Content
Plum Blue Bird is the result of the work of domestic breeders. The variety became widespread in the south and in central Russia. It is distinguished by high yield, good presentation and taste of fruits, winter hardiness.
Breeding history of the variety
Plum Blue Bird obtained at VNIISPK - the oldest horticultural organization in Russia. The institute is engaged in the research of berry and fruit crops, as well as the development of new varieties adapted to the middle lane.
The variety is the result of a cross-pollination of plums Kabardinskaya early and Hungarian Caucasian The work was carried out at an experimental breeding station in the Crimea.
The authors of the variety are S.N. Zabrodina and G.V. Eremin. After variety trials in 1997, the plum was included in the state register for the North Caucasus region.
Description of plum variety Blue Bird
Plum Bluebird is a medium-sized tree. The crown is spreading, of moderate density. Branches are brown-brown, slightly geniculate. The foliage is rich green, the leaf plate is large, wrinkled, with a matte surface.
Description of fruits:
- wide oval shape;
- weight about 30 g;
- the same size;
- blue color;
- pronounced waxy bloom;
- the pulp is dryish, green-yellow;
- the bone is easily separated from the pulp.
The pulp of the fruit has a sweet and sour taste. The tasting properties are rated at 4.6 points. The fruits contain dry matter (15.6%), sugar (10.8%), acids (0.7%) and vitamin C (5%).
Best of all, the variety shows its properties when planted in the North Caucasus and in the Lower Volga region. However, it is successfully grown in other areas of the middle lane.
Variety characteristics
When choosing a variety for planting, take into account the resistance of plums to drought and frost, fruiting and the need for pollinators.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
The Blue Bird cultivars are moderately drought tolerant. To obtain a high yield, the tree is watered according to the standard scheme.
Plum hardiness is high. With the additional cover of the plum, the bird endures even harsh winters.
Plum pollinators
The Blue Bird variety is partially self-fertile. The formation of ovaries occurs even in the absence of a pollinator. To increase the yield, it is recommended to plant a number of plum varieties blooming at the same time: Smolinka, Yakhontova, Oryol Dream.
Plum blossom begins at the end of April. The fruits ripen from the second decade of August.
Productivity and fruiting
Plum ripens 5–6 years after planting. The variety gives a stable annual yield. About 35 kg of plums are removed from one tree. Due to the dense pulp, the fruits are stored for a long time and have high transportability.
Scope of berries
A variety for universal use. The fruits are used fresh and for the preparation of sauces, compotes, preserves, marshmallows, dried fruits.
Disease and pest resistance
Plum is resistant to moniliosis, polystygmosis, clotterosporium disease. Preventive treatments help reduce the risk of developing diseases and the appearance of pests.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Pros of the Blue Bird variety:
- great taste;
- widespread use of fruits;
- disease resistance;
- high winter hardiness.
The main disadvantage of plums is their spreading crown. This tree grows quickly and requires regular pruning.
Landing features
The further growth of the plum and its yield depend on the fulfillment of the planting rules. It is necessary to choose the right place for growing the crop and prepare the soil.
Recommended timing
The timing of planting the Blue Bird variety depends on the climate of the region. In the south, work is carried out in the fall, after leaf fall. The seedling manages to take root before the cold snap.
In cool climates, planting is done in early spring, when the soil warms up. You need to complete the work before the leaves appear on the trees.
Choosing the right place
Plum prefers well-lit areas located on the south or west side. The culture does not react well to stagnant moisture in the soil, so it is not planted in lowlands. Groundwater should be located at a depth of 1.5 m or more.
Plum grows in all soils, except for acidic ones. If the soil is acidified, dolomite flour or wood ash (600 g per 1 sq. M) is added before planting.
What crops can and cannot be planted nearby
The plum is removed at a distance of 5 m or more from the following crops:
- hazel;
- birch, poplar;
- fir;
- pear, cherry.
Plum loves the neighborhood of apple and elderberry. It is best to plant different varieties of plums or cherry plums nearby.
Selection and preparation of planting material
Plum seedlings Bluebird are purchased in nurseries or other centers. High-quality planting material has no damage, traces of pests and other defects.
Before starting work, the root system of the plum is assessed. If the roots are overdried, then they are kept in clean water for 3 hours.
Landing algorithm
A planting pit for a drain is prepared in 2 or 3 weeks. During this time, the soil will shrink. If the planting is planned for the spring, then it is better to dig a hole in the fall.
Plum planting procedure Bluebird:
- In the selected area, a hole is dug with a diameter of 70 cm to a depth of 60 cm.
- Fertile soil, compost and peat are mixed in equal proportions.
- Part of the prepared earth is laid in a pit.
- After shrinkage, the remaining soil is poured, a seedling is placed on top.
- The roots of the plant are spread and covered with soil.
- The plum is abundantly moisturized. The trunk circle is fertilized with peat.
Plum follow-up care
The fruiting of the Blue Bird plum largely depends on further care.
- In a drought, the tree is watered with settled water. Watering is important during flowering and fruit ripening. On average, the soil under the drain is moistened 3-5 times a season. Up to 6 liters of water is poured under a young tree, up to 10 liters under an adult plum.
- During the season, the plum is fed 3 times: before flowering, when the first fruits ripen and after harvesting. For feeding plums, 30 g of urea, potassium salt and superphosphate are required. The components are dissolved in water, after which the tree is watered at the root. For the second and third feeding of plums, a similar fertilizer is prepared, but urea is excluded.
Advice! Watering the Blue Bird variety is convenient to combine with top dressing. - By trimming, you can form the crown of the tree. Plum is pruned in spring, before sap flow, or in autumn, after leaf fall. Eliminate dried, broken off and frozen shoots. The crown of the plum is formed in several tiers, the skeletal branches are shortened to 60 cm.
- The Blue Bird variety has good frost resistance. Shelter is only necessary for young plums. They are covered with agrofibre or burlap, spruce branches are placed on top. For additional protection, a snowdrift is thrown over in winter.
- In order for an adult tree to endure the winter better, its trunk is spud and a layer of humus 10 cm thick is poured into the near-trunk circle.
- To protect against rodents, roofing material or a net is attached to the plum trunk.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The table shows the possible diseases of the plum and how to deal with them.
Disease | Symptoms | Wrestling | Prophylaxis |
Gum therapy | Wounds appear on the bark, from which resin flows. Affected shoots dry up and die. | Cleaning and disinfection of damage at the drain with copper chloride. | 1. Avoid mechanical damage to the trunk and shoots. 2. Cleaning the plum trunk from dead bark, mold and lichen. 3. Elimination of fallen leaves. 4. Regular care of the drain. |
Rust | Bulging red spots appear on the leaves, which increase over time. | Removal of affected foliage. Spraying plums with Bordeaux liquid. |
The main crop pests and control measures are listed in the table.
Pests | Signs | Wrestling | Prophylaxis |
Moth | The caterpillars eat away the fruit, leaving behind them passages. | Elimination of affected fruits. Plum processing with "Karbofos". | 1. Loosening in the near-stem circle. 2. Loosening the soil under the drain. 3. Cleaning of fallen fruits and leaves. 4. Preventive treatment of trees with Nitrofen. |
Plum aphid | Aphid colonies live on the underside of the leaves. As a result, the leaves curl and dry out. | Plum processing with "Benzophosphate". |
Conclusion
Plum Blue Bird is a worthy variety for growing in Russia. It is appreciated for its winter hardiness, self-fertility and stable fruiting. The fruits are versatile and have a sweet taste. The plum is suitable for growing in private plots and on an industrial scale.
