Description and characteristics of Moldova or Black Prince grape variety and crop care
The history of grapes in Moldova has more than one decade. During this time, the variety has become a popular fruit and berry crop. An unpretentious shrub can often be found in the gardens of the southern regions. Due to its resistance to extreme low temperatures, it is cultivated in the central, northern regions. The sweet taste of the berries, ease of care, abundant and regular harvests made it a favorite among other similar plants.
Variety history
Grapes Moldova is an old variety. It was obtained empirically in Moldova. A group of breeders crossed the Guzal Kara and Seiv Villar species. The result is a new variety. Its second name is Kodryanka Late, Black Prince. In Russia, Moldova has been massively cultivated since the second half of the 20th century. The southern regions are excellent for its cultivation: Krasnodar Territory, Rostov Region. The variety is characterized as a hybrid of the European-Asian region.
Description and characteristics
Description of the external features and characteristics of the Moldova variety must be taken into account when planting, caring for the plant:
- The shrub prefers warmth. In the southern regions, it will bring a more bountiful harvest.
- The variety is considered late-ripening. The first fruits appear in mid-September.
- Average frost resistance.
- The grapes grow and multiply rapidly. Saplings are characterized by quick adaptation after planting on the site.
- No additional pollinators are required for pollination.
- Cylindrical to conical clusters of medium size. The weight of one reaches 350-1000 g. The berries are loosely located. Color - dark blue with a purple tint. The taste is sweet.
- Fresh grapes are used as a dessert, compotes, juices, and preserves are preserved.
If the Moldova variety is planted in the northern regions, then the climatic features can negatively affect the fruiting of the shrub. Berries can become chopped and sour.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Moldova grapes are an excellent option for planting at their summer cottage. It has many advantages over other similar crops:
- Unpretentious care.
- Requires no additional pollinators.
- Brings bountiful harvests.
- The berries can hang on the bush for a long time, keeping their presentation.
- High resistance to plant diseases, pests.
- Tolerates temperatures down to -22 degrees.
- Recovers quickly after pruning.
- The taste of the fruit is sweet. It is highly appreciated by gardeners and winemakers.
The specific features of the variety must be taken into account when organizing competent plant care:
- Ripening enough. For this reason, in many areas, it does not have time to reach maturity before the first frost.
- Underloading and overloading the crop can have a bad effect on the plant and the quality of the fruits.
If ripe grapes are not harvested for too long, this will reduce its transportability and impair its taste.
Planting and grooming tips
The procedure for planting grapes Moldova includes several mandatory recommendations:
- The best soil for the variety is light with the presence of useful minerals and fertilizers. Groundwater should not be close to the roots.
- Choose sunny, windless areas.
- Planting is carried out in the spring. This will allow the grapes to adapt as much as possible.
- For a young seedling, holes are prepared with a mixture of soil and fertilizers. They lower it down, straighten the roots, install additional support, cover it with earth, tamp it.
- After planting, watered. One bush takes 2-3 buckets of warm water. The soil around is mulched.
For planting in the autumn, the grape seedling is paraffin waxed. This will help him survive the cold.
Caring for grapes involves the implementation of standard activities:
- Watering should be done once a month before flowering. During dry periods, humidification is performed as needed.
- Potash, mineral fertilizers are applied to the soil, dug up.
- In the spring, in the fall, mulching with humus is performed.
- Pruning is done twice a season.
- The area around the bush is cleaned regularly.
- Before the onset of cold weather, cover with a special film.
About diseases and pests
The Moldova variety is characterized by high resistance to fungal diseases. Fruits are rarely affected by wasps and other insects. Most often grapes suffer from powdery mildew. For the treatment and prevention of plants, spraying with a solution of Bordeaux liquid is used.
The grapes of Moldova are a famous shrub with a long history and numerous virtues. The excellent taste of the fruit allows the variety to be used in many areas of the household. He brings regular, bountiful harvests. Thanks to this, Moldova is chosen by many gardeners for growing on their plots.