Description and characteristics of Agat Donskoy grapes, cultivation and care

One of the main features of the Agat Donskoy grape variety is that the culture gives a bountiful harvest. The culture is able to grow in various regions of Russia due to the fact that it tolerates frost well and is highly resistant to the effects of common pests. The fruits of the plant are suitable both for consumption and for making wines.

The history of breeding Agat Donskoy

The variety appeared thanks to the crossing of Zarya Severa, Russian Early and Dolores. These cultures moved to Vityaz. The Novocherkassk breeders were engaged in the development of a new hybrid.

Benefits and cons of the variety

Agates Donskoy have the following advantages:

• good survival rate;
• low seat requirements;
• early and stable harvest;
• increased resistance to disease and transportation.

This variety has good frost resistance. Grapes without shelter are able to withstand temperatures down to -26 degrees.

Among the disadvantages of Agat Donskoy is that the culture is susceptible to several pests. For normal plant ripening, it is necessary to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Grape growing area

The southern regions of the country are considered the best place for planting crops. But subject to the rules of care and cultivation, the plant produces crops in temperate latitudes, as well as in the Urals.

Characteristics and botanical description

This variety gives a stable yield. The ripening rate of berries directly depends on the growing region.

Bush and shoots

The plant is characterized by rapid growth. On the vine, up to 80% of the shoots that are capable of producing a harvest are formed. Because of this, it is recommended to regularly trim the eyes, thereby reducing the level of stress on the plant.

The bush has a branched structure. Vine roots form a large system and penetrate deep into the ground. Due to its high frost resistance, under the influence of low temperatures, no more than 20% of new shoots die.

Pollination

Plants have flowers of both sexes. Therefore, Agat Donskoy does not require planting other pollinating varieties on the site.

Harvest amount

Agate Donskoy yields a harvest by mid-August or September (when grown in temperate latitudes). The average weight of one bunch is 400-600 grams. In this case, the appearance of brushes weighing up to 1 kilogram is possible. On average, one adult vine yields up to 50 kilograms of harvest.

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Size and taste of fruits

Agate Donskoy bunches contain rounded dark blue berries. The surface of the fruit is covered with pruin (wax bloom). The total weight of each berry varies between 4-6 grams.

The berries are characterized by a dense shell and crisp flesh. The fruit has a pleasant but simple flavor. The sugar concentration in berries does not exceed 15%. The fruits are able to hang on the bush for several weeks without losing their original qualities.

Planting seedlings

The planting of Agatha Donskoy grapes is carried out according to a similar scheme, which is used when growing other crops. It is optimal if the seedlings are buried in spring or autumn. The grapes take root quickly, and in the future will give rise to propagation. The distance between the holes must be more than 1.5 meters. When planting grapes, it is recommended to install trellises along which the vine will curl.

Lighting

The grapes do not grow in shaded areas. For planting a culture, it is recommended to dig holes in the southern or southwestern parts of the site. If there are large trees in the growing zone, it is recommended to plant the vine at a distance of at least 5 meters from other plants.

For mass cultivation, the rows of grapes should be located from north to south. This ensures uniform illumination of all bushes.

Required soil composition

This variety does not impose increased requirements on the composition of the soil. Well-drained soil is considered optimal for growing a plant. During the landing in the pit, it is recommended to add humus.

You should not grow the plant in an area where the groundwater is less than 1.5 meters deep. The recommended soil acidity is 6.5-7 pH.

Planting hole depth and diameter

The depth of the pit in black soil should be 50 centimeters, in other soils - 70 centimeters. The hole width is similar to those shown.

Top dressing after planting

Peat mixed with 20 grams of nitrogen and 40 grams of potassium with phosphorus is used as a top dressing for seedlings. After planting, the soil next to the vine must be mulched.

Features of growing and care

The grapes of this variety are not picky about both planting and subsequent care. However, due to the vigorous growth of the vine, certain rules are recommended.

Watering frequency and rate

It is recommended to water the grapes three times:

• before flowering;
• after flowering;
• during the period of fruit formation.

At least 7 buckets of water should be poured under each bush.

Fertilization

In the spring, a mixture of mineral fertilizers should be applied:

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• 20 grams of superphosphate;
• 10 grams of ammonium nitrate;
• 5 grams of potassium sulfate;
• 10 liters of water.

A week before flowering, the vine is fed with organic matter (2 kilograms of humus per 10 liters of water). 14 days before the formation of the ovary, 10 grams of potassium magnesium with 20 grams of ammonium nitrate mixed with 10 liters of water are introduced into the soil. For 2-3 weeks before and after harvesting, the plant is fed with the same mineral fertilizers.

Pinching

In order for the grapes to give a good and consistent harvest, it is recommended to remove excess shoots 3-5 days before flowering.

Shaping and trimming

To form the correct crown, it is recommended to regularly pinch the bush. No more than 5-8 eyes should remain on the shoot, and up to 35-45 on the vine.

Preparing for winter

Before the onset of frost, the vine is removed from the trellis and laid on the ground.The plant is sprayed with compounds that increase the resistance of the grapes to environmental influences. Then the vine is covered with straw or special material.

When can we expect the first harvest?

The grapes bear their first fruits relatively early. However, a good harvest appears several years after planting. The duration of this period is influenced by the area of ​​growth and the approach to growing crops.

The timing of fruit ripening

On average, the period between flowering and ripe fruit is 115-120 days. In the southern regions of the country, grapes are harvested by mid-August. When grown in the Urals or in temperate latitudes, ripe berries can be picked in early autumn.

Collection and storage of berries

The berries are stored in a refrigerator or dark room with moderate temperature and humidity.

Ways to increase yields

In order for grapes to consistently give a good harvest, you must:

• leave no more than two brushes on the shoot;
• cut off shoots annually;
• tie up the plant at least 2-3 times during the growing season;
• provide moderate watering.

Also, we must not forget about the timely introduction of mineral and organic fertilizers.

Diseases and pests - their description and methods of control

Agate Donskoy grapes are prone to the following diseases:

1. Mildew. It is characterized by the formation of yellow spots and gray plaque on the leaves, which leads to the latter falling off. An 8 percent Bordeaux mixture is used to combat mildew.
2. Powdery mildew. Causes the appearance of white bloom and dark spots on the leaves, and also provokes cracking of the berries. The treatment is carried out with colloidal sulfur.
3. Gray rot. All bunches are affected. Fundazol and Euparen help with gray rot.
4. Oidium. Develops on leaves and inflorescences. Topaz, ground sulfur and Skor help to get rid of oidium.

In order to avoid infection, it is recommended to periodically spray the vine with the given means.