Advantages and disadvantages of the Russian and Korean cucumber hybrid "Aristocrat F1"

The domestic Aristocrat F1 is one of the most popular cucumber varieties. Developed by Russian breeders, it's important to be careful when purchasing seeds: there are several varieties of cucumbers bearing the name Aristocrat. A second producer, South Korea, promises different results and has differences from the Russian company. In Russia, the company "Poisk" produces seeds.

Characteristics of the variety

The variety has been included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation since 2010. It is grown throughout the country. The Korean version is produced by a different company and has become widespread in Ukraine. Aristokrat is suitable for both open-air and indoor cultivation.

Domestic variety:

1. It has a universal scope of application.
2. The plant has low climbing habit and indeterminate bushes.
3. Flowering is predominantly female.
4. The bush is medium-sized.
5. It has leaves of a rich green or light green color, medium size and characteristic shape.

Typically, the leaves are a shade lighter than the fruits. Each internode produces 1-2 fruits.

Description of fruits

The fruits are neat, cylindrical in shape. They are finely tuberculated, ending in white pubescence. The average fruit weight is 80 g, with the cucumber length being 100-130 mm. The skin is medium-thick. Fruit:

1. Dark green or rich green in color. Light green vegetables are also available.
2. On the surface there is a pattern in the form of light longitudinal stripes along the entire length of the vegetable.
3. The pulp is of medium density, with the taste and aroma characteristic of the culture.
4. The green cucumbers have a sweetish taste.

The Korean Aristocrat is short, weighing an average of 80g. It measures 95-100mm in length and 25mm in diameter. The medium-thick, green to dark green skin is coarsely bumpy. The cucumber is shaped like the letter "C." It produces a distinctive crunch when bitten. The flesh is soft and juicy. It has a typical cucumber flavor, without any bitterness. It has a light striped pattern extending to the center of the cucumber.

Key indicators

Under suitable conditions for plant viability, the variety yields up to 13 kg of yield per 1 m²Under industrial conditions, yields can reach 100-125 t/ha. This can decrease with inadequate care. Fruiting begins in 42 days, while for the Korean equivalent, it takes 35-38 days.

Every variety has its advantages and disadvantages. For the Aristocrat hybrid, the advantages outweigh any potential drawbacks.

Advantages:

• early maturity;
• high percentage of seed germination;
• long fruiting period;
• resistance to adverse conditions;
• good immunity;
• ease of care.

The variety is a hybrid, meaning gardeners can't harvest the seeds themselves. Regularly purchasing new seeds is necessary. A drawback for a domestic hybrid is the difficulty of pollination.

Hybrids differ in their pollination methods. The Poisk product requires insect assistance, so bumblebees and honeybees are used for pollination. The imported hybrid is parthenocarpic and requires no pollination assistance.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Both hybrids, called "Aristocrat", are resistant to the main cucumber diseases.

Resistance spreads:

1. Powdery mildewAn unpleasant fungal disease. It begins with white spots and gradually spreads across the entire plant.
2. Downy mildew. A similar disease that begins on the underside of the blade. Brown spots appear on the leaves and stems, consuming the entire plant. Gradually, the plant turns black and dies.
3. Cucumber mosaic also appears as spots of varying shades. It occurs as a result of a cucumber virus infection and grows rapidly.
4. Brown spot. This disease affects the leaf blades of plants. Reddish, yellow, or brown spots appear on the leaves.

Among unfavorable conditions, it tolerates temperature fluctuations. It's best to protect the plant from such conditions, but even if they occur, the yield or quality of the vegetables will not be affected.

Agricultural technology

To plant the plant, prepare the bed in advance. The soil should be dug, fertilized, and loosened. Moisten the soil before planting. Testing the soil for acidity is essential. If the pH is elevated, the soil should be:

• lime;
• treated with special solutions, such as carbonate or ash.

You should wait for stable temperatures and no fluctuations in weather conditions. The soil temperature should be 14-15 ^OC and free of frozen areas. When planting, create rows 60 cm apart, then sow the seeds into them at a depth of 25-40 mm. The bushes should not interfere with each other, so they should be sown at least 15 cm apart. Late March or early April is a good time to sow. If planted during these months, you can enjoy fresh fruit as early as May.

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Seeds can be planted using either seedlings or direct-seeding methods. Soil preparation for seedlings should include:

• preparation of containers for sowing;
• substrate preparation.

The soil is enriched with peat and some of the soil into which the seedlings will later be transplanted is added. Loam is preferable, as the hybrid grows better in such soils. The seeding container can be any size, but it must provide drainage for the root system. Self-degradable materials are a good choice.

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Plant the seeds at the same depth as they would be in open ground. After planting, cover the container with plastic wrap and thick cloth. Replant after the cucumbers' first leaves appear. When planting, handle the seedlings carefully to avoid damaging the root system.

Regardless of the planting method, the gardener must ensure basic care guidelines. These include:

• watering;
• loosening;
• hilling;
• weeding;
• edge.

The plant is tied and trained as needed. Water daily or every other day. Before watering, check the soil for dryness. The water should be warm, preferably settled first.

Water at the roots. The sun shouldn't be too strong during watering to avoid burning the plant. Experienced gardeners water in the morning or evening.

Fertilize with mineral and organic fertilizers no earlier than three times per season. The first application is performed 10-14 days after planting. The plant requires:

• potassium;
• phosphorus.

Specialty stores offer a wide variety of products that allow for effective fertilization, such as Epin. You can also use folk remedies for feeding:

• infusions of onion peel or yeast;
• manure;
• ash.

Weeding is carried out as needed. The fewer weeds in the bed, the better for the cucumbers. Loosening and hilling are done regularly. Both procedures enrich the plant with oxygen and promote better growth and a higher yield. It's best to perform these procedures after watering. Once the vines reach a high height, tie them up and, after a while, pinchThe harvest is collected regularly as it ripens.

Gardeners' reviews

Galina, St. Petersburg

I planted several varieties of cucumbers, and then frost hit. Of all the plants, only Aristocrat survived, though not all the plants. There were enough for salads and pickling; next year I'll plant more of this variety. The vegetables are crisp and juicy, with a sweet aftertaste.

Kira Mikhailovna, Surgut

We grew them in a greenhouse, but ran into a pollination problem. I'm happy with the harvest, but I won't be planting this variety in a greenhouse again. The yield is good, and all the seeds germinated. The cucumbers are neat, as if they were handpicked. For those who don't have a problem with pollination, they're safe to plant.

Alisa, Podolsk

My mom has been growing this hybrid for several years now, and we're very happy with it. It produces a good harvest, doesn't require much care, and is delicious. Over the past few years, the cucumbers haven't gotten sick or caused any problems.

Given the right growing conditions, Aristocrat will delight gardeners with a bountiful harvest and remarkable qualities. These cucumbers are perfect for both table and pickling! And most importantly, they're a valuable source of vitamins.