- Authors: ME AND. Potapenko, I.A. Kostrikin, A.S. Skripnikova, L.A. Maistrenko, S.I. Agapov (VNIIViV named after Ya.I. Potapenko)
- Appointment: dining room
- Berry color: black with a waxy coating (prune)
- Taste: simple, neutral
- With bones: Yes
- Ripening period: early
- Ripening period, days: 118
- Frost resistance, ° C: -26
- Name synonyms: Vityaz
- Bunch weight, g: 321
Fruit crops are gaining more and more popularity, the cultivation and fruiting of which does not require much effort. Thanks to them, you can get a rich harvest of nutritious fruits. These are the characteristics that the variety called Agat Donskoy possesses (the first name of the variety is Vityaz). This species grows remarkably in any climate and is not afraid of capricious weather conditions.
Breeding history
This variety was obtained by crossing. Experts have combined several hybrid forms (Zarya Severa and Dolores) with the popular horticultural culture - Russian Early. The breeding work was carried out on the basis of the All-Russian Research Institute, specializing in the breeding of new fruit grape varieties. Initially, the new plant received the name Vityaz, but it was soon renamed and already under the new name was registered and entered into the official state register (1992).
Geography of distribution
Due to its resistance to different climates and weather conditions, the fruit crop can be grown in the following regions of the country:
- Ural;
- Northwest;
- Central region;
- Central Black Earth Region;
- Far East;
- Western Siberia;
- Volga region.
Description
Agate Donskoy is considered a vigorous grape. It is worth noting the high rate of ripening of shoots, which is 75-80%. The variety has a multi-tiered and powerful root system, which is located deep underground.
During the flowering period, the grapes are covered with bisexual inflorescences, thanks to which it received the ability to self-pollinate. Ripe clusters are of medium density and cone-shaped.
Ripening period
This variety is considered early. Its vegetation period ranges from 115 to 120 days. Within the borders of the southern regions, the fruits ripen on the twentieth of the last month of summer. In the middle lane, the crop can be harvested at the end of summer or at the beginning of autumn.
Bunches
The average fruit weight is more than 300 grams (one bunch). The density is high and the shape is cylindrical. The colors can be black or dark blue.
Berries
The berries are round. The percentage of sugar is 14.4%. The acidity level is 7.2 grams per dm³. The pulp is firm and juicy. Rounded berries weigh about 5 grams each and have a characteristic crunch. Dimensions (in millimeters) - 20.5x18.5.
Taste
Taste is ordinary, tasters gave it an assessment of 7.7 points. Despite the mild and pleasant taste, the smell is practically absent.
Yield
This figure is 184 c / ha. The yield is stable and high. In the first 2-3 years after planting, this figure is lowered.
Growing features
The variety can withstand frosts up to 30 degrees Celsius, which allows it to be grown in harsh climates. The bush grows very quickly. It is also worth considering resistance to mildew - 3 points, and to mildew - 4 points.
Landing
For planting, you need to choose an open area that will be thoroughly warmed up by the sun's rays. There should be no tall trees or similar objects near it. The ideal location is evenly illuminated by the sun all day. If there are tall buildings near the landing site, bushes should be planted from the southwest or south side of the building, the minimum distance is 2 meters.
The soil should not be too damp, so low-lying areas where moisture accumulates are not suitable. In such conditions, the vineyard can suffer from frost. If the territory for planting has rugged relief, the bushes are planted on the southwestern or southern slopes.
The variety is undemanding to the composition of the soil and gives a bountiful harvest on all types of soil. The best results can be achieved on stony and gravelly soils. A thorough heating of the soil and its drainage have a positive effect on fruiting. An area where groundwater is located at a depth of 1.5 meters from the surface of the earth is not suitable for cultivation. Grapes prefer neutral or low alkali soil. The soil saturated with salts and lime is not suitable for cultivation.
Pollination
The plant can independently pollinate, this happens due to bisexual inflorescences.
Pruning
It is advisable to prune the bushes every year. This helps to reduce the load on the vine. Forming should be carried out in the fall, as soon as the plant sheds its leaves. You can also do the work in the spring, before the period of sap flow. Fruiting branches need to be cut to 5-8 buds. Barren shoots are removed so as not to deplete the plant.
Top dressing
To obtain a stable harvest, the plant needs to be fed regularly. Fertilizers for adult plants are applied every year during fruiting or growing season. Also, nutrients are added during the growth and development of horticultural crops. Gardeners use both foliar and root dressing. Organic and mineral compounds are added under the bushes. After that, the bushes are fertilized after 2-3 years.
It is advisable to make top dressing in the fall. The addition of nutrient fertilizers is combined with digging the soil between the bushes. During the breaks between the application of the main portions of fertilizers, the fruit crop can also be fed.
Frost resistance and the need for shelter
As already noted, the Agat Donskoy variety is not afraid of frost.Under certain conditions, the vine will withstand frosts of more than 30 degrees Celsius. It is not necessary to cover adult grape bushes with the arrival of winter, but for one- or two-year-old seedlings, shelter with the arrival of cold weather is a prerequisite.
Diseases and pests
Due to its special qualities, this grape variety is highly resistant to many fungal infections. Despite this property, it is recommended to regularly spray the plant with fungicides for prevention. It is advisable to carry out this process in the hot season, if there is high humidity and temperature.
Also, experienced gardeners recommend using the drug "Fitosporin" with the addition of "Zircon". It is enough to process the grapes just twice during the growing season. The first time spraying is performed when the fruit is ovary, the second - after two weeks. When using drugs, you must follow the instructions exactly.
If the grapes are exposed to any disease or insect, this is always reflected in its appearance.
Storage
Ripe fruits can keep fresh for a long time. If you store the bunches in a cool place and in a suspended state, they will not lose their taste for 2 to 3 months.