Description and characteristics of the Levokumsky grape variety, origin and cultivation features
Despite the popularity of dessert grape varieties, the owners of summer cottages are trying to grow technical species used for the preparation of conservation, wine, juice. Usually, there are no problems with growing a crop; even beginners with a minimum of knowledge can cope with a simple process. Preference is often given to the Levokumsky grape, which has remarkable qualities - juiciness of fruits, persistent aroma, rich taste. Before you start growing the variety, it is better to familiarize yourself with the rules of planting, care - this will prevent annoying mistakes and get a good harvest.
The origin of the Levokumsky hybrid
The technical variety has no breeding roots, the culture was bred in one of the villages of the Stavropol region by ordinary peasants. The village of Levokumskoye has been famous for its winemaking since ancient times, the products were distributed throughout Russia and even gained popularity in the near abroad.
The age of the variety is up to two hundred years. This time was enough for Levokumsky to spread throughout the country and gain popularity among lovers of these wonderful fruits.
The advantage of technical grape varieties
One of the indisputable advantages of the culture is its high frost resistance. Levokumsky can easily endure severe frosts (about 30 degrees) without covering. The benefits also include:
- easy cover allows grapes to withstand up to 40 degrees of frost;
- juiciness of fruits;
- disease resistance;
- endurance (instability of climatic conditions does not affect yield).
Another advantage of Levokumsky is ease of care, with a minimum of attention, the plant will delight you with high yields.
External description
Outwardly, Levokum grapes differ little from other industrial crops grown for processing into wine or juice.
Bush
The plant grows quickly, so it will require regular pruning. The branches of Levokumsky are light brown, old shoots are covered with lignified bark.
The grape leaves are medium in size, smooth, have a light shade, divided into 5 lobes.
Berries
The fruits of the Levokum grape are small, up to one and a half grams. The skin is thin, covered with a bluish bloom. The taste is quite pleasant - the berries accumulate sugar well.
Bunches of Levokum grapes also do not differ in size - with proper care, the weight does not exceed 120 g. The shape is an elongated cylinder. The density is average.
Characteristics of grapes
Levokumsky grapes are classified as middle ripening varieties. It takes up to 4 months from flowering to harvesting the first wave of the crop. The yield is high - it is quite easy to get more than a hundred centners of fruits per hectare.
Recommended for growing in regions with harsh climatic conditions. Feels great in the Moscow region, in the North Caucasus.
Disease and low temperature resistance
Levokum grape is resistant to low temperatures, when covered, it easily tolerates Siberian frosts. Diseases rarely affect the culture, but anthracnose and black spot will have to be treated with chemicals.
A feature of the Levokumsky variety is immunity against common crop diseases. Gray rot and mildew bushes do not strike even in rainy seasons.
Pollination and yield
For pollination of Levokumsky, it is not necessary to plant pollinating plants, grapes form bisexual inflorescences. Productivity is high - the small size of the bunch is compensated by the large number.
Reproduction
The technical grade Levokumsky is propagated by cuttings or layering. The survival rate is excellent. In harsh conditions, it is recommended to cover the cuttings - there is a risk of freezing. Reproduction by layering allows you to get high-quality young plants during the season, but it is better not to rush to transplant from the mother bush until next year.
Planting and leaving
It is easy to achieve a good yield of Levokumsky grapes by fulfilling the main conditions. Fulfillment of planting requirements, proper care, regular watering are the basic rules that allow you to achieve active fruiting in just 2-4 years after planting.
Soil and well preparation
It is recommended to prepare a hole for planting a seedling of Levokum grapes in advance. You should make:
- humus;
- sand;
- peat;
- garden soil.
It is imperative to lay a drainage layer - with excessive moisture, the roots of Levokumsky bushes rot.
Planting technology of seedlings
When planting in a row, it is recommended to leave up to 2 m between the holes of Levokumsky grapes.When planting several rows, it is better to use a checkerboard pattern with a row spacing of up to 1.5 m.
Irrigation
Watering is carried out as needed, especially in extreme heat. It is better to irrigate the soil in the evening, use water infused under the sun. Before moistening the soil, loosen it.
How and what to fertilize
Do not use fresh organic matter to fertilize the bushes. Dilute compost or humus in a bucket of water 1-2 kg.
Of the purchased drugs, Plantafol has proven itself well. Dilute the top dressing in accordance with the instructions, the excess of the nutrient components will lead to root burns.
Formation of a fruitful vine
To start forming a bush in the second year. Experienced gardeners recommend using a fan shape or "two-armed cordon".
The recommended stem height is no more than a meter. Remove extra stepsons, overloading the vine will lead to creases.
Mulching for the winter
Using mulch is a great way to give your plant the nutrients it needs and protect it from temperature extremes. Use humus, compost, spruce branches as a mulching layer. It is not necessary to use hay or dry leaves, there is a risk of decay, which will affect the condition of the bush.
Seasonal processing
To protect the Levokumsky grapes from diseases, occupation by pests, regular processing with chemicals will allow.It is better not to expect damage from insects or diseases, preventive irrigation of the bush will save you from a long struggle with the eternal enemies of the gardener.
From fungal and infectious diseases
In the fight against anthracnose (evidence of itself with ulcers on the bark of bushes, which lead to drying out of the vine), it is recommended to use "Antrakol", Bordeaux mixture. Irrigate against black spot with preparations containing a high percentage of copper.
For prophylactic purposes, apply treatment with "Kuproksat", "Ridomil". It is better not to use folk remedies, they are ineffective against infection.
Bird fighting
It is recommended to use humane methods of struggle against the feathered guests of the vineyard - shooting or traps are strictly prohibited. An excellent way to protect fruit-bearing plantations is to use a special mesh that does not impede access to sunlight and fresh air.
You can resort to proven means - hang strips of polyethylene or cassette tapes near the vineyard.
How to deal with wasps
Against wasps, the use of nets is not effective protection; you will have to resort to more aggressive methods of fighting insects. To begin the destruction of wasps only after the appearance of the ovary, during flowering, insects destroy the caterpillars.
The simplest and most affordable methods of dealing with wasps are to prepare a sticky trap (pour some honey on small bowls, place them in the vineyards) or use a smoke bomb. If you manage to find a nest, it is recommended to shake it into a plastic bag at night, tie it tightly, take it far into the forest or destroy it.
Harvesting and storage
It is recommended to collect the bunches during the period of full ripeness, which occurs at the beginning of autumn. In warm regions, fruiting occurs earlier - at the end of summer. Carefully remove the bunches, place them on wooden grates or directly in a bucket (if the fruit will be processed immediately).
The storage time of the technical grade is up to a month, but subject to certain conditions. When collecting, try not to erase the bluish bloom, which protects from damage. Be sure to immediately send the fruits to a cool place with moderate humidity (cellar, refrigerator). The duration of storage will not affect the taste, but it is better to try to process it soon after harvest.
Levokumsky grape is an excellent variety for cultivation for winemaking. The intoxicated drink from the fruit turns out to be dark, with a rich berry flavor. The absence of difficulties in care, the undemanding culture allows you to get a harvest in a short time, which is enough for the preparation of aromatic wine, juices, and conservation.
