Grapes Agat Donskoy: variety description and characteristics, cultivation and care

One of the main features of the Agat Donskoy grape variety is that the culture gives a bountiful harvest. The culture is able to grow in various regions of Russia due to the fact that it tolerates frost well and is characterized by increased resistance to common pests. The fruits of the plant are suitable both for consumption and for making wines.

History of breeding Agat Donskoy

The variety appeared due to the crossing of Zary Severa, Russian early and Dolores. These cultures moved towards the Vityaz. The Novocherkassk breeders were engaged in breeding a new hybrid.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Donskoy Agats have the following advantages:

good survival rate;
low footprint requirements;
early and stable harvest;
increased resistance to disease and transportation.

This variety has good frost resistance. Grapes without shelter can tolerate temperatures down to -26 degrees.

Among the disadvantages of Agatha Donskoy is that the culture is exposed to several pests. For the normal maturation of the plant, it is necessary to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Vine growing area

The southern regions of the country are considered the optimal place for planting crops. But subject to the rules of care and cultivation, the plant yields crops in temperate latitudes, as well as in the Urals.

Characteristics and botanical description

This variety gives a stable harvest. The rate of ripening of berries directly depends on the region of growth.

Bush and shoots

The plant is characterized by rapid growth. Up to 80% of shoots capable of producing a crop are formed on the vine. Because of this, it is recommended to regularly trim the eyes, thereby reducing the level of stress on the plant.

The bush has a branched structure. The roots of the vine form a large system and penetrate deep underground. Due to high frost resistance, under the influence of low temperatures, no more than 20% of new shoots die.

Pollination

Flowers in a plant of both sexes. Therefore, Agat Donskoy does not require planting other pollinating varieties on the site.

Crop quantity

Donskoy Agate gives a harvest by mid-August or September (when grown in temperate latitudes). The average weight of one bunch is 400-600 grams. In this case, the appearance of brushes weighing up to 1 kilogram is possible. On average, one adult vine yields up to 50 kilograms of crop.

Size and taste of fruits

Agatha Donskoy clusters contain rounded dark blue berries. The surface of the fruit is covered with pruin (wax coating). The total weight of each berry varies between 4-6 grams.

Berries are characterized by a dense shell and crispy flesh. The fruits have a pleasant but simple aftertaste. The concentration of sugar in berries does not exceed 15%. The fruits are able to hang for several weeks on a bush without losing their original qualities.

Planting seedlings

Planting grapes Agata Donskoy is carried out according to a similar scheme, which is used when growing other crops. It is optimal if the seedlings are buried in spring or autumn. Grapes quickly take root, and in the future gives branches for reproduction. The distance between the holes must exceed 1.5 meters. When planting grapes, it is recommended to install trellises along which the vine will curl.

Lighting

Grapes do not grow in shaded areas. For planting a crop, it is recommended to dig holes in the southern or southwestern parts of the site. If large trees are located in the growing zone, it is recommended to plant the vine at a distance of at least 5 meters from other plants.

When mass-cultivating the crop, the rows of grapes should be located from north to south. This ensures uniform illumination of all bushes.

Required soil composition

This variety does not impose high requirements on the composition of the soil. Well-drained soil is considered optimal for growing the plant. During the landing in the pit, it is recommended to add humus.

The plant should not be grown in an area in which groundwater runs at a depth of less than 1.5 meters. The recommended soil acidity is pH 6.5-7.

Depth and diameter of the planting hole

The depth of the pit in the black soil should be 50 centimeters, in other soils - 70 centimeters. Hole width as shown.

Feeding after planting

Peat mixed with 20 grams of nitrogen and 40 grams of potassium and phosphorus is used as a top dressing for seedlings. After planting, the soil next to the vine must be mulched.

Features of cultivation and care

Grapes of this variety are not picky about both planting and subsequent care. However, due to the active growth of the vine, it is recommended to follow certain rules.

Frequency and rate of watering

It is recommended to water grapes three times:

before flowering;
after flowering;
during fruit formation.

Pour at least 7 buckets of water under each bush.

Fertilization

In the spring, a mixture of mineral fertilizers should be applied:

20 grams of superphosphate;
10 grams of ammonium nitrate;
5 grams of potassium sulfate;
10 liters of water.

A week before flowering, the vine is fed with organic matter (2 kilograms of humus per 10 liters of water). 14 days before the formation of the ovary, 10 grams of potassium magnesia are added to the soil with 20 grams of ammonium nitrate mixed with 10 liters of water. Within 2-3 weeks before and after harvesting, the plant is fed with the same mineral fertilizers.

Pinch

In order for the grapes to give a good and constant harvest, it is recommended to remove excess shoots 3-5 days before flowering.

Shaping and trimming

To form the correct crown, it is recommended to pinch the bush regularly. No more than 5-8 eyes should remain on the shoot, and up to 35-45 on the vine.

Preparing for winter

Before the onset of frost, the vine is removed from the trellis and laid on the ground. The plant is sprayed with compounds that increase the resistance of grapes to the effects of the external environment. Then the vine is covered with straw or special material.

When can we expect the first harvest?

Grapes give first fruits relatively early. However, a good harvest appears several years after planting. The length of this period is influenced by the area of growth and the approach to growing crops.

Terms of fruit ripening

On average, the period between flowering and the appearance of ripe fruits is 115-120 days. In the southern regions of the country, grapes yield by mid-August. When grown in the Urals or in temperate latitudes, you can pick ripe berries in early autumn.

Collecting and storing berries

Berries are stored in a refrigerator or dark room with moderate temperature and humidity.

Ways to increase yields

In order for the grapes to constantly produce a good harvest, it is necessary:

leave no more than two brushes on the run;
cut annually;
tie up the plant at least 2-3 times during the growing season;
ensure moderate watering.

Also, we must not forget about the timely application of mineral and organic fertilizers.

Diseases and pests - their description and methods of control

Agate Donskoy grapes are susceptible to the following diseases:

Mildew. It is characterized by the formation of yellow spots and gray plaque on the sheets, which leads to the fall of the latter. To combat mildew, an 8% Bordeaux mixture is used.
Powdery mildew. It causes the appearance of white bloom and dark spots on the leaves, and also provokes cracking of the berries. The treatment is carried out using colloidal sulfur.
Grey rot. Kills all grapes. Fundazol and Euparen help with gray rot.
Oidium. Develops on leaves and inflorescences. Topaz, ground sulfur and Skorom help to get rid of oidium.

In order to avoid infection, the vine is recommended to be periodically sprayed with the above remedies.