Η Quince, Cydonea the Prolonged (Cydonia) is a fruit tree of their family Rosaceae. It is a tree known since ancient times, when it was dedicated to Aphrodite. For this reason it is also called "Aphrodite's Apple". It comes from temperate regions of the Caucasus and Persia that stretch from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea.
Description
It is a dicotyledonous deciduous tree, of small size and slow growth that reaches a height of 8 meters. It is related to the apple and pear. It creates surface roots presenting many offshoots, with its roots not going deep into the ground. Its trunk and branches are grey-black in color and twisted. The leaves are simple, alternate, oval, large, with many hairs (fluff). The flowers are large white or light pink. The length of the leaves ranges from 5-11 cm. Its fruit, the quince, is yellow to golden in color and spherical in shape. It bears fruit in autumn and the fruit is hard like a fruit.
Cultivation
As a tree it can live about 40-50 years and its fruiting begins after the 3rd year of its age and increases continuously until the 15th year, but from the 25th year onwards the production begins to decline. Generally, the average production per tree is 130-200 kg of quinces.
Planting
It is planted in October - November, in sunny, sheltered places from the winds. Avoid areas where there is frost, strong winds prevail and the native vegetation includes species of tree plants that are susceptible to quince diseases.
Quince is sensitive to rot, so it is recommended to deep plow in order to inactivate the infections of pathogens found in the soil.
The distances left between the seedlings are 4-5 m. This achieves the best growth of the trees and the ideal conditions of good ventilation around the crown of the trees.
Watering
It has shallow roots so the soils must retain moisture but at the same time have good drainage. When the soils are calcareous the crop shows the disease of chlorosis.
Lubrication
Application of streamlined lubrication treatment. Fertilization provides the plants with the necessary nutrients to be strong.
Pruning
Configuration pruning:
They can be formed into many different shapes: cup, palmette, cord, freeform, and dwarf trees. The selection of the shaping scheme depends, basically, on two factors: the available space and the knowledge of the grower in pruning.
Fruit pruning:
Fruiting pruning depends mainly on the variety, age and vigorous growth of the trees. Quince bears woody and mixed flowering buds, apical or lateral, in the axils of the leaves on an annual shoot. For this reason, annual shoots are never shortened. These are removed from their base or left unbranched. Shortenings are allowed on wood that is two or more years old.
Properties
The nutritional value of quince is great. Contains vitamins, nutrients, trace elements and antioxidants.
- Rich in vitamins A, B and C.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Therapeutic for gastric ulcers
- Antioxidant action
- Memory enhancement
