Quince (lat. Cydonia oblonga Mill.) belongs to the rose family, i.e. roses (Rosaceae). It is a deciduous tree with a height of 2 to 7 m that grows in sunny and warm areas, naturally in Asia, while it was introduced to Europe.
It has a thick and wide crown and blooms from mid-April to the end of May. The flowers are large and single and abundant in nectar, therefore it belongs to the honey fruit species. The fruits are lumpy and round, and are similar to apple and pear fruits, and are 8-10 cm in size. The flesh of the fruit is aromatic, yellowish in color and astringent in taste. They are also rich in vitamins (vitamin C, B1 and B2), minerals, proteins, fiber and carbohydrates.
Quince is planted no later than the end of April in sunny places up to 450 m above sea level. Also, like other fruit trees, quince is not recommended to be planted on steep terrain due to the possibility of the trees spreading.
Quince varieties
According to the number of varieties, quince is one of the poorest fruit species. They differ from each other in morphological and physiological characteristics, and are divided into three groups:
- apple-shaped varieties
- pear-shaped varieties
- bell-shaped varieties
Although there are only a few hundred of them registered in the world, the most common varieties in our area are:
- Leskovac quince
- Vranjska quince
- Asenica
- Defiance
- Rasinja quince
Leskovac quince
Lekovačka quince is the best-known and best-quality variety that ripens in mid-October. The fruits are intensely yellow, apple-shaped and not sensitive to transport, reaching a weight of 250 to 300 g. They are also highly valued for processing. The meat is firm, juicy, sweet-sour and aromatic.
Vranjska quince
Vranjska dunia belongs to self-fertilizing species, so it is suitable for individual planting. The fruits are pear-shaped, with a sweet taste and intense smell, with an average weight of about 400 g. It ripens at the beginning of October and is extremely long-lasting.
Asenica
Asenica is a newer Bulgarian variety that ripens in early October. The fruit is pear-shaped, lemon-yellow in color and has a moderately sour taste. The average weight of the fruit is about 400 g. It belongs to self-fertilizing varieties and bears abundantly and regularly. It is suitable for all types of processing and fresh consumption.
Defiance
Prkos is a very decorative and high-quality variety that bears abundantly every year. The fruits are pear-shaped, covered with fine hairs and have a pleasant smell. The meat is firm, medium juicy and whitish in color.
Rasinja quince
The rasinja quince tree is large, produces extremely abundantly and is not susceptible to diseases. It is characterized by a very intense and pleasant smell.
Quince planting
Before starting planting, it is necessary to determine the optimal agroecological conditions for a particular plant species in order to ensure high yields and profitable production. The most important condition that is necessary for cultivation is the soil with the appropriate chemical composition, considering the requirement of the species. In addition, it is necessary to choose a terrain with a favorable temperature and climate.
Temperature
Quince is a species of warm climates, so it is important to choose a field where the average annual temperature is between 10 and 15°C and that there are no large temperature differences throughout the year. It tolerates low temperatures less well, but it can withstand a short time at -30°C during winter dormancy, while in summer it can tolerate temperatures up to 52°C.
Ground
The soil on which the quince is planted must be loose in order to allow a sufficient amount of air and water and thus prevent suffocation of the roots. Soil requirements are similar to apple and pear, and the ratio of clay to sand is important, which in ideal conditions is 50:50 to 60:40. The humus content is about 3%, and the most favorable pH is between 5 and 6.2.
Planting time
Quince planting can be done in spring and autumn. For planned autumn planting, soil preparation must be done during the summer, while for spring planting it is possible to prepare the soil during the autumn and winter months, i.e. before the soil freezes. It is preferable to do the planting a few days after the rain so that the soil is moist but loose enough.
Soil preparation for planting
Along with the correct selection of the location of the field, it is necessary to prepare the soil before planting. First, the remains of previous plant species are removed, and then it is necessary to examine the quality of the soil, i.e. the chemical composition, in order to know the required amounts of nutrients.
If it is necessary to improve the quality of the soil, a precisely determined amount of calcium (so-called soil calcification) and manure is used. Mineral fertilizers are applied over the entire surface during plowing (up to 40 cm). In the event that the soil has not been cultivated for a long time, it is necessary to carry out undermining first, in order to loosen the soil at a greater depth, followed by plowing.
Selection of planting media
In intensive production, quince is most often propagated by grafting on a substrate, the choice of which depends on the type of soil. If you want to grow quince that is not sensitive to the content of lime in the soil, it is grafted on a pear rootstock, and the best rootstock is white hawthorn, which is very compatible with quince, and thus a high yield is obtained.
The most common substrates on which quince seedlings are grafted are:
- Quince MA
- Provençal quince B-29
- Dunje MC clone
- Provencal quince clone B-12
Propagation of quince
In addition to grafting on the substrate, quince is also propagated by seeds, grafting and cuttings. The grafting technique on the substrate is certainly the safest and most cost-effective when raising plantations.
Planting quince from seedlings
In plantations, care should be taken to plant two varieties, the main variety and the pollinator variety, so that several rows of the main variety are planted, and then the pollinator row, which should not be more than 15 m away from the main variety. As the quince has a large canopy, and its branches bend under the weight of the fruits, it is very important to determine the correct distance so that each tree has a sufficient amount of light and that the necessary agrotechnical measures can be carried out without hindrance. The distance between rows is 5 m, and in a row from 3 to 4.5 m.
The side branches and top of a thin sapling, 40-80 cm long, are removed in order to direct all nutrients to proper and high-quality root development, and it is planted at a depth of 30-35 cm, by the end of April. The development of saplings takes 2 years, after which they are transplanted into the plantation at an optimal distance between and within the rows.
Planting quince indoors
Planting quince in a protected area is not recommended due to the size of the trees, as it would not receive sufficient amounts of light and air for the even development and ripening of the fruits, and the possibility of disease occurrence is increased. Likewise, planting in jars is not suitable because quince requires deep soil for the development of the root system.
Cultivation of quince
The most important factor in the cultivation of quince is the soil, especially when raising plantations that are long-lasting and high-yielding, even up to 20 years, but on the condition that adequate preparation, analysis and treatment of the soil is carried out, on the basis of which the amounts of nutrients and water required are determined.
Watering
Quince has medium water requirements. It likes moist soil, but it is necessary to take care of the permeability of the soil, i.e. avoid excessive watering, which could result in root decay due to lack of air in the soil pores. Optimal irrigation is 4 to 5 times during the season. The first irrigation is necessary in the spring before flowering, especially if it is a dry period. The second is carried out during flowering, and the third after the flowers have fallen.
The fourth irrigation is recommended before the formation of fruits, and the last after the fruits begin to grow. Water consumption for young trees is about 400 liters per irrigation, while for grown-up, established trees, about 800 liters are needed.
Fertilization
After planting and in the second year of cultivation, it is necessary to add 20-30 t/ha of manure to the furrows, and around each seedling 15 dag of KAN 27%, in a diameter of 30 to 40 cm. The second feeding with KAN 27% is done at the end of May, with the same amount.
In the third year of cultivation, the first nitrogen fertilization is necessary at the end of March, i.e. before the beginning of the growing season. 30 dag of KAN 27% is applied, around each tree with a diameter of 50-60 cm, and it is fed in the same way at the beginning of May. After the fall of the leaves in autumn, it is necessary to spread 700 kg/ha of mineral fertilizer NPK 5:20:30 on the production area.
In the fourth year, before flowering, it is necessary to apply 130 kg of KAN 27% over the entire surface, and repeat the same after flowering. After the fall of the leaves, it is necessary to repeat fertilization as in the third year of cultivation, ie 700 kg/ha NPK 5:20:30.
Maintenance and care
Maintenance is necessary primarily in the form of pruning, which controls the growth and development of branches and the growing form, which is very important when developing fruits. In this way, an even distribution of light in the canopy and better air flow is enabled, which reduces the possibility of the appearance of diseases.
Pruning and shaping
Quince has specific branches that are quite elastic and bend under the weight of the fruits. In order to avoid breaking branches, pruning is mandatory, which is done in February. At least six buds should be left on young branches. Removal of diseased and dry branches is carried out during the winter.
During its growth, the quince naturally forms a round or pyramidal crown, but to obtain high-quality fruits, it is recommended to form the crown into a spindly bush with three parts. The lower part is formed at about 60 cm from the ground, the second part at 70 cm, and the third at a height of 60-70 cm. The severity of pruning depends on last year’s fruit yield, i.e. if the yield was higher, more branches are removed and vice versa. It is essential to achieve a balance between primary and secondary branches, which means that all the more developed and stronger branches that could overshadow and overpower the weaker ones should be shortened more.
If the quince is grown for its own needs in the garden, it is only necessary to remove the dry branches.
Since the quince plantation is long-lasting, it is recommended to install an anti-hail net to prevent possible damage, and due to the elastic branches, supports are placed so that they do not break under the weight of the fruits.
Quince harvesting
Quince begins to bear fruit in the second year after planting, while the yield is more significant in the fourth year of cultivation. Harvesting of ripe fruits begins in autumn and lasts until January, and at the same time rotten fruits are removed. Harvesting is done by hand or with tongs. Although they are quite firm, the fruits quickly rot at the point of impact, so it is necessary to be careful when harvesting.
If quince is grown for the production of jams, it is better to harvest unripe fruits, i.e. those that have just started to turn yellow, due to their higher pectin content.
Storage
Fruits can be stored for up to three months at a temperature of 0 to 2 °C, relative humidity of 90%. Before storage, it is recommended to treat with fungicides in order to protect the fruits from fungal attacks and thus prevent rotting. Also, for storing smaller quantities of fruits, they can be stored in dark and well-ventilated rooms, even until March, with favorable climatic conditions. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Diseases
The appearance of diseases and pests in quince occurs due to inadequate soil cultivation or cultivation system. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that optimum conditions are provided for cultivation. Quince protection is carried out by chemical and mechanical measures.
The most common diseases that occur are: blight or monilia, powdery mildew, black leaf or fruit spot and blight.
Monilia or arson
In the case of monilia or linhartiana (lat. Monilinia linhartiana), symptoms appear on young leaves at the beginning of flowering, and browning of the leaves and necrosis occur. In conditions of high humidity, a velvety coating of mycelium of the mushroom appears, which attracts insects with its smell, which transmit the spores to the flowers. They germinate and through the pistil come into the interior of the flower, and with further development into the fruit. The development of such fruits is not possible completely, they develop to the size of a hazelnut, after which they begin to dry and fall off in autumn. The disease moves from the fruits to the necrotic shoots.
A preventive measure of protection against this pathogenic fungus is winter spraying with copper-based fungicides (Nordox 75 WG, Champion WP, Kocide DF, etc.), before bud formation but also after flowering. In addition to copper-based fungicides, metriram-based fungicides (Polyram DF) can also be used.
Quince powdery mildew
In the case of quince powdery mildew (lat. Podosphaera oxyacanthae), the appearance of symptoms is in the form of a grayish coating on the leaves, which represents the surface mycelium of the fungus. The most common time of appearance is during the growing season, at the end of summer, but it does not cause much damage. The development of the disease is favored by high air humidity and high temperatures.
Control can be done with sulfur-based fungicides (Sulphur SC-80, Sulfolac 85 SC, Chromosul 80 WG, etc.), but as a rule there is no need for control because it appears quite late during the growing season, so it does not threaten fruit development.
Black spotting of the leaf or fruit
It is the result of an attack by the bacterium Diplocarpon mespili, and it also occurs in conditions of high humidity and temperature. The first symptoms appear on the leaves in the form of yellow-red spots that spread over the entire leaf, which then begins to dry, after which it dies. Gray-olive spots appear on the fruits, which cause stunting of the fruits during development, resulting in rotting. Suppression is carried out with copper-based fungicides.
Flamenco
In the case of downy mildew (lat. Erwinia amylovora), the symptoms first appear on the drying flowers. After that, the disease spreads to the leaves and shoots, which take on a dark color, after which they also dry up and remain on the plants until autumn. The appearance of droplets on the soft and cracked bark of infected branches is characteristic. In order to avoid an attack of this disease, a preventive measure is recommended, i.e. planting healthy and tested seedlings.
Pests
Of the pests, the most common are the peach borer and the apple borer, which in addition to peaches and apples, also attack quince.
Peach bender
Peach bender (lat. Laspeyresia molesta) is a parasite that attacks fruits during summer and autumn and forms chambers filled with excrement in the flesh. There may be several caterpillars inside the fruit, and as such it becomes unusable, and most often they fall off by themselves before ripening. Monilia often occurs along with the attack of this pest, which causes additional rotting of the fruit.
3 to 4 treatments with insecticides are needed, at the end of May and the beginning of June and in the middle of July and the beginning of August.
Apple bender
At the apple bender (lat. Lasperesia pomonella) symptoms are the same as those of the peach curler, but the difference is that this pest damages the fruit around the seed house and the openings that are formed when they exit are larger. Monilia also occurs. Treatment is carried out with insecticides, as in the case of controlling the peach curler.
Use of quince
Quinces are most often grown for processing the fruits into marmalades, jams, juice and compotes. It is rarely consumed fresh because of the astringent taste that disappears during processing.
Preparations
Medicine
Fruits, leaves and seeds of quince are extremely valued in medicine for their healing properties, and are primarily used to alleviate coughs and digestive problems. Quince seeds are the most healing, standing in water releases mucus which helps with cough problems.
In addition, they can be processed into an ointment or gel that is used for skin inflammation. Tea made from quince seeds relieves insomnia and tension, and tea from the leaves is used to relieve indigestion and reduce inflammation in the oral cavity.
Cookery
Quince can be consumed in different ways – baked, boiled or raw (less often). Quince peel contains a lot of pectin, so it is most suitable for making jams, compotes, jellies, marmalades and fruit porridges. It is also used for the production of juices, liqueurs and brandies, as well as in making cakes, tarts, sauces and salads.
Interesting things
In ancient times, quince was considered a symbol of fertility, so newlyweds had to eat quince before their wedding in order to have a happy and fruitful marriage.
Some historians claim that the quince was the forbidden fruit in Eden, not the apple as thought. In France, quince cheese is known (quinces cooked until they are hard enough to cut with a knife).
Quince fruits were placed on the cupboards in the rooms to fill the entire space with their intense fragrance.
Photo: LoggaWiggler / Pixabay