Black chockeberry

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Black chockeberry

Latin name

Aronia melanocarpa

Family

Rosaceae

Origin

North America

Crop classification

miscellaneous fruit, berry

Growing shape

bush, tree

Spacing

3-4 x 2m

Soil

medium heavy with higher organic content

Soil pH

neutral - slightly acidic

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Interesting

The total content of polyphenols is 1700 mg per 100 g of dry matter, the content of anthocyanins is 1500 mg per 100 g of dry matter and the concentration of proanthocyanidin is 660 mg per 100 g of fresh weight. These values ​​are among the highest so far measured in plants.

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Usage

fresh consumption, processing (juice, drying, extracts, jam, wine)

Suitable growing locations 

It can be successfully grown from lowlands to higher mountain locations, it requires moderate to cold locations. The bushes are extremely frost-resistant and can survive temperatures down to -30°C without damage in winter. It likes sunny locations, but can also tolerate partial shade. Aronia has a shallow and compact root system and thrives in soils rich in humus and nutrients, not waterlogged, with a relatively low groundwater level.

Cultivation technology, pruning and training

The most common is cultivation in the form of kra. Fertility is ensured by mixed buds located in top and side positions on annual wood and overgrown branches. We plant the seedlings in a clip of 3.0-4.0 x 2.0 m. The shrub consists of 8-10 branches reaching a height of approximately 1.5-2.0 m. After planting, the shoots are deeply shortened (to 4 to 5 buds). In the following year, the elongating shoots are shortened slightly to balance and the number of branches is replenished to 8 to 10. Excess shoots growing from the base of the bush and thickening shoots growing on the branches forming the skeleton of the above-ground part are removed, a detailed cut is usually not necessary, only if necessary removal of damaged branches. After the signs of aging appear, it is necessary to rejuvenate by cutting to transfer to stronger shoots growing from the base of the plant and replanting the branches.  

Suitable varieties

If we plan to grow aronia as a sapling, we graft it onto a rowan rootstock at the desired height. Although chokeberry is native to North America, it is widely planted in Europe and Asia. In Russia, Denmark and Eastern Europe, the fruit is used to make juice and wine. Among the available varieties, all of them can be grown in the Slovak Republic. Among the most widespread are Viking, Nero, Autumn Magic.

Diseases and pests

diseases: bacteriosis, scarlet fever, powdery mildew, rust

pests: introduced waxworm, mites, American spinner, spiny beetle, aphids