Origin and Common Names
Malus ×soulardii (Bailey) Britt. (pro sp.) is a flowering tree in the rose family (Rosaceae), native to North America, specifically discovered in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, USA. This plant is commonly referred to as ‘Soulard’ or ‘Soulard Apple,’ named after Victor Soulard, a horticulturalist who discovered this plant in 1882.
Appearance
Malus ×soulardii is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 8 meters tall and 5 meters wide, with a rounded crown creating a dense shade. This plant features shiny, dark green leaves that turn yellow and red in the fall, producing a beautiful display of colors. The tree produces fragrant white or pink flowers that bloom in early spring, followed by small, round, greenish-yellow fruits that mature to yellowish-brown in the fall.
Uses
The Malus ×soulardii tree is an ornamental tree, perfect for landscaping purposes, making it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers. The tree’s beautiful flowers, foliage, and fruit make it an excellent choice for a front yard display or a center landscape tree. Although the fruit of this tree is not edible, it attracts various birds and wildlife, making it a great addition to wildlife gardens. The strong wood of this tree is also used for firewood and is excellent for making furniture, tool handles, and small craft items.
Growth Conditions for Malus ×soulardii (Bailey) Britt. (pro sp.)
Malus ×soulardii (Bailey) Britt. (pro sp.) thrives in temperate climates and requires specific growth conditions to grow properly. As an ornamental plant, it is essential to have a good understanding of its growth requirements to ensure optimal growth and development.
Light Requirements
Malus ×soulardii requires full sun exposure to grow adequately. The plant needs about six hours of sunlight every day, and a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight. Therefore, when planting Malus ×soulardii, it is best to choose a site that receives full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Malus ×soulardii thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-8, which means that the plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from -20°F to 20°F. It is best to avoid planting the Malus ×soulardii plant in areas with temperatures outside this range, as it may cause stunted growth or even death.
Soil Requirements
The Malus ×soulardii plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in a range of soil types, such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils. It is essential to maintain the soil pH at around 6.0-7.5. The plant requires a soil that's rich in organic matter and nutrients to encourage proper growth, and the soil must be kept consistently moist.
Watering Requirements
The Malus ×soulardii plant requires consistent and regular watering for optimal growth and development. The soil must be kept moist, but not soaked to prevent the plant from becoming waterlogged and susceptible to root rot. Water the plant once every week during the growing season, and increase watering during the summer months.
Fertilizer Requirements
During its growing season, Malus ×soulardii requires regular applications of high-quality fertilizer to keep the soil rich in nutrients. A balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every two to three weeks to encourage healthy growth and the development of flowers.
Pruning Requirements
To encourage optimal growth and development, pruning is essential. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins, and remove any broken or damaged branches. Pruning helps to keep the plant healthy and promotes the development of new growth and flowers.
Cultivation methods for Malus ×soulardii
Malus ×soulardii is a hardy plant that can thrive in various soil types and climatic conditions. However, it prefers well-draining, loamy soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0-6.5. The plant requires full sunlight to grow well.
The best time to plant Malus ×soulardii is in early fall when the weather is mild, and the soil is warm. Before planting, prepare the soil by digging a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, and fill it with soil. Water the plant thoroughly to promote root growth.
Watering needs for Malus ×soulardii
Malus ×soulardii requires adequate water to grow and produce fruits. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce the frequency during the dormant season. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil. If the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, it's time to water the plant. Mulching around the plant can help conserve moisture and keep the soil cool.
Fertilization for Malus ×soulardii
Malus ×soulardii requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in early spring before the plant starts to bud. Repeat the application every six weeks during the growing season.
Another way to fertilize the plant is by using organic materials, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Apply a 2-inch layer of organic material around the base of the plant and water thoroughly.
Pruning for Malus ×soulardii
Pruning is an essential part of Malus ×soulardii care as it helps to maintain the shape of the tree, promote airflow, and remove dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season in late fall or early winter.
Start by removing any dead or damaged branches with clean, sharp pruning shears. Next, remove any suckers or water sprouts that grow from the base of the plant or the main trunk. Thin out the branches by cutting away any crossed or rubbing branches.
Keep in mind that Malus ×soulardii produces fruit on two-year-old wood. Therefore, avoid removing too many branches as it can affect fruit production.
Propagation of Malus ×soulardii (Bailey) Britt. (pro sp.)
Malus ×soulardii (Bailey) Britt. (pro sp.) can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
One way of propagating Malus ×soulardii is through its seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature fruits during the autumn season, cleaned, and then stored in a cool and dry place. To improve germination rates, the seeds can be stratified (kept cold and moist in the dark) for several weeks before sowing them in a prepared bed of soil. The seedlings may take a few years to reach maturity.
Scion Grafting
Scion grafting involves attaching a cutting (scion) of Malus ×soulardii onto a rootstock of a related apple variety (usually Malus pumila). This is done during the winter season when the sap flow is low. The rootstock must be dormant to ensure a successful grafting. The grafted plant can produce fruit within two to three years.
Budding
In budding, a bud from a Malus ×soulardii tree is inserted into a slit on the bark of a related apple tree. This is done during the summer months when the bark is easily lifted. The bud is then secured using a clip or a grafting tape. The budding process is faster than grafting and can allow propagation of many trees from a single parent plant.
It is important to note that Malus ×soulardii is a hybrid plant and may not produce true to type when propagated from seed. Therefore, vegetative propagation methods like grafting and budding are preferred for maintaining genetic characteristics of the plant.
Common Diseases and Pests Affecting Malus ×soulardii
Malus ×soulardii, also known as the apple hybrid tree, is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests. The most common ones include:
Diseases
Fire blight: This bacterial disease can be fatal to Malus ×soulardii. The infected branches appear as twisted and curled brown or black in color.
Cedar apple rust: Caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae, this disease triggers yellow spots and brownish clusters on leaves and twigs. As the disease progresses, it causes defoliation.
Fruit rot: As the name suggests, this disease targets the apples. It is caused by fungi such as Botryosphaeria dothidea and Valsa sordida. The infected fruits turn brown and get covered in black fungal bodies, resulting in rotting.
Pests
Codling moth: The caterpillars of this moth damage the apples by tunneling through the skin to reach the flesh. In severe cases, the fruits fall prematurely.
Apple maggot: The adult fly of this pest lays its eggs on the surface of the apple. Upon hatching, the larvae feed on the fruit flesh, leaving behind tunnels that lead to rotting and falling fruits.
Apple aphid: These tiny insects cluster on the undersides of the leaves and suck out the sap, slowing down plant growth and causing defoliation.
Disease and Pest Management
Management of Malus ×soulardii diseases and pests can be achieved using various methods, including:
Cultural practices
The following cultural practices can help avoid diseases and pests:
- Planting disease and pest-resistant species.
- Pruning the tree to increase the penetration of sunlight and air.
- Raking and removing all fallen leaves and rotting fruits.
- Preventing the accumulation of water at the base of the tree.
Chemical control
When the cultural practices bring no results, chemical control can be used in the form of insecticides and fungicides. The chemical products should be selected depending on the nature of the disease or pest and be applied as instructed by the manufacturer.
Biological control
Biological control is the use of beneficial organisms to control pests and diseases. Examples include predatory insects, parasitoids, and pathogenic microorganisms. The technique is often used in integrated pest management, where a combination of methods is applied for effective control.
In conclusion, the management of Malus ×soulardii diseases and pests requires a multi-faceted approach to maximize the chances of controlling the problem. By combining the cultural, chemical, and biological control methods, Malus ×soulardii plants can stay healthy and yield the desired results.
