Content
Cherry Fatezh has become a real discovery for gardeners of the Central region. Initially cherries considered the culture of the southern regions. She loves high temperatures and does not tolerate frost well. However, science does not stand still. Breeders carry out activities for zoning and crossing cherry varieties in order to develop new, more resistant hybrids.
Breeding history
Cherry Fatezh is an achievement of domestic selection. The scientists A.I. Evstratov and Kh.K. Enikeev worked on the creation of the variety at the All-Russian Selection and Technological Institute of Horticulture and Nursery. At the heart of their work, breeders used biostimulants and gamma rays.
In 1999, after a series of successful experiments with the Leningradskaya yellow variety, a new hybrid was bred. It got its name in honor of the city of Fatezh, Kursk region. For 2 years, tests were carried out on the zoning of the variety. As a result, the Fatezh cherry was included in the State Register in 2001 and recommended for cultivation in the Central and North-West regions.
Description of Fatezh cherries
Cherry variety Fatezh is perfect for growing in Moscow suburbs and in general for the Central region. In the North-West it is also quite possible to get a bountiful harvest, since the variety is zoned for a changeable climate and has an increased frost resistance. In other climatic zones of the Russian Federation, it is not realistic to grow Fatezh cherries because of the harsh long winters.
Cherry trees are quite tall, at least 3 m, the tallest specimens reach 5 m in height. The crown is dense and spreading, has a rounded shape due to the fact that the adult branches deviate to the ground. The bark is brown in color and has a smooth texture. Cherry leaves are located on the shoots quite densely. The leaf plates are long and wide, with a serrated border, not rigid, glossy and bright on top, and lighter and more textured on the reverse side due to veins.
Characteristics
The secret of the Fatezh cherry is that it contains the main indicators characteristic of northern cultures. It is worth noting that there are some nuances, without which it will be quite difficult to get a good cherry harvest.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Winter hardiness of Fatezh cherries is above average. The tree itself tolerates frosts down to -27 ˚C with a drop to -35 ˚C, and the buds often suffer from late frosts. With full care, the Fatezh cherry is restored in several years and continues to bear fruit at the same level.
Cherry Fatezh calmly tolerates dry summers, as it loves light, well-drained soils. But this variety does not tolerate stagnation of moisture.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening times
The first flowering of Fatezh cherries begins 4 years after planting and occurs simultaneously with the blooming of the foliage. Boiling white flowers are formed on the 5 lower buds of young shoots or on bouquet branches. Full ripening of cherries occurs in the last decade of June - the first decade of July.
Productivity, fruiting
The fruiting of Fatezh cherries begins in 4 years, and the peak form is reached in 10 years. By this time, an average of 30 kg of berries can be harvested from each tree. The maximum figure for the Fatezh variety is 50 kg from 1 tree. The berries are yellow-red in color, round and slightly flattened. The weight of 1 fruit ranges from 4 to 6 g. The flesh of the sweet cherry is juicy, the peel is dense and smooth, so the crop tolerates transportation and storage well.
Scope of berries
Fatezh cherries have a dessert taste. The base note is sweet, with a slight sour aftertaste. Taste qualities are assessed as very high. In addition, the fruits are not deformed during heat treatment. In this regard, Fatezh berries are suitable for fresh consumption, for canning, and for confectionery production.
Disease and pest resistance
Cherry Fatezh has a high immunity against fungal infections, so it is not afraid of the most common diseases, such as moniliosis and coccomycosis. Among insects, only cherry flies, aphids and moths are of great danger. Fatezh cherries have a tendency to only one disease - gum disease, which can be easily avoided if the growing rules are followed.
Advantages and disadvantages
| pros | Minuses |
| The tree easily tolerates frosty winters | Inability to self-pollinate |
| The height of the trees and the arrangement of the branches contribute to a comfortable harvest | Vulnerability to gum flow |
| High keeping quality and safety of berries | Narrow distribution area |
| Excellent taste | |
| High resistance to fungal infections |
Landing features
Planting Fatezh cherries is not much different from other varieties. The peculiarities of the planting process are rather related to climatic conditions, since this variety is zoned for a region in which the cultivation of sweet cherry is uncharacteristic in principle.
Recommended timing
In the Central and Northwest region, it is best to plan the planting of Fatezh cherries in the spring, as young and weak seedlings may not survive the winter frosts after the autumn planting.
In southern regions with mild winters, you can plant cherries in October, 15-20 days before the planned onset of frost. During this time, the cherries will have time to take root in a new place. Also, the state of the root system affects the planting period. A seedling with open roots can take root only during spring planting, plants in a container (with a closed root system) successfully take root in both spring and autumn.
The optimal time for planting Fatezh cherries in spring is April, if spring came late, then planting can be postponed to early May.
Choosing the right place
The choice of landing site should be taken seriously. Sweet cherry Fatezh is demanding both to the quality of the soil and to the location on the territory. Heavy clay soils with close groundwater, open areas with strong winds and drafts, northern slopes and shaded areas, as well as lowlands are categorically unsuitable.
Areas fenced from the wind are well suited for planting sweet cherries: old gardens, southern forest edges and slopes. It is allowed to plant Fatezh cherries along the walls of the house, but you need to retreat at least 3 m in order to avoid problems with the foundation in the future.
It is also worth considering that cherries need a well-lit area and light drained loamy soil. The acidity of the soil should be neutral within 6-7 pH. The occurrence of groundwater is at least 2 m in depth. Otherwise, you need to either form a high bed, or artificially create a high-quality drainage layer.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries
The correct neighborhood helps plants to develop more actively and protects them from diseases and pests. Since the Fatezh cherry does not self-pollinate, it is recommended to sow honey-bearing herbs nearby. They actively attract bees and prevent overgrowth weedy herbs. Recommended honey plants:
- clover;
- mustard;
- phacelia.
Any trees and shrubs with stone fruits are suitable for the active growth of Fatezh cherries:
- cherry;
- apricot;
- plum;
- grapes.
The following crops are not suitable for joint cultivation:
- Solanaceae (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers) - spread disease.
- Gooseberries, raspberries, currants - take away nutrients.
- Sea buckthorn - blocks the development of the root system.
Selection and preparation of planting material
A quality seedling can only be purchased in a proven nursery. The optimum height of the seedling is no more than 1 m, the root system is no more than 0.25 m. The sweet cherry should have 5 healthy branches about 2 cm thick.
Before buying, you need to carefully inspect all parts of the plant. There should be no kinks or other damage on the branches and roots. Black roots indicate the presence of a disease. The leaves must be examined from all sides, as pests and diseases are often found on the underside of the leaf plate.
Landing algorithm
Planting holes must be prepared in the fall, regardless of the timing of planting. The pit should be 0.7 mx 0.7 mx 0.7 m in size.In case of mass planting, the distance between the holes is 3 m.
The bottom of the hole is laid with a drainage layer up to 7 cm thick. Expanded clay or broken brick is suitable as drainage. The next layer is laid out with a nutrient mixture of 1 kg of ash, 0.1 kg of sodium sulfate, 0.4 kg of superphosphate. Next comes a layer of earth 10 cm thick.
A seedling is placed on this layer, the roots are gently straightened. Next to the seedling, you need to stick a peg and tie up the plant. The planting hole is covered with earth so that the root collar of the sweet cherry is deepened by 5-8 cm. The earth is tamped and watered abundantly with 30 liters of water. Lay a mulching layer of peat or humus 3-5 cm thick on top.
Follow-up care of the culture
In the future, the standard procedure for caring for Fatezh cherries is carried out, which includes:
- Watering 1-2 times a month with 20 liters of water under the bush.
- Weeding and loosening the trunk circle.
- Pruning: spring (formative) and autumn (sanitary).
- Top dressing in spring (mineral complex) and autumn (organic).
- Shelter for the winter.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
| Diseases and pests | Signs of defeat | Prophylaxis | Treatment |
| Aphid | Twisting of young foliage and a large number of small bugs | Compliance with the dosage of nitrogen application | Spraying with garlic solution, ash, soapy water. If traditional methods do not help, you can treat with chemicals such as Fitoverm, Karbofos, Aktarin. Chemical treatments are acceptable before flowering or after harvest |
| Cherry fly | Worms in berries | Autumn cleaning of the near-trunk area from leaves and weeds, digging up the soil | |
| Moth | Leaves eaten by caterpillars | ||
| Coccomycosis | The leaves are covered with dots, quickly turn yellow and crumble | Do not plant trees next to cherries and cherries that are not resistant to fungal infections. You can not immediately plant cherries in the place of a shrub that has just been removed due to illness. | Destruction of diseased plant parts. Spraying chemicals (eg Horus) |
| Moniliosis | The berries rot on the tree, the leaves dry out |
Conclusion
Sweet cherry Fatezh is the best choice for the Central and Northwest regions. For more than 15 years, this variety has been occupying a leading position due to the combination of such important qualities as frost resistance and resistance to diseases and pests, high yield and excellent fruit taste. Proper care will help avoid possible problems, and cherries will actively bear fruit for about 10 years.
