Grapes Moldova

One of the oldest grape varieties in Russia, which gained its popularity in the last century, is Moldova. This variety has many positive qualities, being the best table species that grows in almost every region of the country. The berries become juicy and beautiful already in the period of incomplete ripening, they can be proudly offered to guests.

The Moldova grape was created by crossing two varieties: the Central Asian Guzal Kara and Villar Blanc. The bred hybrid got this name because of the country of its origin. Approximately 10 years later, it was included in the official State Register and it began to actively spread throughout the southern regions of Moldova. The variety has a synonym for the name Kodryanka late.

This variety is recommended for cultivation in the Lower Volga and North Caucasian regions. At present, its cultivation is widespread in these areas, as well as in the central regions of Russia, in the Krasnodar Territory, in the south of Ukraine, in the Crimea and Moldova. It is not suitable for the northern regions - due to late ripening, the berries will remain unripe.

The author of the variety is the Moldavian Institute of Viticulture "Vierul" of the Moldavian SSR.

This variety is a table grape with an average late ripening period of about 5 months or 155-165 days. If we take into account the peculiarities of the variety bush, then they can decorate gazebos or decorate the walls of buildings from the south side. Fully ripe brushes can be picked in early or mid September. In cooler areas, its full maturation occurs closer to October. It is because of its juiciness and delicious berries that Moldova is grown outside the borders of warm latitudes. The sum of active temperatures from the beginning of budding to technological maturity is 3500 C.

The bunches of this variety are small, with medium density and slight peas. On average, their small weight is 385 g. They are conical or cylindro-conical in shape.

The fruits of Moldova are large, oval, dark purple in color. Ripe berries develop a thick waxy bloom. Their sugar content is 190 g / dm3. With long-term storage, it can increase significantly. They have thick and dense skin with crispy and fleshy flesh. The pulp contains a small number of seeds, from 2 to 3 pieces, very rarely - 4. The berry weighs about 8 g and has a size of 25x19 mm.

The berries are very tasty, have a simple harmonious aroma, sometimes with chocolate tones. The tasting score of taste is 9.5 points.

The variety is popular not only because of its interesting taste and remarkable appearance, but also because of its high yield. Each 5-year-old bush can be harvested about 140 kg of berries. Plants aged 8 to 10 years can yield up to 150 kg, and up to 165 centners can be obtained from one hectare.

Grapes prefer warmth and sun, so it is recommended to plant it in a sunny place. For this, the southern side of the site without northerly winds is suitable. The winds are categorically unfavorable for this variety. Since the grape is vigorous, and its bushes greatly increase in size, it is recommended to plant it in relation to other plantings after 4-5 m. Excessive thickening provokes a crumbling of berries and a decrease in yield.

Young seedlings are planted in spring or autumn, when the air temperature is not lower than +15, and the soil is +10.11 degrees Celsius. If the planting is carried out in the fall, then you need to know that at least a month should remain before the first frost for the young bush to take root. The seedling is planted in a pre-prepared hole 67 cm deep and 90 cm in circumference. Then it is loosened with a pitchfork and covered with 2/3 of the combined mixture and humus, then this layer is covered with earth. The seedling is carefully placed in the hole and sprinkled with soil. After planting, the plant is watered with 2 buckets of water and tied to a peg.

Grapes do not need neighboring pollinating varieties, as they have a bisexual flower appearance.

The bush needs pruning twice a year, in spring and autumn. This procedure is carried out during the rest period, before the buds open, and after the leaves fall. Pruning begins with the upper shoot, 7-8 eyes are left on each vine. When forming a high-stemmed bush, it is necessary to leave 4-6 eyes. In total, no more than 50-60 should remain on the bush, so the number of fruitful shoots is 90%. Then many brushes are formed, so you have to ration the harvest so as not to overload the bush. 1-2 clusters are left on each shoot. In addition to this formative pruning, you need to remove dry and too thin shoots, as well as cut off non-lignified vines in the fall.

Young bushes require constant watering, so they must be kept in moderately moist soil, but with respect to the measure. With an excess of water, fungal diseases can occur.

For an adult bush, the first spring watering should be carried out a week before flowering, and the second after fruit setting. The rest of the time, the grapes need to be watered twice a month. If a dry summer has happened, then watering can be increased, focusing on the condition of the soil. To avoid excess moisture, it is better to make drainage grooves to drain excess water.

Simultaneously with watering, you can fertilize the plant, since top dressing affects the growth rate of the bush, and are also additional sources of nutrients. To do this, you can use natural fertilizers, they are applied every 2-3 years, but only in late autumn. Nitrogen-containing top dressing can be applied during spring watering. Calcium and phosphorus are suitable for fertilization in summer.

Frost resistance of this variety is -22 degrees. In the northern regions, grapes are harvested for the winter. Due to the strong growth of young plantations, it is pulled with metal arcs with a film. Older bushes are bent to the ground and tied, then covered with earth and shelters are erected from slate or branches. If in your area the temperature does not drop below -22, then shelter is not required.

Moldova is quite resistant to most diseases and is not afraid of pests. The variety is most resistant to gray rot, which is 1 point. Resistance to powdery mildew is 3 points, to mildew - 2.5 points. For preventive purposes, the bushes need to be irrigated with special preparations several times over the summer. Bordeaux liquid or other means are suitable for this.

Thanks to its tight skin, the grapes of Moldova have good transportability and high marketability. The shelf life is from 3 to 6 months, and maybe longer. The brushes are hung on ropes or trellises, and a small piece of potato is put on the cut of the leg, which prevents drying out. Some part of the crop can be left on the bushes until frost, but this method does not guarantee its safe storage. Grapes can be used not only for food, but also for making raisins and wine.