Levokumsky grapes: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation and care with photos

Despite the popularity of dessert grape varieties, the owners of summer cottages are also trying to grow technical types used to make preserves, wine, juice. Usually, there are no problems with growing a crop; even beginners with a minimum of knowledge can handle a simple process. Preference is often given to Levokumsky grapes, which have remarkable qualities - fruit juiciness, persistent aroma, rich taste. Before you start growing a variety, it is better to familiarize yourself with the rules of planting and care - this will prevent annoying mistakes and get a good harvest.

The origin of the hybrid Levokumsky

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 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 gained popularity among lovers of these wonderful fruits.

Advantage of technical grape varieties

One of the indisputable advantages of the culture is its high frost resistance. Levokumsky will easily endure severe frosts (about 30 degrees) without covering. Benefits also include:

• light shelter allows grapes to withstand up to 40 degrees below zero;
• fruit juiciness;
• disease resistance;
• hardiness (instability of climatic conditions does not affect yield).

Another advantage of Levokumsky is ease of care, with a minimum of attention, the plant will please with high yields.

External Description

Externally, Levokumsky grapes differ little from other industrial crops grown for processing into wine or juice.

Kusta

The plant grows quickly, so it will require regular pruning. The branches of Levokumsky are light brown, the old shoots are covered with lignified bark.

Vine leaves are medium in size, smooth, have a light shade, divided into 5 lobes.

Berries

The fruits of Levokumsky grapes 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 perfectly accumulate sugar.

The bunches of Levokumsky grapes also do not differ in size - with proper care, the weight does not exceed 120 g. The shape is an elongated cylinder. Medium density.

Grape characteristics

Levokumsky grapes are classified as varieties of the middle period of ripening. 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 fruit per hectare.

Recommended for growing in regions with harsh climatic conditions. Feels great in the Moscow region, in the North Caucasus.

Disease and cold resistance

Levokumsky grapes are resistant to low temperatures, when covered, easily tolerates Siberian frosts. Diseases rarely affect the crop, but against anthracnose and black spot, chemical treatment will be necessary.

A feature of the Levokumsky variety is immunity against common crop diseases. Gray rot and mildew bushes do not affect 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 abundance.

Reproduction

The technical variety Levokumsky is propagated by cuttings or layering. Survival 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 quality young plants during the season, but it is better not to rush to transplant from the mother bush until next year.

Planting and care

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.

Preparation of soil and holes

It is recommended to prepare a hole for planting a seedling of Levokumsky grapes in advance. To be deposited:

• humus;
• sand;
• peat;
• garden soil.

Be sure to lay a layer of drainage - with excessive moisture, the roots of Levokumsky bushes rot.

Technology for planting 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 as needed, especially in extreme heat. Soil irrigation is best done in the evening, using water infused under the sun. Loosen before moistening the soil.

How and what to fertilize

Do not use fresh organics to fertilize bushes. Dilute compost or humus in a bucket of water 1-2 kg.

Of the purchased drugs, Plantafol proved to be excellent. Dilute top dressing in accordance with the instructions, excess nutrients will burn the roots.

Formation of a fruitful vine

To start the formation of the bush in the second year. Experienced gardeners recommend using a fan shape or "two shoulder cordon".

Recommended stem height - no more than a meter. Remove extra stepchildren, 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 fluctuations. As a mulching layer, use humus, compost, spruce branches. Hay or dry leaves do not need to be used, there is a risk of decay, which will affect the condition of the bush.

Seasonal processing

Protect Levokumsky grapes from diseases, occupation by pests will allow regular treatments with chemicals. It is better not to expect damage by insects or diseases, preventive irrigation of the bush will save you from a long struggle with the gardener's eternal enemies.

From fungal and infectious diseases

In the fight against anthracnose (indicates itself by ulcers on the bark of bushes that lead to the drying of the vine), it is recommended to use Antrakol, a Bordeaux mixture. Against black spot, irrigate with preparations containing a high percentage of copper.

For preventive purposes, apply the 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. A great way to protect fruit-bearing plantations is to use a special net that does not interfere with 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 the net is not an effective protection, you will have to resort to more aggressive methods of dealing with insects. Start destroying wasps only after the appearance of the ovary; during flowering, insects destroy caterpillars.

The simplest and most affordable methods of dealing with wasps are to prepare a sticky trap (pour a little honey on small bowls, place in 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 clusters during the period of full ripening, which occurs at the beginning of autumn. In warm regions, fruiting occurs earlier - at the end of summer. Carefully remove bunches, place on wooden racks or directly in a bucket (if the fruits will be processed immediately).

Duration of storage of technical grade - up to a month, but subject to certain conditions. When collecting, try not to erase the bluish coating, which protects against spoilage. 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.

Grapes Levokumsky - an excellent variety for cultivation for winemaking.The intoxicating drink from the fruit is dark, with a rich berry flavor. The absence of difficulties in care, the undemanding culture allows you to get a crop in a short time, which is enough for the preparation of aromatic wine, juices, preservation.

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