Finding an unassuming grape variety with high palatability is difficult. But in this article you can learn more about one of these varieties. It is called "Laura", some gardeners who have been cultivating grapes for a long time already know it under the former name "Flora".
Content
Characteristics
The variety appeared thanks to scientists from Ukraine, and in order to produce “Laura” four varieties were crossed. The bushes are strong, powerful grow quite quickly, they begin to bear fruit already 2-3 years after planting. Plants differ in the female type of flowering, they need manual pollination. On the bushes, excessive formation of fruiting shoots is noted, which can greatly strain the plant. Therefore, experienced gardeners recommend leaving no more than 40 pieces. Otherwise, the clusters will be smaller, and the ripening period will be extended.
There is also the possibility that next season the grapes will throw off the entire ovary. Sometimes it happens that even on adult plants 14-19 large clusters are tied, then they will ripen ahead of schedule. But the bush may begin to re-tie fruits that ripen ahead of schedule. The leaves are emerald green, have a palmate-lobed shape, serrated at the edges. At the time of brush ripening, it is necessary to remove leaves that obscure the grapes. Laura can be attributed to frost-resistant varieties, the vine can withstand frosts to -23 degrees.
Bunches ripen early, from the moment of formation of the ovaries to harvest 110-120 days pass. They are large, with an average fruit density, have a conical shape, the weight of one brush can exceed a kilogram. And in length the bunch can be up to 40 centimeters. The yield of the variety is excellent, up to 40 kilograms of grapes can be removed from an adult plant.
The berries are light green in color, where amber is the most exposed to the sun's rays. They are large, have an oval, elongated shape. The weight of one grape ranges from 7 to 10 grams, and the length is from 3 to 4 cm. In the presence of a tall rootstock, they can grow even larger. But in this case, the ripening period is slightly increased, and the taste becomes less pronounced. When ripe, the berries do not fall for a long time, as they hold tight to the stalk. The skin of the grapes is dense, crunches, slightly covered with a waxy coating. Berries have an excellent sweet-sour taste. Sugar content in fruits up to 20%, acid 6-8 grams / liter. The bones that are inside the juicy pulp are large, stiff.
Grapes can be eaten fresh, and it is also suitable for making dessert wines. Under appropriate conditions, clusters retain their presentation and pristine taste for a long time. The variety is suitable for transportation.
Advantages
- Attractive appearance.
- Delicious taste.
- Shelf life and the possibility of transportation.
- Early ripening.
- Universal application.
- A decent crop with proper care and suitable weather conditions.
disadvantages
- In case of disturbances in agricultural technology, weather deterioration (cold and long rains), yield indicators and taste are reduced.
- Lack of immunity to some fungal diseases.
Features of cultivation and care
In order for the plants to grow and develop well, it is necessary to provide them with comfortable conditions.When planting, it is worth considering the location of groundwater, they should not be close to the surface of the soil.
The soil should be fertile, clay soil is categorically not suitable for grapes. Also, the place where the crop will be planted should be sunny and protected from the wind. Plants are placed at a distance of 150 cm from each other. Dig a hole for a seedling in advance, it will be necessary to make mineral fertilizers there. Before planting, an irrigation pipe and a support for plants are installed.
For watering a young seedling, you will need at least 30 liters of water, and for grapes, whose age is 5-7 years, even more. Weed grass must be removed on time, some gardeners apply a layer of mulch to avoid weed growth. This procedure also helps retain moisture in the soil. Fertilizers are applied as needed, using both organic substances, such as overripe manure, and minerals.
Breeding
Grapes can be propagated by seedlings, for this purpose the roots are sprouted on the vine, and after that the cuttings are planted in the ground, deepened by about 20 cm. Also, “Laura” can be propagated by cuttings, cutting off shoots from young shoots. First they are kept in a cool room, and then soaked in warm water for an hour. Vaccination is done on an adult plant, having previously treated the shoot with "Humate".
Diseases and Pests
The variety has high resistance to gray rot. Berries, even at high humidity, are not subject to cracking. Also, "Laura" has excellent immunity to common fungal diseases, but, despite this, plants can get sick with oidium. When growing grapes for commercial purposes, I process plantings with chemicals. At home, the vineyards are treated with a solution of potassium permanganate and sulfur. To protect plants from black rot, I treat them with fungicides before winter.
Winter preparations
Laura is a winter-hardy variety, but in some planting regions it is still necessary to shelter for the winter. Before the cold, grapes are cut, removing all damaged and diseased branches. The stem is coated with lime mortar, the vine is carefully bent to the soil and fixed with metal hooks. On top of the vineyard sprinkled with a 30-centimeter layer of soil, and covered with sawdust or straw.
Conclusion
"Laura" is a wonderful table grape variety, has excellent taste. To obtain the declared yield indicators, the plant must be well looked after. The variety is known to many, both ordinary gardeners and those involved in the cultivation of grapes for sale.
Reviews
Ivan
An excellent variety for commercial cultivation, I have been growing Laura for more than ten years. If agricultural technology is observed, the yield is high, but it is worth stopping to take care of the plant and then it will immediately decrease. I live in the suburbs, for the winter planting shelter. I feed mainly with organic matter, once a year I bring in mineral fertilizers. The maximum weight of one bunch I had was 1960 grams.
Yulia
I am satisfied with the variety, the yield is at an altitude, the berries are very tasty. The grapes are stored for a long time, I pass it on to the children by train through the conductor, always arriving in integrity and safety. “Laura” is resistant to diseases, which is also a big plus, because it is not uncommon because of diseases most of the crop is lost. We eat grapes fresh and make it a very tasty wine.
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Victor
The Laura variety is excellent. Only in the photo there is a Laura plate, not Laura at all. Laura has a berry like a barrel, and in that photo with a narrowed tip, it looks more like Arcadia.