Among the white table grape varieties, Elegant deservedly occupies a high position, although it does not differ in large yields. Among other advantages, the popularity of the variety was ensured by its endurance - grapes are not so easy to harm by inept care. Even the absence of a part of agrotechnical measures, obligatory for other varieties, affects the condition of the bushes minimally. At the same time, quality care can increase average yields, sugar content and variety stability.
Content
Grade description
Elegant refers to hybrid grape varieties. Other names for the hybrid are FV-3-15 and III-17-3-15. Obtained from crossing two light varieties of early ripening Vostorg and Frumoas Albe in VNIIViV im. ME AND. Potapenko. From the East, Elegant inherited resistance to the main diseases of grapes and adverse environmental conditions, as well as the ability to accumulate a large concentration of sugars in berries. The variety is obliged to the second parent by nutmeg notes in taste.
Growth power in Elegant grape bushes is below average, but the vines mature quickly: the shoot starts bearing fruit at the age of 3 years. The thickness of the lashes, as well as the size of the leaves, are relatively small relative to the average.
The flowers are bisexual, fertilization under normal conditions is good. Additional pollination is not necessary. A variety of early ripening, the crop is suitable for harvesting on the 100-100th day after flowering. Suitable for growing in southern and middle strip.
Productivity
The volume of berries that can be obtained from an elegant bush is small. The standard yield from one instance is 7-10 kg, but with good care You can increase its volume to 15 kg. The fruitfulness of the plant increases with age, as the volume of perennial wood on the bush increases.
The weight of the bunch is 300-600 grams, one berry - 6-7 grams. On average, for each fruitful shoot there are 1.8-2 clusters.
Fruit Characteristics
Bunches can have both conical and cylindrical shapes. Oval-shaped berries, not prone to chopping, always maintain approximately the same size: diameter - 20 mm, length - 29 mm. The color of the fruit is green and white, with sufficient lighting during the ripening period, they acquire an amber hue. There are few seeds, about 3 per berry.
Table grapes. The pulp of the fruit is juicy and fleshy, the taste is moderately sweet, with a slight acidity and a musky flavor. The proportion of sugars in the pulp can reach 25%, on average, 19-22%, the acid content is 7-9 g / l. Taste is estimated by experts at 4.2 points. Pronounced aroma of the fruit is absent.
Berries do not crunch when bitten. Covered with a thin, elastic skin, thanks to which they successfully endure long transport. Fruits are distinguished by keeping quality, fresh, with proper storage, they can not deteriorate for a month. The same term berries can remain on the bush after ripening without loss of quality. The fruits do not crack, even in conditions of prolonged rain during the pouring period.
Sustainability
One of the advantages of the Elegant variety is the integrated resistance of the plant:
- bushes withstand temperatures up to -25 ° C;
- well tolerate moisture deficiency and heat;
- differ in strong immunity: grapes are not affected by gray rot and mildew, rarely suffer from oidium.
Advantages and disadvantages
Elegant grapes will be recognized by gardeners who prioritize qualities such as:
- undemanding to leaving;
- climate resilience;
- self-pollination;
- large berries;
- good keeping quality and transportability of fruits;
- pleasant taste of pulp;
- non-susceptibility to the most common diseases.
The disadvantage of the variety should be considered average yields.
Features of agricultural technology varieties
Elegant grapes are unpretentious, but responsive to good care. The plant easily adapts to any growing conditions. It is not necessary to form a bush, it is enough to carry out sanitary pruning in the fall. But if the stem is grafted onto a vigorous stock, it is necessary to cut the shoots for 6-8 buds. In favor of the Elegant variety, its compatibility with most stocks also speaks.
Due to the average growth of the bush, grapes do not need to establish monumental supports. There is also no need to quickly harvest after ripening. Berries can hang in clusters for a long time, without losing their taste, only nutmeg notes will gradually become more saturated. In regions with mild winters, grapes do not need shelter.
When growing a variety, it is important to pay attention to several features of grapes:
- When planting, it should be borne in mind that Elegant cuttings are poorly rooted, therefore, propagation by seedlings should be preferred.
- After pruning, you should not tie up the shoots vertically upwards in the spring, otherwise in the fall the vines may crack when laid on the ground for shelter.
- It is recommended to thin out the clusters so as not to overload the bush, otherwise the shoots may become thinner. But even in case of overload, the vine ripens qualitatively.
- At the final stage of berry ripening, it is desirable to remove leaves that obscure the clusters, otherwise the berries will have a pale tint. Only under the direct rays of the sun, the fruits acquire an amber-yellow color.
- Often in an insufficiently sunny summer berries sit in the hands loosely, but if given grapes planned top dressing after flowering, such a problem, as a rule, does not arise. Sometimes bunches are even too dense.
- Of the pests for Elegant, phylloxera is a great danger.
Gardeners reviews about the variety
Elizabeth, 47 years old:
“I made a mistake when planting this grape, arranged a few seedlings too densely. Yes, the growth force is not very large, but still you need to leave two meters between the bushes, I had about one and a half. As a result, the vines are frail, stretched out, they obviously lack light and water. They are affected by powdery mildew, but, which is typical, has never appeared on Elegant mildew. There is one bush growing separately near the house - I can’t compare, and I have never been sick with a fungus. ”
Martha, 44 years old:
“I would not say that young plants take root very poorly. Two of the three cuttings in the worst case remain and normally root. The main thing is care and soil. My relatives have black soil on the site, but Elegant grows and bears fruit worse than on my sandy loam. Probably, the lightness of the soil is critical for the variety; it does not tolerate heavy soil. I think the picture will be even worse on clay, but some lovers cultivating Elegant spoke of the loam in a positive way. ”
Vasily, 51 years old:
“Personally, the greenish shade of the Elegant berries does not bother me.If the bush itself grows in good light, then the sugar content of green fruits is no worse than that of yellow ones. On the contrary, it seems to me that it is precisely because of the color of the berries that this grape does not attract birds and bees. Although, perhaps, it is a faint smell. In any case, I do not advise you to get too carried away by picking leaves over bunches. The leaves are needed for photosynthesis and the quality of the cover on the bush also affects the crop. ”
Elegant variety will be of interest primarily to beginning gardeners who do not have experience in growing grapes. The plant is loyal to skipping or violations of agricultural activities, and the volume the harvest sufficient for private needs. Cultivating the cultivar Elegant for commercial purposes should be considered unprofitable.
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