One of the most common methods of breeding grapes at home is reproduction using chubuk. It can be carried out by planting rooted sprouts in the ground or by grafting in the spring. Here, for beginner gardeners, the question arises of how to properly store grape cuttings in winter.
What is a chubuk?
To propagate a favorite or favorite variety, a pencil-shaped stalk is cut from the vine (with the exception of a thin stem of some grapes) and a length of about 60-70 cm. A prerequisite for obtaining a quality seedling is the presence of at least 3-4 strong bud nodes .
Why do I need to cut the stalk in the fall?
Among people who do not have experience in growing grapes, there is an opinion that it is easier to breed in the spring. The main argument is that there is no need to fear that during the winter the stalk will dry out or rot (which very often happens when grapes are grown). In fact, with this approach, you can waste time: a chubuk cut in the spring and planted in poorly warmed up soil will most likely dry up before it can take root. Another disadvantage in this situation is that a fresh wound will remain on the “revived” vine, and the plant will “hurt” for a long time. Thus, storage of grape cuttings in winter is more rational.
How to choose a material suitable for propagation?
Chubuk is cut from the middle or lower part of the fruiting (this is a prerequisite) healthy vines, annuals, which are first tested for maturity. The easiest way is to try to bend the branch a little: if it has reached the required level of development, a slight crackle will sound. In addition, you can lubricate the cut with a solution of iodine: it will turn black in a mature vine. Very thin or thick shoots are not suitable for seedlings, since they will not work out high-quality planting material.
How to prepare future seedlings?
The main question asked by experienced growers about grape cuttings is: “How do you store planting material during the long winter to get a healthy shoot in spring?”
There are a few things to consider. It is best to harvest the chubuk in late September or early October (adjustments are made depending on the weather). At this time, the vital activity of plants decreases, and pruning will do less harm to the grapes. Since the branches preparing for winter lose most of their moisture, it is necessary to partially replenish its reserves before storage. This is done quite simply: all leaves and antennae are removed from the cut stem, a fresh cut is made in its lower part, and the chubuk itself is put into water (preferably rain or thawed, but always clean) for about a day. This procedure will protect the twig from drying out, and it will survive the winter safely. You can additionally dip the sections on both sides in warm paraffin - this will prevent the rapid evaporation of moisture from the trunk.
Someone additionally makes several light longitudinal grooves up to 3 cm long on the lower part of the chubuk to provide additional root development in the spring.
It is recommended to moisten the prepared cuttings in iron sulfate (a few seconds are enough), and in its absence - in a slightly colored solution of potassium permanganate, chinosol or foundationazole, after which it is well dried. This treatment will help fight mold and various diseases.
Storage of grape cuttings in winter
In the autumn laying of Chubuk, several conditions must be observed that will allow you to get strong shoots ready for rooting and growth in the spring.
It is very important to create the necessary thermal regime for the cuttings: not lower than 0 degrees and not higher than +4. When the temperature drops to negative, it can freeze, and a higher one threatens that the buds begin to swell and roots grow. Or the stalk is covered with mold and simply decays.
The next important point is the provision of the necessary humidity (the best option is 60%) so that the chubuk does not dry out, and regular ventilation of the room.
If cuttings are stored in the basement, rodents become a threat to them, for which they will turn into excellent food.
Where can I keep chubuki?
There are three ways to save grape cuttings in winter. At home, this is a refrigerator, trench, basement. The choice of location depends on the amount of material. Several cuttings can be placed in the refrigerator, but when preparing them for sale or for planting over a large area, the second option will be more successful. The storage method affects the care of the cuttings during the winter.
For several seedlings, ordinary plastic bottles without a bottom of one and a half liters are also suitable. In the first, a little sand is poured and two cuttings are set, the second plays the role of a cover: in order to make it easier to put on, small cuts are made on the walls. The stopper on the bottle-cap periodically opens to ventilate the chubuk.
Cold storage
It is better to use a camera for vegetables and fruits, since there is the most favorable temperature for the chubuk. In its absence, it is possible to provide winter storage of cuttings (of course, in small quantities) on the lower shelf of the refrigerator. To establish the necessary level of humidity, experienced people advise wrapping the lower part of the chubuk with a cloth soaked in water and wrung out, then put them in a plastic bag and tie it well with a rope. The only caveat - you can not wrap the seedling completely, as this will lead to its decay. Next, it will remain to check the condition of the cuttings monthly and, if necessary, process them: wipe the place where the mold appears soaked in a pink solution of potassium permanganate. Before you put the chub in the refrigerator again, it will need to be dried.
Creating conditions for seedlings in the basement
More common storage of grape cuttings in the winter in the cellar. The first option: pour in a suitable container (box, old bathtub, with a small number of cuttings - a bucket) clean sand slightly moistened with water with a layer of up to 10 cm.Then install prepared chubuki so that they do not touch each other, and slightly deepen. The advantages of such storage are that the upper part of the chubuk remains free of sand, and this allows you to visually determine their condition in winter. Seedlings must be arranged in accordance with their natural growth, i.e. the root part of the stem should be below. Next - a mandatory regular inspection of planting material and maintaining the required level of moisture.
The second method: put
grape cuttings in piles of sand
(as stored, for example, carrots) and fill it up (the layer between them should be about 4-5 cm). During the winter, it is necessary to constantly moisten the contents of the box, as well as be sure to inspect the chubuk and change the lower and upper rows in places. If necessary, the basement is aired, which will avoid a temperature increase, especially when spring approaches.
Sawdust, moss are suitable instead of sand, the main thing is that they always be wet. In this case, polyethylene, which covers the container, can become an assistant.
Trench or pit use
This method is more suitable when you need to save a lot of seedlings, or there is no cellar. In an elevated place, a trench digs about a meter deep and 5-10 cm wide longer than the length of the cuttings (if they are located vertically). After the bottom and walls are treated with lime mortar, sand is poured into it - up to 10 cm. Chubuki are laid horizontally or vertically, it is possible in bunches, the space between them is filled with sand, and the soil is poured on top. With the correct arrangement, the earth should rise slightly above the trench, which will protect the storage place from waterlogging, especially in the spring. For the same purpose, it can be covered with a film. Near the elevation, grooves are additionally made for water drainage.
Unfortunately, such storage of grape cuttings in winter does not allow monitoring their condition; moreover, a poorly prepared trench can be flooded. Yes, and for rodents such a repository is open.
When harvesting Chubuk several grape varieties, each batch should be placed separately from the others.
Checking the condition of the seedlings before planting
In the spring, control is carried out on how the storage of seedlings and cuttings took place in the winter. A Chubuk, ready for development, should have a fresh, healthy appearance, a green layer will be found under its bark, and a bud of a leaf will appear in the eyes. You can put several branches in the water - on successfully overwintered after a couple of days, the kidneys swell.
How to grow grapes from cuttings: methods of rooting
Overwintered Chubuki in February begin to prepare for planting. The best option is to put foam foam soaked in water in a bag, install cuttings on it, wind it well and put it in a dark place. After ten days, check them for the appearance of root primordia. “Revived” cuttings need to be planted in a glass from under a plastic bottle filled with a mixture of soil and humus, cover with the top of the bottle without a lid and put on a windowsill or other illuminated place. When the roots fill the bottle and 4-5 leaves appear, the bottle can be removed.
Compliance with simple recommendations on how to harvest grapes cuttings (chubuki) in the fall and keep them in the winter will help in the near future to get a strong, well-developed vine.