Valek grapes: description and characteristics of the variety, rules for growing and care

Heat-loving crops have long been registered on the plots of gardeners living in regions with a changeable climate. This became possible due to the development of new varieties and hybrids with high frost resistance and immunity to diseases. Until recently, it seemed impossible to grow large and sweet grapes in the middle zone. However, today it is quite realistic if you choose the right variety. Valek grapes have many fans among summer residents who grow crops for the needs of the family, and among large farms engaged in the cultivation of vines on an industrial scale.

History of selection and characteristics of the variety

Experiments in the field of selection are carried out not only by scientists, but also by amateurs. And sometimes the latter manage to create such hybrids that are in no way inferior to the work of professionals. One of the most successful developments of an amateur from the Kirovograd region Vishnevetsky N.P. was the Valek grape variety. Initially, it was bred for growing in the climatic conditions of Ukraine, but it has long overcome geographic boundaries and has become a favorite of Russian gardeners.

Several varieties were taken as the basis of the hybrid: Rizamat, Kesh 1 and Zvezdny. Valek took all the best characteristics from his parents.

Frost and disease resistance

Hybrid Valek withstands winter temperatures down to -25 degrees. However, 1-2-year-old seedlings experienced winegrowers are still advised to insulate for the winter. Valek's immunity to diseases of the vine is above average, which simplifies the process of caring for the bushes.It is enough to carry out preventive measures in time so that the vine is he althy and brings the declared yields. Fungal diseases and various types of rot do not often affect the hybrid.

The beginning of fruiting and the amount of harvest

Hybrid Valek refers to early ripening varieties. Already in early August, gardeners in the southern regions pick the first berries. In colder climates, ripening will take a little longer, the first bunches ripen by the end of the last summer month. The manufacturer's description indicates a period of 105 days.

Gardeners growing Valek on their plots note the high yield of the hybrid.

Up to 30 kg of berries are harvested from one bush in a good year. The weight of one brush can reach 2 kg with the right agricultural technology and a suitable climate. Valek grapes begin to bear fruit already in the second year after planting.

Taste of berries

Taste is the main advantage of the hybrid, for which gardeners love it. Large yellowish-green berries are very sweet and tasty. And although the fruits have a thick skin, it does not spoil the taste of grapes, it is just as tasty and sweet.

The weight of one berry reaches 18 grams. The pulp is dense, when biting, a light nutmeg aroma and pear flavor are felt.

Transportability and shelf life of crop

Valek grape bunches perfectly tolerate long-distance transportation, which makes it possible to grow it for sale. During storage, the berries do not crack, do not rot and do not lose their taste. In a properly equipped room, the fruits are stored for up to 3 months.

Biological Description

It's not only the taste characteristics that attract gardeners, but also the appearance of the vine. Valek is one of the most beautiful hybrids that will decorate the site.

Bushes and shoots

Valek vine bushes are vigorous, strong, not afraid of gusts of wind. Shoots are strongly developed and grow rapidly. The young vine has time to fully mature during the summer period. If pruning is not carried out in time, the bush can grow quite large in width.

Berries and bunches

Cone-shaped clusters of huge size - one of the main advantages of the hybrid. Despite the high density of the brush, the berries are not damaged, they have time to ripen during the summer period and do not crack even in a rainy summer.

Growing

All these characteristics the gardener will be able to evaluate only in the case of proper planting and care. There is nothing difficult in the process of growing Valek. He needs standard agrotechnical measures - a suitable place, watering and fertilizing, pruning and shaping the vine, prevention of diseases and pests.

Landing

When planning the landing of Valek on your site, it is worth considering his love of space:

1. Its root system grows strongly both deep and wide, so the distance between young seedlings should not be less than 3 meters.
2. If it is planned to plant several rows, then a distance of 4 meters is observed between them.
3. The depth of the planting hole is about 80 cm. Then the vine will have enough nutrients for full development.
4. Does not like the hybrid of wet swampy soils and shady areas.
5. Clusters need sunlight to mature.
6. The best soils are loams with a small content of black soil.
7. South and southwest slopes are suitable with protection from drafts and cold winds.
8. Experienced growers advise planting young bushes along the buildings, stepping back from the wall 1.5 meters.

Soil care

In the first time after planting grape bushes, attention should be paid to the soil. Remove weeds in time, loosen the soil for better aeration and water permeability. It is in the first planting season that the foundation is laid for the he alth and productivity of the vine in the future. The trunk circle can be mulched with sawdust or straw, this will save time on weeding and keep moisture in the soil.

Irrigation and fertilization

In the first season, the young bush needs frequent, but not abundant watering. The frequency of humidification depends on weather conditions. In hot weather, irrigation is increased, if it rains from time to time, then watering is reduced so as not to provoke rotting of the root system.

An adult vine is moistened three times a season: during the formation and blooming of buds, when pouring berries and before preparing for winter.

In the first year of development, the young seedling will have enough nutrients introduced into the planting hole. In the future, organic and mineral fertilizers are used for nutrition. In the spring, nitrogen-containing compounds will be needed, during the fruiting period, preference is given to phosphorus and potassium mixtures, and organics are used in autumn.

Support

For vigorous Valek bushes, a strong support is required. It is made of metal with their own hands or they acquire a ready-made design. The trellis helps speed up the ripening of grapes and prevents the berries from rotting. For growing several bushes, a single-plane design is suitable; for cultivation on an industrial scale, a two-plane design is installed.

Pinch and trim

Pinching the top of the shoot is done before flowering, it is necessary in order to limit the growth of the bush. So the nutrients will fully saturate the vine during the fruiting period. Stepchildren are also removed, taking away strength from fruit-bearing shoots.

Pruning is carried out in autumn to prevent overgrowth of the bush.

Protection from the cold

In the southern regions, the Valek hybrid does not need additional warming for the winter, but in colder climates the vine is covered to avoid freezing of the roots. They mulch the root space with peat and sawdust and build a shelter, which is removed with the establishment of a positive temperature.

If you are late with this event, the vine may stagnate under cover and begin to rot.

Methods of reproduction

Gardeners note the good ability of Valek's cuttings to take root. If there are several variety bushes on the site, then there is no need to purchase planting material in nurseries. They cut cuttings from the middle part of the vine, store them in the cellar in the winter, and start rooting in the spring.

Valek can also be propagated with the help of layering. Seed propagation is undesirable, young seedlings will not have the characteristics of the parent variety.

Diseases to which the variety is susceptible

With the observance of agricultural technology, the vine rarely suffers from fungal pathologies. However, prevention is still needed.

Oidium

Rare, but still possible infection with a fungal disease with oidium. The leaves are covered with a gray bloom, the berries crack on the bushes and get wet. In case of damage, all damaged leaves and fruits are urgently removed, and the bush is treated with sulfur-based preparations.

Mildew

In a cold summer with a lot of precipitation, a fungal disease of mildew develops, it is determined by oily spots on the leaves. For the treatment of Valek bushes, copper-containing preparations are used, for example, a solution of Bordeaux liquid.

Pests

Valek grapes can damage wasps and birds. During the ripening period, traps for insects are installed, pulling a special net helps against birds.

Prevention of diseases and pests of grapes

Preventive measures include:

• timely weeding;
• cleaning last year's leaves;
• spring fungicide treatment;
• Timely thinning of Valek's vines.

The nests of wasps found on the site are immediately destroyed to prevent the reproduction of insects.

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