Pear "Severyanka": characteristics and cultivation
The pear is an ancient culture that has about four thousand years of history. There are dozens of different varieties of this agricultural crop in the world, and the best of them grow in Russia.
In the USSR, scientific research was carried out to improve and breed new species. Pear "Severyanka" is a vivid example of what heights the breeding science of that time (late 50s) could achieve. The work was carried out under the guidance of Academician N.P. Yakovlev.
Description
Pear "Severyanka" was bred in the late fifties by crossing several varieties. It has an increased resistance to negative temperatures, grows well in the northern regions of the country. "Severyanka" has a medium size, has a small rounded crown. The bark is predominantly dark gray in color. The foliage is a complex configuration, with pointed ends present on the leaves.
Harvest can be removed in the first half of August. As soon as the pears ripen, they, as if on command, crumble in a matter of days. It is recommended to remove the pears for a week before shedding, in which case they will be stored for up to three months. Only after seven years after planting does the first crop appear, one tree brings over two tens of kilograms. An adult pear can bring up to 70 kg of crop. If the year is successful, and there is proper care for the plant, then the amount of the crop can increase to a centner.
As already mentioned, the Severyanka pear is not afraid of even harsh frosts, and this plant is not afraid of hot temperatures. During the period of drought, the fruits of the pear become noticeably smaller, but, nevertheless, the tree does not cease to bear fruit.
Distributed pear "Severyanka" on the territory:
- Ural;
- Far East and Sakhalin;
- Volga region.
Kinds
Among the types of this pear, “Severyanka Krasnochekaya” is especially popular. It has unique qualities, is very hardy and brings a good harvest. The variety was bred specifically for the climatic conditions of Russia. Academician Yakovlev invented and developed a variety. The maximum height of a tree at the age of fifteen is about five to six meters. The tree grows the most in width, sometimes the diameter also reaches 5-6 meters.
Branches often grow perpendicular to the trunk. The color of the trunk varies in different shades of brown. The leaves are straight plates that do not have any bends. The base of the leaf is rounded and slightly concave.
When the pear blossoms, it is covered with white flowers. The flower has the shape of a circle, up to six pieces are present on one inflorescence. There are no more than five flowers, they tolerate negative temperatures well.
Pears are shaped like light bulbs. The shape of the tips is slightly undercut. The peel is formed very dense, but it is not hard, which is the case with a wild pear. The weight of the fetus does not exceed 115 grams. The ripe fruit has a greenish-yellow color, sometimes there is a reddish coating. Thanks to this raid, the variety received the name "Red-cheeked".
Advantages of this variety:
- rushes quickly;
- frost-resistant;
- resistant to pests (scab);
- abundantly fructifies in the early period;
- has excellent taste;
- fruits are suitable for any kind of processing.
Among the shortcomings can be called the small size of the fruit. "Severyanka Krasnochekaya" is planted in a dry area where there is a lot of light. The place should be gentle. No special soil is required for this pear tree. The soil does not need a significant amount of moisture; in swampy lowlands, the tree will grow poorly.
Landing
When landing, you should choose the right site. The ideal location may be an area that is well lit, where there are no drafts and the ground is not too wet. The best soil for such a pear is considered loam, as well as sandy loam soil. A fair amount of various fertilizers is also required. It is not uncommon for young plants not to take root if winters are too severe.
It is worth paying close attention to two-year-old seedlings, they are distinguished by better resistance and adaptability to weather changes. When purchasing seedlings, try to choose healthy and intact specimens. It would be best to contact a special nursery, where they can show you the conditions for growing a seedling, as well as present all the necessary quality certificates. It is also a good idea to purchase a seedling with a closed root system (with a clod of earth on the roots).
Holes are dug to a depth of a whole meter, such a funnel can be eighty centimeters wide.
The following components must be added to the planting pit:
- peat;
- humus;
- manure;
- ash.
Before planting, a small mound is made in the funnel itself, a seedling is placed on it, so the root neck will rise six centimeters above the surface.
Half a bucket of water is poured out, the roots of the seedling are straightened, it is placed in a hole.The recess is covered with soil, lightly compacted. Another half bucket of water is added on top. To prevent the trunk from tilting, it is better to tie it to a wooden peg.
Pear "Severyanka" has planting patterns about the same as other varieties. The distance between the trees should be at least three meters, but between the rows it is recommended to make a distance of five meters or more. Unfortunately, "Severyanka" will give only 25% of the crop in the absence of pollinators. Therefore, experienced gardeners advise planting the "Memory of Yakovlev" variety nearby so that it serves as a pollinator for this type of pear.
Care
In terms of care, pruning is especially important for pears, as it helps the correct formation of the crown and the development of the tree.
If the plant is represented by one shoot, then pruning is done at a height of about 75 cm, while leaving three buds. If there are even small side branches, then they are cut by a third, it is also recommended to leave three buds on them. Pruning is usually done within the first three years after planting the seedling. Then the tree is already processed for sanitary and preventive purposes.
Care requires the following operations:
- weed removal;
- tillage;
- top dressing;
- watering;
- preventive measures against diseases and pests.
Caring for pear trees is similar to caring for apple trees, but there are some differences. First of all, it is recommended to remember the transience of flowering of this crop, especially in dry summers. Therefore, it is necessary to guess the exact time when the trees should be processed in order to protect them from harmful insects.
The pear has a rod structure of roots, the main root mass is located at a depth of one meter. For her, the ideal soil is not hard and neutral, in which there is humus.The pear will not grow in peatlands where a lot of carbonate is present. It is also unacceptable to plant pear trees where groundwater comes close to the surface.
Before planting, the soil is not fertilized; nitrogen fertilizing is applied in the third spring (17 grams of urea per square meter).
After five years, the following fertilizers are given (6 g per square meter):
- nitrogen;
- phosphorus;
- potassium.
Fertilize with organic matter once every three years. It is necessary to water the pear twice a season - before flowering and after. A good option would be irrigation by sprinkler or ditches. In especially dry summers, you can water more often. For each square meter, about 20 liters of water will be required. After watering, it is necessary to loosen the soil, remove weeds and unnecessary herbs.
Diseases and pests
The pear has good resistance to scab and spotting. Septoria (white spot) affects trees quite rarely. For prevention, plants are sprayed with Bordeaux liquid or blue vitriol in spring. Whitewashing the trunk also gives good results.
Also, "Severyanka" can get mycoplasma disease. Infection occurs due to insect pests and affected seedlings. The disease entails the rapid growth of the kidneys, dryness and lethargy of the leaves, the appearance of spots, necrosis of the trunk. If this happens, then the tree must be eliminated, it will be impossible to cure it.
Fruit rot is a harbinger of brown spots. If you do not take effective measures, then the crop will be destroyed by 100%. In the fight against this scourge, copper chloride and Bordeaux liquid work effectively. A bacterial burn occurs if the leaves are "grabbed" by frost. In this case, once a week the tree should be sprayed with antibiotics.Before starting work, all tools must be treated in boric acid.
The pear does not suffer from the codling moth and the gall mite, but is defeated by the attack of the hawthorn butterfly. If a lot of caterpillars appeared on the tree, then it is necessary to apply the preparation "Karbofos" and other insecticides.
Recommendations
Experienced gardeners give a few recommendations for those who have not yet dealt with the cultivation of fruit crops.
- With the problem of choosing seedlings, it is recommended to pay attention to biennial plants. From them, with a high degree of probability, it will be possible to judge how the tree will grow.
- To extend the shelf life, you should put the fruits in the refrigerator. If pears are collected from the ground, then their shelf life will be insignificant. It is recommended to harvest a week before shedding.
- The trees endure the dry period steadfastly, but it is better to water it, only then the fruits will be tasty and juicy. If groundwater is present close to the surface, then the tree will grow poorly.
- It is necessary to plant plants in the spring, when steadily warm weather appears.
Reviews of gardeners about the Severyanka pear are mostly positive. Summer residents note unpretentious care, resistance to frost, excellent taste of fruits. They also speak well of the amount of the crop, which in fertile years can reach 100 kg per tree.
There are also negative responses. They are connected primarily with the fact that it is necessary to purchase pollinators for pears, since without them the crop will be small. Many summer residents also complain that Severyanka is often prone to diseases of its culture, and preventive measures have to be taken regularly.
For information on how to achieve pear fruiting for 3-4 years, see the following video.