Grapes Moldova - a popular table variety bred by a group of breeders in Moldova and characterized by late ripening.
Grapes Moldova: grade description
The grapes are dark purple, oval, large, each weighing about 6-7 grams with a berry height of more than 2 cm. The small cluster size (from 300 grams to 1 kilogram) and the average density are fully compensated by the sweet taste of fresh berries, estimated at a 10-point system for 8 points. The ripeness of the berries is slow due to the gradual accumulation of sugars in them. The pulp of the fruit is fleshy, with some gristle. Seeds in berries are from 2 to 4. The dense peel is a little rough and covered with a wax coating, which provides the variety with excellent transportability and high performance during long-term storage, which only improves the taste of the Moldova variety.
Grapes after ripening can be stored directly on the bush for a long time; however, with late picking of bunches, its shelf life and transportation capabilities are significantly reduced. Fresh berries taste great, appetizing and preserves are also obtained: compotes and preserves.
External characteristics of the variety Moldova
Moldova grape bushes are characterized by overgrown; the vine is brown, has a good ripening period. The grape flowers are bisexual. This means that the bush does not require additional planting of pollinating grape varieties. The leaves are large, rounded, slightly dissected, with raised edges. The underside of the sheet is somewhat pubescent.
Moldova grapes (photo below) are most common in Crimea, Odessa and Kherson regions, Krasnodar Territory and Rostov Region.
The ripening period of grapes depends on the place of growth, the average rate of which is 155-165 days. In more northern regions, the crop may not have time to ripen, which will cause the berries to have a sour taste. Moldova grapes, which are only positive consumer reviews, are soon bearing fruit, the first crop can be harvested in the 2-3rd year of life. The most active fruiting of grapes is concentrated above the base of the vine at 5-6 nodes. Subject to proper agricultural practices, the grape bush of Moldova, after 8-10 years after planting, is able to produce 150 kg of excellent high-quality berries.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Moldova is a grape that is not affected by phylloxera and is characterized by high resistance to diseases such as gray rot and mildew. The late ripening of Moldova does not attract wasps to the bushes, which is another advantage of the variety. The disadvantages of the variety Moldova are weak resistance to oidium (powdery mildew), therefore, the bush needs to be treated with prophylactic drugs twice a season.
The grapes are frost-resistant, according to some statements, can withstand frosts of up to -26 ° C. In order to preserve the bush in the winter, it is still recommended to cover Moldova. For this, grapes must be put completely on the ground and covered with hay or ordinary film. You can only shelter the stump of the grape bush; a stalk that has just been planted requires compulsory shelter. Usually it is completely covered with earth and opens at the end of March. With a film tunnel shelter, bushes should be opened by mid-April.
Features of growing grapes Moldova
When growing grapes, one should take into account such a feature as the temperature difference during the day (day and night).
To preserve the supply of daytime heat and smooth the difference between the night and daytime temperatures, mulch under the bushes of the plant (black film or plant debris), form stone or brick slides under the racks, and place water containers in the vineyard.
Planting grapes Moldova
To grow grapes - work is not easy! This rather laborious process includes not only planting and grafting the cuttings, but also the correct selection of the landing site and preparation of the landing pit. Optimum for the bush will be light, well-fertilized soil, groundwater should be located no higher than 1.5 meters from the surface. The land for Moldova should be sunny and well protected from the winds. Moldova grape variety is recommended to be planted horizontally, as well as near the arbors and peaks, on the south side. In this case, the bush will not thicken much, and the berries will acquire the highest dimensional and taste indicators.
Moldova should plant grapes in the spring, it is at such a time that the bush will be able to take root as much as possible and become resistant to future frosts. An excellent culture can be grown from grafts grafted in autumn.
Features of grape planting
The main rule of planting in the spring and autumn is a stable temperature, which is kept at 15 ° C. When planting grapes, one should take into account such qualities as strong growth and a tendency to thicken, negatively affecting the quality and size of berries. The bush should be formed with long sleeves, providing free space for growth. Acceptable for this variety is a 5 x 4 meter landing pattern.
Moldova can be planted both on the old rootstock and on its own roots. Cuttings are previously recommended to hold for some time in water, until the appearance of white roots.
The bottom of the planting pit should be well-fertilized with organic fertilizers mixed with soil. It is important when planting not to fill the root neck of the seedling with earth, leaving it above the surface.
For grafting, the stalk should be cut wedge-shaped, stepping a few millimeters from the lower eye, and placed in water for a day, and also dipped in the “Humate” solution (10 drops of the drug per liter of water). To graft the cuttings is required to split the stock, previously cleaned of dirt and jagged. The bush stem must be tightly pulled with a strong fabric, which will contribute to the more rapid rooting of the cuttings on this stock.
After planting, the cuttings must be watered abundantly using at least 3 buckets of water per unit. Near the planted plant, dig a support that will guide the growth of the vine.
Grapes Moldova: features of leaving
Moldova grapes, like any plant, need regular watering and top dressing. Watering the shrub is required before flowering and after its completion, as well as with a lack of moisture. Frequency of irrigation can be once a month or more frequent during periods of prolonged drought. Excess water must be diverted to specially dug out drainage ditches.
The growth and fruiting of grapes are affected by mulching, for which it is recommended to use a stubborn humus, spreading it with a layer of 3-3.5 cm around the grape stem in a diameter of 1-1.5 meters. It is advisable to mulch the soil in spring or autumn.
Pruning
Pruning of Moldova grapes is carried out annually, in early spring or late fall, when the vine is at rest. The most fruitful will be the bush, having 3-4 sleeves and spread vertically along the support.
Trimming
the vine is preferably 7-9 eyes, leaving a total of about 70 eyes on the bush. When forming a bush with a high stem, pruning is required only for 4-6 eyes. It is important not to allow overloading of the bush, otherwise the berry will be small. To do this, in the spring, in parallel with controlling the number of shoots, you should monitor the number of clusters formed on them. The Moldova grape variety is well restored after pruning and damage.
Pinching and breaking off
In addition to pruning, weak and overgrown shoots should be removed by breaking them off, which is done after the appearance of antennae and inflorescences, always before the shoot is numb at the base. Breaking off begins from the bottom, followed by a gradual transition to the bush sleeves. For subsequent plant renewal, it is recommended to leave part of the strong shoots.
A couple of days before flowering, it is recommended to pinch (remove the tops of the green shoot), which does not allow the grapes to stretch in length. This operation is aimed at redirecting the nutrient flow to the inflorescences.
Fertilizing the grape bush can be done with mineral and potash-phosphorus fertilizers that are introduced into the ground when it is dug.
2-3 weeks before the ripening of fragrant bunches, the leaves covering them should be pinched off. This will provide a faster pouring of berries and an increase in their sugar content. It is recommended to remove no more than 5 leaves from each cluster in order to avoid disturbance of the nutritional process.
Moldova grapes, the care of which is painstaking and troublesome, subject to the correct application of agrotechnical measures, will fully please the consumer with a high-quality and tasty crop.