Especially for gardeners living in more severe climatic conditions, a grape variety called "Alexa" was developed.It tolerates frosts, has good yields and unpretentious care.
Content
Variety Characteristics
The variety was bred by domestic breeders in the city of Novocherkassk in VNIIViV named after Potapenko, is a complex American-European hybrid of table designation. “Alex” grapes appeared by crossing the popular varieties “Biruinets” and “Delight”. Belongs to mid-early grades, the ripening period varies depending on growing region and can be from 120 to 135 days. The berries ripen in late August or early September. The variety is recommended for cultivation in all regions of Russia, in the northern regions with a short summer period, "Alexu" can be grown in a shelter.
The vine has a high growth rate and perfectly ripens, fruiting shoots 60-65%. The root system is well developed, cuttings are well rooted and perfectly compatible with stocks. The foliage is large, painted a deep dark green color on top, on the back it is lighter and slightly pubescent. Inflorescences of medium size, flowers are bisexual and do not need to plant pollinator varieties.
Brushes are cylindrical, large, weighing from 800 to 1300 grams, medium in density. The grape brush can be up to 35 cm long. With proper care, the weight of one cluster can reach 2 kg. The berries are oval, 1.5-2 cm long, weighing 10-13 grams; when ripe, they turn a light green color. The skin is dense, crunchy, covered with a white waxy coating, when eating berries, it is almost not felt. The pulp is fleshy with lots of juice. It has a pleasant nutmeg taste, tasting grade 8.2 out of 10 possible.
The fruits contain up to 20% sugars, acidity is low, approximately 6 g per liter. Berries keep excellent on the bushes and do not crumble until the frosts. Grapes "Alex" well tolerates transportation, while the quality and appearance do not suffer. From one hectare when grown on open ground, you can collect up to 135 centners of yield.
Advantages and disadvantages
"Alexa" is not yet so common. But, soon, he will undoubtedly gain popularity, because the variety has many advantages and is almost devoid of disadvantages.
Advantages:
- excellent taste of berries;
- attractive presentation;
- the possibility of long-term storage;
- berries do not lose consumer qualities during transportation;
- active vine growth and good survival of seedlings;
- possibility grow grapes in regions with unstable climate;
- high winter hardiness;
- good yields;
- does not need artificial pollination;
Disadvantages:
- insufficiently high resistance to fungal diseases;
Diseases and Pests
In order to protect plants from diseases, preventive treatments must be carried out, they do this 2-3 times during the growing season. The first time before flowering, the second before the appearance of the ovaries. If necessary, you can conduct a third spray. For treatment, Bordeaux liquid or copper-containing preparations are usually used, you can also use purchased products.
In general, the variety has good immunity, but grapes can still be affected:
- powdery mildew;
- mildew;
- gray rot;
- chlorosis;
- bacteriosis;
- rubella;
Wasps do not damage berries; they use nets or scarecrows to protect them from birds. To protect against common pests, biological products are used, agrotechnical methods are excellent prophylaxis against diseases and pests:
- timely weed removal;
- pruning
- garter to the support;
- soil moisture control;
Landing
First you need to choose a suitable place for grapes, bright, without drafts, it is advisable to plant it on a hill. Groundwater should be at least two meters deep. Any soil is suitable, if the pH level is elevated, it can be reduced by liming. A hole is dug up 2 weeks before disembarkation, drainage is put on the bottom, and then it is covered with soil mixed with sand and humus. Planting material must be healthy, with well-developed roots.
Immediately after planting, the seedling is abundantly watered. Care consists in moistening and loosening the soil, removing weeds. Also, the young plant needs a garter to the support. Experienced agronomists recommend mulching the soil, this will facilitate care.
Care
For, to get a worthy crop, it is necessary to observe the agricultural technology of the variety. Extra spring shoots are removed, prune root growth. Young shoots tied to a support. At least once every several years it is necessary to make top dressing, for this complex or organic fertilizers are perfect. Plants are watered approximately once a month, after which the soil is loosened. After the movement of juices begins, prophylactic spraying is carried out against diseases and pests.
Summer vineyard care includes removal of stepsons, leaves of the shading berries. As well as making nutrients and watering. Regularly it is necessary to inspect the plants, this will help to notice the signs of diseases or parasitic insects in time. In the fall, after harvesting, water-charging irrigation is carried out, sanitary and forming pruning of the vine is carried out, and it is treated with special preparations against pests. In cold regions, the vine is removed from its support, spud and covered with spruce or agrofibre.
Harvesting, storage and application
Grapes are harvested at full maturity, if you cut the brush at the stage of technical maturity, it will not ripen. The clusters are cut with a clean sterile tool, garden scissors are best for this. Before laying for long-term storage, all brushes are carefully checked for diseases and injuries, and only those on which all the berries are whole are selected. Store the harvested in a cool and dry room. Most often, grapes "Alexa" is eaten fresh. But it is also suitable for making juice, wine, stewed fruit and other preparations for winter.
Gardeners reviews
Alexander
"Alexa" is an excellent grape variety, I immediately fell in love with it. It tolerates winter frosts well, the vine does not freeze. Saplings perfectly take root and do not require additional care. The first crop was harvested in the third year after planting, in the second inflorescence he cut off. Berries have excellent taste, sweet and juicy.
Helena
Engaged in the cultivation of grapes for a long time. "Alexa" is one of my favorite varieties, it is easy to care for, the yield is excellent, and the taste of the berries is simply excellent. It is stored perfectly, I have until the new year. I treat from pests and diseases twice a season, there were no problems for 5 years.
Conclusion
Aleksa grapes are a high-yielding hybrid variety.It can be grown everywhere, it is unpretentious to the conditions of cultivation and care. It has a stable yield, the berries are sweet, both adults and children like their taste. Basically, the variety is intended for fresh consumption, but is suitable for any other purpose.
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