Description and characteristics of the Imrus apple tree

Basic information about the variety

Imrus is a variety of winter apples, bred in the process of crossing the well-known Antonovka variety with frost-resistant winter hybrids. Breeding work on the breeding of Imrus apples was started in 1977 at the Research Institute of Breeding of Fruit Crops, where for almost 10 years the variety was tested for the main indicators: winter hardiness, immunity to diseases, yield.

Since all the indicators were at their best, in 1989 the Imrus variety was accepted for state testing, as a result of which, after 7 years (in 1996), it was included in the State Register of varieties intended for industrial cultivation.

The hybridization process was complex and lengthy. For crossing, dozens of winter-hardy species of apple trees over 10 years old were selected, of which seven experimental specimens were selected. By repeatedly pollinating the varieties with each other, the seeds of this hybrid were obtained. Further, after stratification, the seed material was planted in the soil, where the "mentor method" (developed by IV Michurin) was the development of the hybrid Imrus.

To give the apple trees frost resistance, their experimental cultivation took place in a cold climate, therefore the variety has a high immunity to cold and can grow even in extremely harsh weather conditions. Also, the hybrid is resistant to many diseases, especially powdery mildew and scab. Today the Imrus variety is zoned in the Central Black Earth and Central regions of Russia, as well as in several regions of Belarus.

Characteristics of the variety

Adult Imrus apple trees are distinguished by their medium size and round, compact, medium density crown. The main branches branch off from the trunk at an acute angle, and rush upward. Skeletal branches are significantly distant from each other and are strongly curved at the ends. The bark on the trunk and branches is rough, scaly. The color of the bark is gray-brown, slightly greenish. This description is typical for mature trees 3-4 years old.

Apple trees bloom in early May with corymbose inflorescences, consisting of 4-6 small flat flowers on short stalks. The petals are white with a pinkish tinge at the edges, the buds are more pink in color. Fruits are of medium size, at full maturity they reach a weight of 130–180 g. The shape of the fruit is flattened, slightly conical.

The external description of the fruits is as follows: the peel is thin, with a glossy oily surface, slightly ribbed, light yellow in color, with a slight blush on one side. The apples are quite sweet on the palate, since the sugar content in them reaches 10%. Ripe fruits contain a lot of vitamin C, dietary fiber and pectins.

Apples are great for fresh consumption as well as for processing.

The first time the variety begins to bear fruit in the third year of life, but the amount of harvest is estimated at ten fruits. In the fourth year, the yield increases significantly, and is already more than 10 kilograms.By the eighth year of life, the average yield of a tree is more than 20 kg.

Planting and care rules

The Imrus variety belongs to the unpretentious apple trees. Young seedlings adapt without problems and take root successfully in any climate. The culture has certain requirements for planting dates - the autumn period from the second half of September to mid-October is considered the most favorable.

When boarding, the following conditions must be observed:

• The place for planting apple trees should be open, not shaded by structures or mature trees.

• The site should be illuminated by the sun for at least half a day.

• Saplings must be planted at a sufficient distance from each other or other types of fruit crops. For young Imrus apple trees, it is desirable that there are no trees within a radius of 2-3 m.

• The optimum pit depth is 80–90 cm.

• To speed up the rooting process, a layer of organic fertilizer (compost, humus) must be laid at the bottom of the planting pit.

For fast and proper development, young trees need comprehensive care, consisting of the following activities:

• regular inspection of seedlings for damage and disease;

• removal of damaged or dried branches with subsequent healing of the cutting site;

• loosening the soil and removing weeds around tree trunks;

• correct and timely watering (in the first year of the seedlings' life, the soil should not be allowed to dry out; in subsequent years, watering is carried out only in conditions of abnormal heat and drought);

• treatment against pests and some diseases;

• mulching (shelter) of the near-stem circles for the winter if the tree grows in too harsh climates.

If you follow these simple rules, Imrus apple trees will grow healthy and quickly delight you with a bountiful harvest.

Harvesting and storage

Imrus - albeit a winter, but a fast-growing variety. Apples reach ripeness by the end of September. At this time, they are removed, after which the fruits ripen for a short time (about a month) in a cool place. Of course, they can be consumed immediately, but after ripening they will become sweeter, juicier, aromatic, and the peel will acquire a yellowish tint.

The consumption period for apples lasts from November to the end of winter. For their long-term storage, it is necessary to allocate a dark, cool place (basement, cellar). The fruits are best preserved in wooden boxes.

Since the peel is very thin, it is recommended to put straw and parchment between the layers of apples - this way they will last longer.

As the description says, Imrus is considered a high-yielding variety - under favorable conditions, 25-30 kg of aromatic and tasty fruits can be removed from one adult tree.

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