbrella-shaped inflorescences consist of 4-6 flowers;
• The variety is self-sterile; in order to bear fruit abundantly and fully, a pollinator partner is needed;
• the plant patiently tolerates temperature changes;
• bears fruit from the fourth year.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the variety include:

• tolerates harsh winter conditions well;
• does not require additional protection in winter;
• the root system withstands the proximity of groundwater;
• high-yielding variety, 278 centners are collected per hectare;
• bears fruit annually;
• immune to scab;
• high commercial quality of fruits;
• long-term storage of crops.

• The large size of the plant makes harvesting difficult. A ten-meter handsome man is not suitable for small areas.
• The variety requires cross pollination.

Characteristics of the Aphrodite apple tree

Let us consider separately in detail the characteristics of the variety.

Dimensions

• the crown is round and wide;
• height about 10 meters;
• the standard is smooth and strong.

Every year the branches increase in length by 12 centimeters.

Productivity

The taste of the first fruits can be enjoyed in the fourth year after planting. Productive cleaning begins from 9-12 years of age. Every year, 130-150 kilograms of apples are harvested from the plant.

Frequency of fruiting

In any weather conditions, even in the most unfavorable summer, the tree produces a harvest every year.

Winter hardiness

The plant perfectly tolerates severe frosts up to 43 degrees. It has high frost resistance, which allows you not to cover the plant before the onset of winter.

Disease resistance

• the variety has a resistant gene - Vf, which helps resist various fungal diseases;
• the plant is resistant to five types of scab.

To prevent the tree from getting sick, follow simple recommendations:

1. If you do not clear the garden of fallen leaves and dry twigs, fruit rot will develop.
2. Protect the trunk from insects. Young plants are whitened with chalk, adults are treated with lime.

Sawdust soaked in kerosene and spread around the trunk helps save apple trees from rodents. For the winter, cover with pine branches or tie the trunk with parchment .

Fruit evaluation

• maximum weight 150 g;
• ripe fruits have a red blush over the entire surface;
• sweet-sour, dense pulp contains a large amount of juice;
• consumer quality of fruit is rated at 4.5 points.

Variety distribution

Due to the fact that the variety is frost-resistant, well adapted to harsh weather conditions and not picky about soils, Aphrodite grows well:

• in central Russia;
• in the Volga region;
• in the Urals;
• in the northern regions;
• in outskirts of Moscow;
• in Bashkiria;
• in Ukraine.

Reviews from gardeners about the apple tree

Tatyana, 65 years old: “I collect the first specimens in early autumn. After the first frost, apples become juicier and sweeter. I follow storage conditions, so we consume the harvest for six months. Just take care. In the summer I water, harvest on time, and clear the space of leaves.”

Vasily, 45 years old: “An unpretentious tree. Apples are delicious. The size is small. When they sit, they change color to bright crimson and become sweeter. The tree has grown big, but I hardly care for it. Occasionally I feed it with humus, and when it’s very hot, I water it. Winters well."

Marina, 47 years old: “My tree is 12 years old. It reached a height of 5 meters. Every year I remove about a hundred buckets. In the refrigerator, the fruits are stored until the New Year. It blooms beautifully and the fruits are also beautiful in appearance. I’ll be harvesting until the end of September.”

How to preserve the harvest?

Early winter apple varieties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

But, if there is a basement and the harvest is large, then it must be stored according to certain rules:

• prepare drawers without cracks (wash with a brush, dry);
• cover them with clean paper;
• do not transfer the fruits one by one, but carefully pour them out of the bucket in which they were collected, tilting it as low as possible to the bottom of the box and holding it with your hand;
• the amplitude of the fall will be the smallest and safe for the safety of apples;

Important: Apples for storage are prepared with the stalk.

• Before moving to the cellar, they should stand for several days in the shade or in a cool room to cool down and undergo sorting;
• in the box the fruits are placed in one layer; if it’s two, you need to cover the layers with paper or sprinkle with dry shavings;
• For long-term storage, apples are wrapped individually in clean paper;
• the preferred storage temperature is 0-3 degrees Celsius, humidity is 80-90%;
• You should not place them in the part of the cellar where root vegetables are stored, so that the fruits do not lose their original taste and aroma.

The following apple varieties are stored well and for a long time: In Memory of Michurin, Korey, Kutuzovets, Screen and Granny Smith.

Help: For winter varieties there is a way to store apples in the ground. To do this, they are packaged in 2 kg plastic bags and buried in the ground to a depth of 30 cm. Throw in dead wood and dry leaves from above. It makes sense to put up an identification mark so that you can find your winter preparations at the right time.

Planting a variety

The best time to graft a seedling is early spring. In the fall, it will not have time to get stronger before the first frost arrives.

In spring, planting is planned before buds appear on neighboring crops. If autumn planting is still necessary, then it is better to plant the crop a month before the expected frost.

Two-year-old seedlings take root better and suffer less disease. The planting pit is prepared in advance. The tree should not be left in the shade or in low areas. Excess stagnant liquid will lead to rotting of the rhizome. There are no special requirements for the composition of the soil.

We vaccinate in the spring for better survival.

Disembarkation scheme

In order for the apple trees to quickly take root, successive works are carried out:

1. The first step is to dig a planting hole (2 weeks before planting day). The depth of the hole is at least 70 cm. The same width will ensure proper growth of the root system. The planting hole is not watered beforehand.
2. Fertilizer is added to the hole. It should stand for 2 weeks and saturate the soil with useful substances. Organic is suitable for these purposes. After a week, it is mixed with the top layers of soil.
3. On the day of planting, the rhizome is placed in the hole, and a support is nailed nearby. The rhizome is carefully covered with soil and compacted.
4. A soil ridge forms around the trunk. It will retain moisture in the root part and protect the crop from harmful environmental factors.
5. The seedling is watered abundantly with purified water. Additionally, the crop is mulched. To do this, humus is placed on the top soil layer - at least 5 cm thick.

It is important to maintain the correct distance between trees during planting. Aphrodite grows well if a distance of 6-7 m is maintained from the nearest tree.

Useful tips

1. Choose seedlings with large, healthy-looking roots.
2. The Aphrodite variety is especially light-loving; it’s good if the sun illuminates it all day
3. The spreading shape of the crown requires thoughtful placement of the tree in the garden.
4. To make harvesting easier, you need to trim the height of the tree without limiting the horizontal growth of branches.
5. As the tree grows, not only the trunk, but also the lower branches should be protected from rodents.

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Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The Aphrodite variety is a real unique one. Throughout the entire period of variety testing, which lasted 25 years, not a single disadvantage was found in the apple tree. Such indicators rarely appear, so gardeners’ reviews of the crop are extremely positive. Fruit growers note the following advantages:

1. high precociousness. The first harvest will appear on the branches 4-5 years after planting the crop in the garden, and at the age of 9-12 years you can count on productive harvesting;
2. lack of frequency of fruiting. Even with an unfavorable agricultural background, the tree does not let the owner down;
3. high productivity. Each specimen annually produces 130-150 kg of fruit;
4. high threshold of frost resistance. Adult specimens without shelter can withstand the harsh winters of Central Russia; damage from frost is minimal (no more than one point);
5. unpretentiousness. Aphrodite develops well on light, fertile soils, but the tree's requirements for the mechanical composition of the substrate are minimal - even the presence of a nearby aquifer will not affect the health of the root system of the crop;
6. exceptional immunity to the fungus Venturia inaequalis, which is the causative agent of scab. This indicator allows you to grow apples without the use of chemicals;
7. excellent fruit characteristics - transportability, marketability, keeping quality, attractive appearance.

The description of the variety indicates the large dimensions of the apple tree, which complicates crown care and harvesting. A ten-meter giant is unlikely to be suitable for small gardens, because it is worth considering that it will still need neighbors.

Whether the dimensions of a tree should be considered a disadvantage is up to each gardener to decide for himself. The Aphrodite apple tree variety is undemanding in terms of planting and care. Any site is suitable, but when forming a planting hole, fertilizers must be applied. Consider the need for proximity to other cultivars for cross-pollination. Tree care is standard - watering 5-6 times per season, annual application of fertilizers three times, spring pruning. The garden goddess will not need treatment against fungi and shelter for the winter.

If you have room for a large tree in your garden, give preference to the Aphrodite variety. This apple tree will give you a rich harvest, requiring minimal care in return.