A triploid apple tree is a rare type of apple tree with a unique genetic makeup. It has three sets of chromosomes, instead of two sets found in other apple trees. Its composition results in more complex and colorful fruit, which can be used as a specialty crop or as a desirable aesthetic feature of ornamental gardens. Triploid apple trees offer several benefits over regular apple trees, including resistance to pests, improved disease resistance, and increased yield. This overview will explore the aspects of triploid apple trees in detail.
Varieties of Apple Trees
Apple trees come in two types—diploid and triploid. Diploid apple trees contain two sets of chromosomes, and are the most common type in the wild. Triploid trees have three sets, and are a result of cross-breeding. Commonly, a diploid mother tree, carrying two sets of chromosomes, and a diploid father tree, carrying two different sets, are bred together to create the unique triploid composition. While triploid apple trees are more rare and difficult to come by, their benefits may outweigh the added effort.
Benefits of a Triploid Apple Tree
There are several known advantages to growing a triploid apple tree. Perhaps the most evident benefit is the extra-large fruit this tree produces. The larger size of these apples makes them easier to harvest and provides an increase in yields over traditional diploid apple trees. The improved harvests can mean either more profit or more apples to enjoy.
Triploid apple trees also provide resistance to pests and disease. The rare combination of genetic traits results in a high resilience to pests, making them more attractive to farmers and gardeners. Similarly, their high level of disease resistance helps to ensure the longevity and success of their crops.
The unique composite of these trees provides an added aesthetic appeal. The colorful fruit created by this combination is often used as a decorative object in ornamental gardens. This can create an interesting visual feature for any garden or landscape.
Pruning a Triploid Apple Tree
Apple trees, regardless of variety, require regular pruning in order to thrive. To prune a triploid apple tree, start by removing dead, diseased, and broken branches. This will help ensure the remaining branches stay healthy. You should also remove any small branches or slender stems that are not likely to produce fruit. These can be used to create a more aesthetically pleasing shape, or be thrown away.
Finally, use a pair of pruners to make more specific adjustments to the canopy. Remove any crossed branches to prevent them from rubbing up against each other, which can lead to weak growth. Remember to leave several young branches in place to ensure there is an increasing number of fruitful branches in the years to come.
Fertilizing a Triploid Apple Tree
In order to keep your triploid apple tree healthy, you must apply fertilizer. Before applying any fertilizer, take a sample of the soil surrounding your apple tree to a lab for testing. This will allow you to better understand the nutritional needs of the tree. Once the results come in, use a specially formulated food for apple trees, like Fish Emulsion.
When applying the fertilizer, avoid applying too much to the ground below the tree as this can cause root burn. Instead, spread the fertilizer outward in a circle approximately five feet away from the trunk. This will ensure that the entire tree gets the nourishment needed to produce the most vibrant fruit.
Watering a Triploid Apple Tree
Water is essential for the health of any apple tree, but triploid trees require extra attention. For starters, you must ensure that your triploid apple tree does not become water-logged. This can occur when water is not evenly distributed or is applied far too often. To attain a healthy balance, allow the top six inches of dirt to become slightly dry, and then water thoroughly.
To ensure your tree has access to the necessary water, a quality irrigation system can be used. If manual watering is preferred, use a soaker hose to evenly distribute water over the entire root system.
Supporting a Triploid Apple Tree
The extra-large fruits of a triploid apple tree can be significant in weight, and therefore may require additional support. Fortunately, obtaining the necessary structure is relatively simple. Start by using a hammer to drive two sturdy wooden stakes into the ground at least four feet away from the trunk. Bind the tops of these stakes together with strong twine, and then tie the twine about three feet from the ground. Finally, weave another length of twine between the stakes, forming a lattice-like structure, and attach to the twine around the trunk of the tree.
Alternatively, you can opt for a metal support system that is more suited to a heavier crop of apples. These systems use metal posts, instead of wooden stakes, and typically include a heavy-duty cage-like structure to better support the weight of the fruit.
Picking a Triploid Apple Tree
When it comes time to harvest the apples of your triploid apple tree, it is important to be gentle. Apply a slight twist near the stem to remove the fruit and keep the stem intact. Doing so will help to preserve the life of the tree by allowing the stem to heal quickly. This can also help to prevent disease and pests from taking hold.
If your tree has been supported properly and is of a healthy age, it is likely capable of producing more than one round of fruits in a season. Toward the end of the summer, check the fruit regularly to ensure they are ripe and ready to be picked. Keep in mind, over-ripe apples can be quickly affected by pests and disease, so it is best to pick them as soon as they are ready.
Feeding a Triploid Apple Tree
Once harvested, it is a good idea to feed your apple tree regularly. The best food for the job is a combination of composted materials, such as fish and kelp, vegetation, and soil. This combination will provide the essential nutrients for a healthy growth each season. When spreading the food, fill a wheelbarrow with the mixture and spread it out evenly around the tree without burying the trunk.
Along with proper feeding, nutrients can also be applied with a fertilizer formulated specifically for apple trees. Spread this mixture in the same wheelbarrow, in the same pattern as the composted materials. Whichever method you choose, make sure to check the tree regularly to ensure the leaves are green, and the tree is in a healthy state.
Pest Control
Some pests can become a nuisance to a triploid apple tree. Though the tree’s genetic makeup provides an inherent level of protection against pests and disease, there are several species that may still find their way in. The most common include Apple Maggots,Western Flower Thiefs, Codling Moths, and Plum Curculio. To ward these pests off, use a blend of chemical and non-chemical methods, such as spraying the tree with a specially formulated insecticide, using traps, and introducing beneficial species, such as ladybugs and wasps.
It is also important to watch for signs of infestations and damage, such as wilted leaves, swollen fruits, and leaves with marks or speckling. If any of these occur, it is important to act quickly, as any time spent delaying can lead to further damage to the tree.
Crop Protection
Finally, crop protection should be utilized to ensure your triploid apple tree is not affected by severe weather or other environmental factors. For optimal protection, use a lightweight tarp to cover the tree during cold or wet weather. This will ensure the tree stays healthy and productive for many seasons to come.
Similarly, netting can be used to protect the actual crop of apples from birds and other pests. The use of netting can be especially beneficial if you are planning to use your apples as a specialty crop, rather than for ornamental purposes.
A triploid apple tree is rare in composition and, as a result, comes with multiple benefits, such as pest resistance, improved disease resistance, and a larger yield. With the right steps in place, such as proper pruning, fertilizing, and watering, this tree can make a healthy, vibrant addition to any garden or landscape. Furthermore, with proper crop protection and pest control, your triploid apple tree can help you to achieve optimal harvests for many seasons ahead.
