Grape Crystal

On the territory of Russia, various technical grape varieties are widespread, which belong to the group of varieties of the Black Sea basin. The Crystal grape is a technical variety, but it is popular as a dessert one because it is distinguished by its unique taste and juiciness.

This variety was bred in the mid-70s of the last century thanks to the Hungarian breeder G. Kristen from the University of Horticulture in Hungary. The grapes appeared when crossing the Alföld 100 varieties (Challozi Lajos x (Amur x Vinifera)) x Villar blanc. This variety is widely used fresh; it is used to make sherry-type wine, compotes and juices. Has synonyms for the name - Hybrid C 43, Kristaly.

In Russia, this variety is widespread in places with a temperate continental climate; it can also grow in cold conditions in the Urals and Siberia. After positive research of the variety in 2002, it was officially registered in the State Register of the Russian Federation and offered for breeding in the North Caucasus and Lower Volga regions. The impeccable quality of the berries was confirmed by gardeners of the Krasnodar Territory, where, thanks to favorable temperature conditions, they achieved a good harvest.

In 2008, the variety was tested in Belarus, and in 2014 it was officially entered into the State Register of this country, recommended for home cultivation throughout the territory. Today the variety is also widespread in the Samara region, in the lower Don region, in the South Urals, in the Saratov and Smolensk regions, in the Moscow region and in Ukraine.

The grapes are distinguished by low bushes. It has small smooth leaves, rich dark green color. Shoots are yellow-beige with a slight reddish tint. On the same bush, there may be dissected and whole leaves side by side.

The Kristall variety is very early, the growing season is 110-115 days. The vine grows at a high speed, a young seedling bears fruit already in the second or third year, if it is properly looked after and all planting rules are followed. The berry tasting can be done in early or mid August, depending on the weather. The final harvest can be harvested from mid to late August.

The bunches of this variety are rather large, cylindrical-conical or conical in shape with an average density, their weight varies from 170 to 200 g. In more favorable conditions, they can be larger - from 280 to 320 g. During the tearing of the brush, its leg is easily separated from the bush.

Berries of medium size (1.5-2.1 g) are oval in shape with a yellow-green or white tint. May be covered with a whitish prune bloom. They are stored for a long time on the hand, even after full ripening they hardly crumble. The pulp is juicy with a firm skin, does not crack. Due to the skins, the waste of grapes is small, the extraction of juice is 70-80% of the total harvest. Winemakers should remember that when ripe, berries quickly lose acid and gain sugar (glucose and fructose). Therefore, overripe fruits on the bush are not suitable for making wine.

They have a harmonious sweet taste. When fully ripe, sugar accumulation is 170-180 g / dm3 with an acidity of 6-7 g / dm3.

Crystal is a high-yielding variety, from one hectare you can harvest from 160 to 200 centners.Private gardeners collect up to 10-12 kg of berries from a bush and up to 5-6 kg per square meter.

The variety has medium vigor. The percentage of fruitfulness of shoots varies from 85 to 90. Young shoots take root successfully if purchased in a nursery or in special stores.

When buying a seedling, you need to pay attention to its root system. It should be developed with at least three roots no more than 10 cm long and 3-5 mm in diameter. The seedlings should be elastic, with smooth roots, brownish green on the outside and white on the cut.

It is necessary to plant grapes in spring or autumn. For temperate climates, it is recommended to plant in spring, when the soil temperature is + 10-12 degrees, and the temperature during the day does not drop below +15 degrees. Over the summer, the young bush will get stronger and survive the first winter favorably. For full growth, he needs light and warmth. The variety does not like shade - the berries do not ripen and will be sour.

Not recommended for planting near fruit trees. The minimum distance from them should be 5-6 m. The crystal will not grow well in the lowlands, since in spring there is melt water there for a long time and humid air is present throughout the summer. Because of this, various diseases of the root system can occur.

For disembarkation, choose a sunny, open place without drafts. The depth and circumference of the planting pit should be more than 80 cm. This will protect the roots from freezing in winter. At the bottom there should be a 5-6 cm thick drainage layer made of pebbles or expanded clay. You need to add a fertile substrate to the pit.

One day before planting, the roots are soaked in warm water with the addition of potassium permanganate, then the roots are cut by 1-2 cm. Then they are dipped into a mixture of powdered clay and a solution of potassium humate. The mixture should resemble sour cream in consistency. After the roots are dry, the plant can be planted. Having installed the seedling vertically, it is covered with soil in small portions, then tamped and filled with 3-4 buckets of water. The shoot is shortened by 3-4 eyes.

The variety has a bisexual flower type. It is used as a pollinator for other varieties.

Pruning is required throughout the summer. Dry and protruding young shoots with a large number of ovaries are removed. If this is not done, then the berries will be small, and the harvest will be poor.

The number of bunches per shoot should range from 1 to 3. Growth and fruiting are regulated by correct loading of the plant with eyes, it is recommended to leave 60 pcs. on the bush. If there is a failure in the development of the aboveground part and in the root system, this will also affect the yield.

Young bushes need abundant watering. Adult bushes are watered no more than 4 times per season. Moisture is especially necessary during the period of leaf blooming and during the formation of the ovary.

In the fall, after the leaves have fallen off and after pruning, abundant watering is performed. This is necessary so that in the spring the bushes can develop normally.

If fertilizers were added during planting of seedlings, then they do not need to be fertilized for several years. If fertilizers were not added, then adult bushes are fed 2 times per season: nitrogen-containing fertilizers are needed in spring, and phosphorus and potassium in autumn.

The Kristall bushes are very frost-resistant, they tolerate temperatures of -29 degrees well, but in areas with a temperate climate that are not very suitable for growing this crop, it is recommended to play it safe and insulate its roots.

The variety is not genetically prone to gray mold damage. Resistance to mildew is 2 points, to mildew - 2.5 points, resistance to phyloxera is unknown, it is necessary to plant grafted seedlings in regions where there is a danger of injury. In humid climates, one-time fungicide treatments are required

The grapes are distinguished by good transportability and long shelf life (berries can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 months).