Crab Apples

Crab Apples

Let’s know about Crab Apples. Apples and apple trees grow in landscapes without tending . Some were planted individually or as part of a garden and then discarded, and others are grown from seed deposited in bird and mammal droppings.

Usually wild apple trees settle in clearings or on the edges of fields . As the forest grows, apple trees fill with bushes that are scorched by tree branches. 

Apple trees that are crowded and shaded for long periods of time usually do not bear fruit. In general use, the life, vibrancy and performance of crabapps can be improved with a few simple techniques.

This tree can grow to be two to five meters high, although it manages to reach up to 12 meters . Its crown is rounded with thick branches, tactile and angular in shape, whose deciduous leaves are oval, with slightly serrated edges.

The flowers have an inferior compound ovary, in contrast to the majority of Rosaceae, which have super-ovaries. They grow in clusters and have five delicate pink and white petals . In its centre, the stigma and numerous stamens are erect and depending on the tree the fruit usually contains two or more seeds.

The apple tree tolerates moderate winds, but grows well in sun not heat . It is also adaptable to different temperatures (cold and temperate climates).

It requires deep soil with a neutral pH between six and seven, and good drainage, especially clay or sandy ones. Ripens at different times of the year between 100 and 200 days and always blooms in late spring.

Bees or other insects pollinate their flowers, in fact, farmers put honeycombs on trees to facilitate reproduction and they prefer cross-fertilization so that the fruits develop better and get a good harvest. Crabapple grows from seed, whereas it is usually grown by grafting and its fruits appear within the first five years.

Benefit

Crab Apples
Crab Apples

The fruit is eaten without the peel or in salads, jams, cakes, sauces, ciders, wines and juices; As a dessert, in cakes or desserts. It is beneficial to human health as it contains folic acid, calcium, polyphenols, potassium, vitamins A, B and C. In addition to being rich in fiber, it can help regulate digestive function, repair intestinal flora, help with constipation and diarrhea. allows escape.

On the other hand, pectin helps to lower blood cholesterol and sugar levels and is a highly antioxidant since it prevents certain types of cancer. Also, and due to the presence of Phloterin compound in its fruits, antibacterial properties are attributed to it. is held responsible.

It is used as a remedy for pain caused by arthritis. Also to cleanse the liver and gallbladder. Caution should be taken with seeds which are slightly toxic and can cause allergies or health damage if consumed in excess.

Apple farming

Crabapple cultivars, while not threatened, can be damaged by pests or diseases before they mature.

Apple trees like most fruit trees and shrubs grow best in full sun . Annual pruning is another way to ensure consistent fruit set and tree health. The apples on the crab can be smaller than the trees used for human use.

Insect

Its flowers or leaves are commonly affected by apple fungus and fruit rot fungus. Scabs causes dark spots on leaves and fruits , but applying these fungicide treatments with horsetail or milk has proven to be very effective.

Chancere injures the trunk and branches. Also aphids use the foliage and when it climbs the tree it slows down its growth. Other harmful organisms are the European red mite, spider mite, mealybug, bronze beetle, weevil, capsid bug, caterpillar, and moth.