- Authors: ME AND. Potapenko, I.A. Kostrikin, A.S. Skripnikov (VNIIViV named after Ya.I. Potapenko)
- Appointment: dining room
- Berry color: white, sunburned
- Taste: harmonious
- With bones: Yes
- Ripening period: very early
- Ripening period, days: 110-120
- Frost resistance, ° C: -25
- Bunch weight, g: 531
- Yield: 120 c / ha
Grapes are a thermophilic culture, which does not always make it possible to grow it in the conditions of central Russia. Many breeders have been trying to breed good varieties for years, but they do not succeed so often. One of the best grapes is considered "Delight". It has high yields and frost resistance, and also has excellent external qualities.
Breeding history
Grape "Delight" - a hybrid that was bred in laboratory conditions by crossing other grape varieties.
The breeding was carried out by the Soviet breeders Ya. I. Potapenko, IA Kostrikin, AS Skripnikova in the VNIIViV them. Ya.I. Potapenko in the 1960s. Delight appeared as a result of crossing the form Zarya Severa × Dolores and the Russian Early variety.
The first experiments with planting a plant began in the early 80s of the XX century. Due to their resistance to changes in weather conditions and good taste, grapes are loved and often crossed with other varieties.
In 1992, this variety was officially registered in the state register of our country and allowed for production.
Geography of distribution
The geography of distribution is quite extensive due to its resistance to natural disasters. The variety can be grown in the Urals, the Far East, in Central Russia, as well as in Siberia. In countries with warm southern climates, such as Belarus and Ukraine, some gardeners leave the crop to winter without shelter.
Description
Delight has a number of distinctive features - both external and gustatory.
The grape bush has medium-sized vigorous shoots. From the moment of planting in a year, the vine grows to 2.6 meters and ripens by 65-85%. It has a good average in comparison with other varieties. Leaves are medium, light green, with jagged edges.
Ripening period
It is a very early ripening variety. Ripens after 110-120 days in a temperate climate.
The sum of active temperatures from the beginning of budding to technological maturity is 2035 ° C.
Bunches
Bunches of large or very large sizes, moderate density, have a conical shape. Sometimes they can be shapeless, but this does not affect the taste.
Under normal conditions, the bunch weighs an average of 531 grams, but some of them reach 2 kilograms.
Berries
The berries are of the correct oval shape, reminiscent of olives. The skin is moderately dense, light green in color. The sun-facing berries are white with a tan. Inside is juicy crunchy pulp with two bones. The average berry weight is 6-7 grams with a size of 27x24 mm.
Taste
Nice, soft and harmonious. Contains a lot of sugar, 19-26% and a little acidity - about 5-9 g / l. Tasting indicators of the variety are 8.2-8.4 points.
Yield
With good care and moderate watering, the Delight variety gives a high yield. The amount of harvested grapes is approximately 120 c / g. The number of shoots with fruits reaches 65-80%. Each shoot has about 1.4-1.7 bunches.
Growing features
For a good yield, the "Delight" variety is recommended to be grown on the southern or southwestern side. There should be no tall buildings or canopies nearby that create strong shade. 2-3 years before planting grapes, the soil should be systematically fertilized with useful organic fertilizers.
Landing
The grapes love loamy chernozem soils with an average level of moisture. With increased soil moisture, the root system begins to rot.
You can plant a crop in autumn or spring. Only experienced gardeners plant it in autumn. The plant tolerates frosts well in the presence of shelter, and with the onset of heat it begins to grow actively.
When planted in spring, grapes have the ability to get used to the conditions of a new place for a long time, which allows the culture to adapt. But with spring planting, grapes require increased care and abundant watering.
Pollination
Pollination is bisexual, which makes planting a number of other varieties unnecessary.
Pruning
The grape variety "Delight" is vigorous. Mostly short cut is used. The vine has lower fruiting, as do many stem varieties.
The standard load on a grape bush is 35-45 eyes, while the length of pruning of fruit vines is calculated for 6-10 eyes. The fruitfulness of the eyes at the base of the shoots is high, so you can cut them short, by 2-4 eyes.
Watering
Delight grapes do not require frequent watering. It is worth focusing on the weather conditions. Watering frequency depends on weather conditions and growing seasons.
Top dressing
Active feeding should be carried out for 2 years of the variety's life. In spring, nitrogen fertilizers should be applied, and with active ripening of fruits, complex fertilizers should be used.
After harvesting, Delight should be fed with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers: such a procedure will help the culture to endure the winter well.
Frost resistance and the need for shelter
The culture is considered frost-resistant and can withstand temperatures down to -25 ° C. In warm climates, grapes are not harvested.
In severe winters with low temperatures, the shelter of the crop is necessary for the safety of the plant.
Diseases and pests
This variety is moderately resistant to diseases and pests, but not resistant to root and leaf phylloxera. It is resistant to mildew and gray mold.
Depending on the region of cultivation, 1-2 sprays against mildew should be carried out with the addition of powdery mildew preparations to the solution.
With oidium, the bush must be removed from the affected leaves and the culture must be provided with high air permeability. Powdery mildew (powdery mildew) is especially dangerous during hot periods.
If a grape is exposed to any disease or insect, this always affects its appearance.
Storage
The variety looks attractive and looks good on the shelves.
The average preservation of the bunches on the bushes is 30-45 days. It retains freshness for a long time, but with long storage there is a risk of brown dots appearing. The taste remains the same, but the marketability decreases. You can store grapes in the refrigerator for up to 1.5 months.
Review overview
Gardeners appreciate the quality of this variety. Many have been growing it for years. Compared to other varieties, "Delight" can withstand any weather conditions without losing excellent taste. During cold winters, Delight is sheltered and cherished, but if it freezes, it will be very difficult to return to its former state and it is better not to risk it.