Apache blackberry: variety description, pros and cons, planting and growing

Apache blackberry is considered a relatively new crop. Its fruits contain many vitamins and minerals. The key advantages of the plant include high yield parameters and large fruits. At the same time, the variety is considered very capricious to the effects of various climatic factors. In order for the plant to develop normally, it needs quality care.

History of selection

The variety was obtained in 1988. To do this, scientists from the Arkansas Institute crossed an experimental hybrid or Navajo variety. As a result, we managed to get a hybrid Apache variety. It turned out to be more productive than the parent crops.In addition, the plant is characterized by larger fruits. They do not become smaller throughout the fruiting season. Blackberry shoots do not have thorns, and the fruits are sweet in taste.

Botanical description and culture characteristics

Apache variety has large oval berries. Their weight is about 9 grams. In addition, the fruits have a length of up to 1.5 centimeters. They are characterized by a beautiful bluish-black hue and a glossy structure.

Culture is considered medium-late. She gives a harvest at the end of July. Berries do not have a sugary taste. They are characterized by a slight acidity. From 1 bush you can get up to 5 kilograms of fruit.

The bushes are powerful enough. They are characterized by straight stems that reach a height of 3 meters. The variety belongs to the Kumaniks. Formative pruning is required for higher yields and easier maintenance.

Pros and cons of the Apache variety

Pros and conslarge berries with a pleasant taste;short fruiting period - about 1 month;lack of spikes;excellent transportability and long storage period;high yield parameters;compact bushes.poor tolerance to harsh winters;hiding difficulties;sensitivity to summer heat.

Because the variety is considered medium late, there is a risk of insufficient fruit ripening. This problem occurs during early winter.

The subtleties of growing blackberries

For blackberries to be successful, they need quality care. Important is the observance of the landing rules.

Timing

In the south, blackberries are best planted in autumn. It is recommended to do this 1 month before the arrival of cold weather. In areas with a more severe climate and frosts down to -15 degrees, planting work is carried out exclusively in the spring. It's worth doing in March.

Choosing a seat

When choosing a landing site, it is recommended to take into account climatic features:

• if the summer is hot and long, it is recommended to choose shady places with good ventilation;
• in areas with a temperate climate and cool summers, blackberries are suitable for sunny places protected from the wind;
• it is better not to plant a plant in the north.

Selection and preparation of planting material

For planting, it is recommended to use annual seedlings that have 2-3 shoots and a thickness of 5-10 millimeters.They must have a developed root system, the length of which is at least 10 centimeters. Before planting, the bushes are recommended to be cleaned of damaged fragments.

Plant pattern

Bushes should be placed at least 1 meter apart. The row spacing should be 2 meters. For planting blackberries, it is recommended to do the following:

1. 2 weeks before planting, dig holes measuring 50 centimeters.
2. Place 5-6 kilograms of humus on the bottom or mix 5 kilograms of bird droppings with 100 grams of wood ash.
3. Put a bush in the hole and sprinkle the roots with earth.
4. Make a hole around and pour 5 liters of water under the bush.
5. Sprinkle the soil with mulch and cut the branches 4-5 centimeters.

Recommendations for plant care

To increase the yield parameters, it is worth following the rules of agricultural technology. To do this, it is worth watering and cutting the bushes in time, feeding, warming for the winter.

Irrigation

In dry weather, blackberries need to be watered. It is recommended to do this during flowering, at the stage of fruit set and at harvest time. When using a drip irrigation system, you should make sure that there is no moisture stagnation.

Cutting

Bushes need to be formed by pruning. This makes them easier to shelter for the winter. To do this, at a height of 40-45 centimeters, you need to pinch the vertical shoots. After that, horizontally let the branches along the trellis. It is also required to remove old and damaged branches every year. This will help increase crop yields.

Feeding

The first time to fertilize is recommended for 2-3 years of plant life. With the advent of spring, it is required to make a mulch layer of peat, compost or humus. This will saturate the bushes with nutrients and speed up the growth of greenery.

Preparing for winter

Apache blackberry can hardly endure winter frosts. Therefore, it needs to be warmed up. Properly trimmed bushes can be easily covered with straw, cardboard or agrofibre.

Diseases and pests

Culture is considered resistant to rust and anthracnose. However, if the soil is excessively moist, there is a risk of damage to the bushes by gray rot. To avoid problems, you should follow the rules of prevention.

So, if the rules of care are violated, the plant may suffer from such pathologies:

1. Rust. In this case, the foliage is covered with orange dots and brown pads. At the first symptoms of a violation, fungicides are used - Tilt or Tinazol.
2. Purple spotting. The fungus affects petioles, buds, branches. When it appears, fungicides should be applied. It is also acceptable to use Bordeaux mixture 2%.
3. Anthracnose. The disease occurs with high humidity. Fungicides should be used for treatment and prevention.

Reproduction

It is permissible to propagate the culture with the tops of the shoots or root offspring. At the same time, it is important to shelter young seedlings from drafts. It is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out. "Kornevin" or "Geteauxin" will help improve rooting.

Harvesting and storage

It is worth picking fruits as they ripen. It is important to pick the berries carefully so as not to damage them. Folding the crop is in dry containers, separating the damaged berries from the whole ones.Leaves and debris are also required. Fresh berries can be kept in the refrigerator for 4-7 days. If longer storage is required, the fruits can be dried, frozen or made into blanks. Apache blackberry is considered a popular variety that has a high yield. At the same time, it is important to properly care for the plant and engage in disease prevention.

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