Description and characteristics of Ruslan grapes, its advantages and disadvantages
There are about 5 thousand varieties of grapes in the world, and each of them is somewhat different from the others: taste, shape of berries, frost resistance, ripening time. The Ruslan grape belongs to hybrids, it is bred specifically for growing in extreme conditions. Its characteristic features will be discussed later.
Description
The species was bred by the breeder Zagorulko from 3 existing varieties: Gift to Zaporozhye, Delight and Kuban. The result is a new, hybrid species with impressive frost resistance (-23 ºС) and early ripening (about 4 months). According to gardeners, caring for grapes that ripen early is easier in comparison with late varieties: pests and diseases are not so terrible, not complicated agricultural technology.
The bunches are resistant to external influences, they are not afraid of transportation - this explains the popularity of Ruslan among distributors. The description of the variety should be supplemented with the timing of the harvest: from the ovary to full maturation, 105-120 days pass. This usually happens in early autumn, in the first decade of August.
Hybrid characteristics
By design, the grapes belong to the table, with very dark blue (with a slight transition to a black shade) berries weighing 10-20 grams. The bunch reaches 500-900 grams (sometimes more than a kilogram), the taste resembles a plum, it is round, moderately sweet. Each grape contains 18% sugar, the acidity is 6.5 grams per liter. The variety tolerates frosts on the ground at -21 ºС (according to some sources - up to -23 ºС).
The rind is dense, but soft enough, easy to chew. The brush is formed, without peas, with 1-2 seeds in berries. The species perfectly takes root in small personal plots, garden plots.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Ruslan is an early variety, the yield is consistently rich, keeping the shape and contents of the bunch from season to season. The flowers are bisexual, there will be no problems with pollination. The berries are sweet, not sugary, with a slight sourness, well stored on the bush and in boxes (during transportation).
The hybrid is useful not only as a ready-made dessert. Grapes have a positive effect in the treatment of anemia, normalization of the gastrointestinal tract function, helps to improve the functioning of the genitourinary system, and increases metabolism. The leaves are used in marinades, homemade pickles, they are used for wrapping minced meat (for stuffed cabbage). The variety demonstrates good frost resistance, it can be left uncovered if the region does not get colder than -20 ° C.
Ruslan easily tolerates standard diseases, he is not taken by gray rot, mildew, oidium. Wasps do not eat berries. When grown by cuttings, grapes take root well, this is another clear advantage. A disadvantage is sensitivity to high humidity during the ripening period (some of the fruits may crack), as well as the presence of seeds in the fruits (1-2).
Planting methods
Ruslan tolerates growing in different ways, there are 3 of them:
- seedlings;
- rooting on an old bush;
- branch from the vine.
All methods are good in their own way, and which one to choose is up to the gardener, in relation to the current situation.
Planting on your own roots
It consists in planting seedlings in a pre-selected place. There are 2 stages of planting: in spring and autumn (before the onset of cold weather). For the first time, a young bush is covered so that it can calmly endure temperature drops and adapt to the external environment.
Planting on old roots
If there is an old plant on the site, it is quite reasonable to plant Ruslan on its trunk. This is done immediately after the beginning of the thaw (spring graft) or before frost (autumn). Wake up and dormant seedlings are used, the variety has good survival.
Branch from the vine
It is done according to the standard method of winegrowers: the selected shoot is buried in the ground so that it moves away from the mother plant and takes root. After a couple of years, the branch will become independent, it will be possible to cut its connection with the bush. A season with a positive temperature is suitable for planting, but not winter and late autumn.
Choosing a landing site
The site should not be swampy, with groundwater close to the surface - this will harm the seedlings. Loose, well-drained soil is more suitable. The normal growth of bushes, their supply with nutrients depends on this.
Garter
As the vines grow, they provide support for branching - a picket fence, "T" -shaped, hammered into the ground, pipe sections or horizontal rows of wire made at different levels.
Distance between rows
Ruslan's bushes are planted in increments of up to 3 meters so that, in the event of a possible infection, pathogens do not pass to neighboring plants. This also ensures the airing of the seedlings.
Landing rules
During planting, a layer of rubble is laid in the pit, then a layer-by-layer cake of humus and soil. The mixture is infused for up to 2 weeks, then a bush is planted in it.
Care
It consists in pruning, watering and treating with chemicals from diseases. Before hibernation, the vine is wrapped and snatched to ensure its safety.
Watering
Should be regular, but not excessive: Ruslan is sensitive to soaking and decay of roots.
Top dressing
A variety with good immunity and survival, does not require special feeding. But the regular application of mineral and organic fertilizers affects the yield.
Pruning
The procedure for the formation of branches and sleeves (pruning) is required, the vine ripens evenly along its entire length. Its height is kept within 200-310 centimeters. To ripen the grapes, it is enough to leave 2-3 ovaries on each shoot. Dry leaves and branches are definitely removed as the bush grows.
Shelter for the winter
Despite the declared frost resistance, grapes need to be covered for the winter, protecting them from the harmful effects of cold air and high humidity.
Prevention against parasites
The first "bells" include a change in the color of leaves and the appearance of extraneous spots - grayish or yellow. It is a fungal infection that can be treated with chemical treatments.
For prevention, grapes are planted in dry, sun-exposed areas (south side).
