Veles grapes

The Veles variety belongs to the Ukrainian breeding hybrids, highly valued for their yield, exquisite taste of berries. Among other types of raisins, it stands out for its pale pink color and impressive size of the bunches. The variety has repeatedly won prizes in prestigious competitions.

The Veles variety was obtained by the breeder Vitaly Vladimirovich Zagorulko by crossing Sofia and Rusbol grapes. The creation of a new hybrid was announced in 2009. The young variety was named in honor of one of the representatives of the Slavic pantheon of gods - Veles, who was considered the patron saint of fertility. A Ukrainian breeder from Zaporozhye has set himself the goal of obtaining a new raisin with the necessary early maturity, marketable and taste properties. He succeeded quite well - the new hybrid gained popularity far beyond the borders of his homeland.

The variety is very early. Ripening of berries occurs on the 95-100 day. Usually, harvesting begins in mid-July, in regions with a cold climate - no later than the first decade of August. In southern Russia, this period is reduced by 2-3 weeks, depending on weather conditions. In terms of ripening, Veles differs from the parent varieties, in which this indicator is about 125 days.

Veles grapes form branched, medium-sized, large clusters weighing up to 3000 g and more. They can have a well-defined conical shape or remain shapeless. The average length of a bunch is 18-35 cm.

In the Veles grapes, berries of a bright pink hue, ovoid, seedless, belong to the 3rd class of seedlessness. They have a thin, strong skin, under which dense flesh is hidden. The berry mass reaches 4.5-5 g, sometimes up to 10 g. In the sun, they clearly acquire an amber shade in the light.

The sugar content of the berries depends on the growing conditions, it is in the range of 18-20%. Low acidity, up to 9 g / l.

According to its taste, the Veles grape variety belongs to dessert. It is characterized by a pronounced nutmeg aroma. The taste is also dominated by its notes. The variety is sweet, with a slightly crispy, firm pulp, reminiscent of marmalade in consistency.

The very early Veles grape variety is characterized by a high yield. The first bunches begin to be harvested in July-August. The second wave of the harvest is harvested in October. 3-4 bunches are obtained from 1 vine. During the season, up to 50 kg of berries can be harvested from the bush.

Kishmish variety Veles easily adapts to growing conditions in a new place, but requires attention at the stage of soil preparation.It is important to provide him with proper care, timely pruning.

Almost any soil substrate is suitable for planting Veles, providing sufficient air supply to the roots of the plant. It is impossible to place its shoots only in swampy areas, as well as in the area of ​​close occurrence of groundwater. When choosing a site for planting, you should give preference to well-lit, sunny areas, away from buildings, structures, fences that can interfere with the free movement of air.

Planting of Veles grapes is carried out in early spring or late autumn, outside the period of sap flow. Plants are placed in rows, at a distance of at least 1.5 meters from each other. A pit is dug with a size of 0.8 × 0.8 × 0.8 m, with a drainage layer at the bottom, organic fertilizers. Backfilling with soil is carried out below the main soil layer by 30-40 cm. The root area of ​​the seedlings is covered with mulch.

The Veles hybrid is a self-pollinated species. Flowers of both sexes are formed on the shoots - female and male. To increase yields, you can resort to additional artificial pollination.

For the Veles variety, this stage of care is required. In the spring, pruning is carried out before the start of the movement of the juices, removing all dried or damaged shoots, vines with signs of the disease. The healthy parts of the plant are shortened by 6-8 eyes. Long pruning is performed periodically, preserving 30-40 buds for the entire bush. The yield will not decrease from this.

And also it is necessary to carry out rationing of inflorescences. To avoid thickening during the formation of bunches, it is recommended to remove 1/3 of their total amount. After the first wave of harvest, the stepsons pinch or remove completely. In preparation for winter, the bush is cut off, leaving 3 fruitful vines on each side.

The Veles grape can withstand a drop in atmospheric temperatures down to −21 degrees Celsius, and needs shelter. The variety is able to tolerate short-term frosts, but with prolonged contact with the cold, it can die. In the middle lane, it must be covered, in the south, vines can winter without taking additional protection measures.

The variety is poorly resistant to diseases, susceptible to the development of gray rot, anthracnose, and other typical problems of grapes. Resistance to mildew and powdery mildew - 3.5 points. To combat the signs of damage that have already appeared, the vines are sprayed with fungicidal solutions, colloidal sulfur. They are also used in preventive treatment.Removal of damaged berries, treatment with 7% soda solution helps against gray rot.

Phylloxera, spider mites, leaf rollers can parasitize on Veles grapes. As a preventive measure against their appearance, spring spraying of shoots with the drug "DNOC" is used. If phylloxera is damaged, the bushes will have to be burned.

Bunches on vines can be stored in dry weather for 1-1.5 months. This will enhance the flavor and aroma characteristics of the berries. When harvesting, it is very important to keep the stalk about 10 cm long. Storage after cutting is carried out only in a suspended state or with laying in 1 layer in ventilated boxes, at a temperature not higher than +5 degrees and humidity from 85%. Subject to all conditions, the berries will retain their shape, firmness and taste even after 6 months.

The Veles grape variety has received numerous positive reviews. It is highly valued for its exquisite taste and bright aroma, lack of seeds. It is noted that the thin skin does not cause inconvenience when chewing berries. And also the owners note the unevenness of ripening - the lower clusters reach later than the upper ones, they have to be left on the bush for a long time. The disadvantages also include the plant's susceptibility to diseases - amateur vine growers do not recommend neglecting preventive spraying.