Mukuzani grapes: variety description and characteristics, planting and care rules

Mukuzani grape variety is considered a folk selection culture, since there is no information about its breeding. This variety of plant was discovered by chance in a Georgian village with the same name. Over time, the grapes managed to be cultivated. Today it is very popular in the northern regions and in Central Russia. In order for the culture to develop normally and bear fruit abundantly, it must be properly looked after.

Description and characteristics of Mukuzani variety

This hybrid grape is perfect for growing in the Voronezh region. However, this is far from the only region. The plant is characterized by an early period of maturation. In the center, you can pick fruits in early August, in the north - at the end of September.

Characteristics of bushes

The average plant height reaches 4 meters. According to the description, the leaves can have 3 or 5 lobes. Deep sections are observed on the surface of the plates. The leaves have a rounded shape and a rough surface.

The bush has bisexual flowers. Thanks to this, the plants are well pollinated and bring an excellent harvest. Shoots are characterized by excellent development. Each of them brings 4 large bunches.

Yields

From 1 adult bush you can get 40-50 kilograms of crop. The fruits are easy to transport.

Clusters and berries

Brushes are distinguished by a conical shape and a dense arrangement of berries. The length of the bunch rarely grow more than 30 centimeters. Berries are characterized by small size and rounded shape. The mass of each of them is 1.5-3 grams.

Berries have a normal taste without specific notes. The variety is well suited for making light wines. The fruits are dark purple in color. Each of them is covered with a natural coating, which prolongs the shelf life of the fruit. There are 2-3 seeds in the berry.

Main pros and cons

Mukuzani is a wild type of grape. Due to this, the variety is considered very resistant. Unlike cultivated varieties, the plant has strong immunity, easily adapts to negative conditions and does not suffer from pest attacks.

Other cultural benefits include the following:

• excellent transportability;
• simultaneous fruit ripening;
• resistance to major diseases;
• frost resistance;
• juicy fruits;
• good taste.

The only negative is the rapid development of shoots. This forces growers to prune frequently.

The subtleties of growing a plant

To achieve success in growing a crop, it is worthwhile to carry out planting work correctly and strictly follow the recommendations for care.

Selection and site preparation

First of all, it is important to choose the right site. It is best to plant grapes on the southern slope, which is well ventilated. The culture has long roots. Therefore, groundwater must lie at a depth of at least 2.5 meters.

Carrots, cereals, gourds will be good predecessors for the plant. Grapes can also be planted after carrots and zucchini.

Don't place it near sage and peas.

Black soil is perfect for culture. It is also permissible to plant grapes in sandy and loamy soil. If the soil is too acidic, lime should be added.

Ground landing

To plant a plant in a trench, it is worth digging holes measuring 80x80 centimeters and laying drainage at the bottom. From above it is recommended to pour a layer of earth. A bush is placed on it, the root system is straightened and sprinkled with earth. The plant should be deepened to 2 buds, compacted and poured with 20 liters of water. Cover the soil with mulch.

Rules for the care of grapes

In order for a plant to bear fruit abundantly, it needs to provide quality care. It must be complex.

Fertilizer

In the first 2-3 years, the plant does not need organic matter. The first top dressing is carried out for the growth of fruit-bearing branches. To do this, dissolve 40 grams of ammonium nitrate, 20 grams of potassium s alt, 15 grams of superphosphate in 10 liters of water.

To stimulate flowering and the formation of fruit ovaries, it is worth making a composition based on 15 grams of ammonium nitrate and 20 grams of potassium s alt. After 1 week, 5 grams of boric acid are added to the composition. During fruiting, it is worth using 40 grams of superphosphate and 20 grams of potassium magnesia.

Irrigation

Grapes of this variety normally perceive dry weather. With stable precipitation, it is enough to water the plant 3-4 times. In the absence of rain, the first watering is carried out in March and April, pouring 30 liters of water under the bush. The second time to moisten the soil is in May.

During fruiting, water the plant 2-3 times.

Cutting

Mukuzani requires systematic thinning of bushes and pruning of extra branches. If this procedure is not carried out in time, the berries will not fully ripen, which will cause uneven ripening of the vine. Spring pruning should be done in March.

Weeding

For the normal development of the bushes, the beds should be systematically weeded. There should be no weeds or other unnecessary plants near the plant.

Wintering

For the winter, the grapes should be removed from the support and cut off to leave short shoots. The vine is recommended to be bent to the ground, tied and pinned to the ground. Then the plant is spudded and covered with spruce branches.

Disease and pest control methods

The bush may suffer from such diseases:

1. Downy mildew. Bordeaux liquid is used to combat it.
2. Grey rot. Copper sulfate will help to cope with the disease.
3. Fruit rot. To eliminate problems, the bushes are treated with Khomus.

Of the pests, grapes are susceptible to attacks by wasps, aphids and birds. To cope with the birds, the bushes are fenced with dense nets. To protect the crop from wasps, special bags are suitable. Oxychoma solution helps to cope with aphids.

Terms and technology of harvesting

The fruits ripen in mid-August or early September. Harvest with a sharp pruner. It is important to leave a long petiole. For transportation, the grapes are stacked in small boxes with holes.

Mukuzani grapes are very popular with farmers and are often used to make wine. To get a bountiful harvest, the bush needs to be properly looked after.

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