Alex grapes

Alexa is one of the hybrid varieties, bred for growing under certain conditions. All the best qualities and resistance to many unfavorable factors have been preserved.

Alex's new table variety was obtained by crossing two varieties: Vostorg and Biruintsa. The work was carried out at VNIIViV them. Ya. I. Potapenko by breeders I. A. Kostrikin, L. A. Maistrenko and S. I. Krasokhina. Approved for use since 2009. The Alex variety is also called in Memory of Kostrikin.

Grown in both northern and southwestern regions. Therefore, it grows throughout Russia.

The bush of this variety is vigorous. Shoots bear fruit by 70%, ripen a little less. Leaves in the form of a large pentagon have a strong section and slight pubescence. The upper part of the leaf is dark green in color, which turns into a lighter one towards the lower part.

Alexa is considered an early variety. Ripens in 120-125 days. The berries reach full maturity at the end of summer. For the entire season, the sum of active temperatures was 2445 ° С.

Dense large clusters have a cylindrical-conical shape, strewn with fruits. An average bunch weighs 692 grams, but can reach 1000 grams. In rare cases, it can be up to 1.8 kg.

Large fruits are oblong. The size of one berry is 32.5x26.5 mm. Weight 7-10 grams. Berries of white and dull white color contain no more than 3 seeds. Under the dense skin there is a crispy, but at the same time dense fleshy pulp.

The taste of Alex grapes is sweet, with a rich nutmeg aftertaste. The pulp contains 173 g / dm3 of sugar, 7.1 g / dm3 of acidity. As a percentage: sugar content 20%, acidity only 6%. During the tasting, this variety was highly rated by experts 8.8 points out of 10 possible.

Alexa belongs to a high-yielding variety and is able to bring 134 c / ha. To increase the yield, you need to monitor the number of shoots and leave no more than 35 pieces. The correct garter is important, which evenly distributes the load of heavy bunches.

The complexity of growing is average, but you need to know - Alexa develops a powerful root system and gives a strong, vigorous sprout. Therefore, when planting, you need to reckon that the roots branch quickly, and the shadow has a detrimental effect on the future harvest.

Compliance with the planting rules guarantees a high survival rate of seedlings. The distance between landings is 3x1.5 m:

1. first you need to drive in a support peg, collect the earth around it with a mound;

2. plant a seedling next to a mound and tie it to a support;

3. gently distribute the roots over the mound and, gradually compacting, cover with earth;

4. from the ground to the vaccination site should be 3 cm;

5. add a small layer of humus around the seedling.

When planting in a trench, a wire is pulled between the bushes for a garter.

Alexa has a positive quality: the flower of this variety is bisexual and does not need additional pollination.

In the spring, you need to remove excess shoots. Leave 6-8 eyes during trimming. No more than 35-40 eyes should remain on the bush. In the summer, the tips are periodically pinched so that the vine does not stretch in length. Regular removal of stepchildren and leaves that create shade is important. In the fall, sanitary pruning is required: all damaged branches are removed.

Alex grapes love moisture, but there should be no stagnant water. Before planting, you need to find out at what depth the groundwater passes. The first watering is done in mid-May before flowering. One bush requires 4 liters of water. The next watering is after the flowering period. The grapes are watered once a month, while the soil around the bushes is loosened.

Fertilizer is applied once a year after grape harvest. Mineral fertilizers "Kemira" or "Solution" are used. You can independently mix compost with humus in proportions of 1: 1. Before applying top dressing around the bush, you need to dig the ground, add fertilizer and sprinkle it with soil.

The frost-resistant variety does not need shelter in many southern regions. Withstands temperature drop down to –25 ° С. In colder climates, the grapes are removed from the support and tied into a bunch. The bottom is covered with boards or plywood. Then the branches are tilted towards the soil. Burlap and film are placed on top, but you need to leave small holes for oxygen to enter. To prevent the upper shelter from being blown away by the wind, they cover the edges with earth.

The thick skin of the fruit protects against diseases and pests. For the purpose of prophylaxis, the bushes are treated with Antrakol, Sharpey, Aliot twice a season. The first time, when it begins to bloom, again - during the appearance of ovaries.

Disease resistance in points:

• root phylloxera - 4.5;

• oidium - 3 (tolerance);

• mildew - 2.5;

• gray rot - 1 (high resistance);

• leaf phylloxera - 1 (high resistance).

Berries tolerate transportation without harm to quality. Alexa can be stored for a long time (up to 2 months) without damage. For this it is appreciated by businessmen.

Today, the Alex grape is not very common, but it has great potential.Most growers who cultivate this variety speak positively about it. We are glad that the grapes always ripen large, with dense pulp. It has a sweet taste with a slight sourness and an attractive cylindrical shape. Not damaged by wasps. Plus to Alex for a long shelf life and frost resistance, which is very important for a country like Russia.