Features of biology of the introduced apple-tree sorts in arid conditions of Mangystau

Abstract

The article presents for the first time the biometrics results (tree height, leafage diameter, bole height and diameter, bine growth) of 11 sorts of 10 year old apple trees regionalized in Kazakhstan. Sorts have been introduced into the local conditions, characterized by extremely high air temperature, poor and weakly structured soil, which contains easily soluble sodium and potassium salts. The article also shows fruit-bearing age, amount of the first harvest and fruits size. It has been established that the biologically high sorts have showed significant decrease of fruit tree height, and also leafage and bole diameter (Asya, Askar, Kandil-sinap, Stolovka). For medium-height sorts the decrease of tree height, leafage and bole sizes is not as significant as for high sorts (Zolotoye prevoshodnoe, Mantet, Florina), and habit of low sorts has not changed (Zailiiskoye). Ontogenetic growth acceleration has been marked, such as earlier age of fruit-bearing (second–fourth year after planting). Fruit weight decrease has also been detected, although the difference in fruit weight between sorts has been preserved. Sorts productivity at 7 year age approximately corresponded with the productivity (at the same age) in more favorable conditions.