Among the admirers of delicious grapes, probably, there will be no those who have not heard about the variety Moldova.
This grape is simply universal, for which he is so fond of amateur growers.
It has a very high resistance and unpretentious care.
Despite the fact that the variety does not possess huge clusters and berries, it still attracts attention to its unusually tasty crops.
To praise the grape variety "Moldova" can be infinite, but in order not to be superficial, we present everything in detail and in order.
So that you are not afraid of the difficulties that arise when planting and caring for grapes, below we will devote a whole section to a detailed description of this process.
"Moldova" in all its glory: a description of a grape variety
This is still quite old, but not losing popularity, the grape variety was bred in Moldova by a whole group of authors. Such varieties as “Guzal Kara”, a variety crossed with grapes and “Save Villar 12-375”, were the parents of “Moldova”. It has been widely zoned over the territory of Ukraine since 1987.
Shows a good yield in the southern region of Russia (mainly in the Rostov region, Krasnodar region). The variety is considered an interspecific hybrid of the Euro-Asian region. Sometimes this variety is found under the name "Coding of the Late".
A detailed description of the grapes "Moldova"
The size of the grapes in "Moldova" is not very large. Mediums are more common, although each cluster is characterized by the presence of large clusters. The mass of grapes fluctuates from 350 grams to 1 kilogramvery rarely exceeds this figure. The clusters are usually cylindroconic in shape, sometimes they form “wings”. Berry density is usually average, but there are also loose clusters.
The sizes of grape berries of this variety are rather large, their average weight is about 6-7 grams. The average height of the berries is 2.2 centimeters, and its width - 1.9. The oval-shaped berries have a dark purple, almost black, skin color. Also, the skin of these berries is very dense and slightly rough, covered with a thick wax coating.
Due to the specified qualities of the peel, berries of the variety "Moldova" very well tolerate transportation and are capable of being stored for a long period of time. The structure of the pulp of the grapes "Moldova" is fleshy, with cartilaginousness. The number of seeds in a berry is small, usually limited to 2-3, although sometimes it also occurs 4.
It is worth noting that the taste of these berries is quite simple, but sweet. In particular, the taste of fresh grapes is estimated at 8 points, and already when its grains are improved by reducing the level of acidity, which allowed tasters to rate such grapes at 9 points. Also, it is impossible not to draw attention to the high levels of sugar content in the chemical composition of the berries of this grape variety.
With indicators of acidity grape juice "Moldova" at 8-9 g / l, indicators sugar content is 18-19%. However, the ripeness of berries occurs slowly, since the accumulation of sugars, which causes a decrease in acidity, occurs gradually.
The purpose of this variety is very wide. Due to the long storage period, it remains the same, and even improves its taste, even for 150 days after the grapes are cut. In addition to fresh consumption, this grape produces an unusually tasty preservation - compotes and even jam.
On the timing of ripening and yield grapes "Moldova"
This table grape belongs to the late varieties. The vegetative period of "Moldova", from the moment of the grapes to the ripening of grapes lasts 155-165 days. When planting this variety in more northern regions, the berries may not ripen to the end, remaining rather sour. However, the long-awaited harvest will undoubtedly please anyone: from an 8-10-year-old bush you can harvest up to 150 kilograms of excellent grape quality.
With the intensive cultivation of the grapes "Moldova" you can achieve yields of 150-165 centners from one hectare of plantations. The amateur winegrowers usually manage to achieve yield indicators of 4 kilograms per square meter of grape bush.
Such high yields are achieved to a large extent due to the intensive growth of the Moldova variety grape bush. It very quickly starts fruiting: the first harvests are harvested by the 2-3 year after landing on the site. With indicators of the number of fruitful shoots of a bush at 70%, the number of clusters that form on such a shoot is on average 1.7.
The most intensive fruiting of grapes is concentrated at 5-6 knots above the base of the vine. The flowers of the grape bush are bisexual, due to which planting of bushes of other grape varieties is not required for pollination.
Qualities that are considered the main advantages of the grape variety "Moldova"
- The variety is undemanding for care, able to self-pollinate.
- The harvest, though late, is very high, well stored (160-180 days) and transported. In addition, the clusters can be stored for a long time (if the frost does not hit) on the bush.
- Berries of Moldova grapes have a universal table purpose.
- "Moldova" has very high rates of resistance to diseases such as mildew and gray mold. It does not affect the root form of such a pest of grapes as phylloxera, due to which it can land on its own roots.
- Wasps of this variety are practically not affected by wasps, since they ripen very late.
- Morozov is practically not afraid; he can winter in the Southern region without any shelter. The wood of the grape bush is not affected when lowering the temperature to -22-23ºС. Many argue that even frost of -26 ºС is not dangerous for this variety.
- Grapevine varieties "Moldova" very well regenerates after pruning and damage.
The disadvantages of the variety "Moldova": what to consider when growing grapes
- This variety can be affected by such a disease of vineyards as oidium (flour dew). Therefore, this variety of grapes must be sprayed twice a season for prophylaxis.
- Despite the fact that ripened grapes can hang on the bush for a long time, but if it is not cut off in time, the shelf life and transportation options will decrease significantly.
- The grape bush very negatively reacts to overloads and underloading. As a result, the quality of the crop is greatly reduced.
It is also interesting to read about the proper harvesting cuttings of grapes in the fall.
Planting grapes "Moldova" - how not to spoil the cutting?
Planting grapes is actually quite a laborious process. After all, it is not only important to plant or plant a cutting, but you need to choose the right place and soil. The grapes planted at the wrong time will grow badly and can get very sick. But first things first.
- The soil for planting grapes is preferable to light, rich in minerals and fertilizers. Grapes can react very negatively to drops of moisture, so there must be a drainage system on the site. If the groundwater lies higher than at 1.5 meters - it is not recommended to plant grapes at all.
- To achieve the highest yield of Moldova grapes is possible thanks to planting it in very sunny areas, not blown by the winds from the north. It is best to plant it horizontally near the canopies or arbors, so that the grapes grow from the south side. Thus, he will not only get optimal conditions for growth, but will not overgrow too, giving the berries the opportunity to gain the highest mass figures.
- Many winegrowers recommend planting grapes in spring. At this time, he will be able to settle down best and will be more stable before the frosts of the first winter. But still, very good bushes are obtained from cuttings grafted in autumn. The main rule when planting - the air temperature, both in spring and autumn, during planting should be more or less stable to stay at 15ºС. Soil temperature should not fall below 10 ºС.
Scheme of planting grapes "Moldova"
By planting this variety should be approached taking into account the characteristics of the growth of its bush. After all, the grapes "Moldova" has a very strong growth and has a tendency to thickening, which is unacceptable for him. Excessive thickening and large size of the bush adversely affect the quality of the crop and the timing of its ripening. Therefore, it is necessary to form a bush with very long sleeves and free space for growth. For vineyards, a 5x4 meter scheme is acceptable.
Terms of direct planting grapes "Moldova"
- The planting of "Moldova" can be carried out either on its own roots or by grafting on an old stock.
- When planting the cutting directly into the soil, it must be held for a long time in the water before the formation of white roots. It is very important that the cutting point of the cutting should be green. When buying a grape seedling, pay attention that the roots are not dried or frozen.
- Such a stalk is planted in a prepared and fertilized pit. At its bottom organic fertilizers are applied, mixed with the soil. Having sprinkled the fertilizer with one more layer of simple soil, the sapling falls into a hole and very carefully falls asleep. It is very important not to sprinkle the root collar with the soil - it should remain above the surface.
- For vaccination the stalk is cut from the bottom with a wedge-shaped type, indenting from the lower peephole only a few millimeters, and also placed in water for a day.
- Graft is grafted into the old stock split, cleaned beforehand of serrations and after removing dirt from it. After that, the boles are very tightly fastened with a very durable fabric. This will stimulate the rooting of cuttings and this stock.
- If planting is carried out in the fall - be sure to cuttings to wax. This will help them endure the winter. To do this, take paraffin and melt it in a saucepan with water. Water and paraffin should be allowed to boil. Melted paraffin floats above the water. In it for a few moments you need to lower the grape cutting and immediately remove. After paraffin, the stalk is immediately cooled in cold water.
- After planting both on the stock and on its roots, the cutting is very well watered. You must use at least 3 buckets of water.
- Also, it is imperative to dig a support near the planted grape, which will guide the growth of the vine.
In order for the cuttings to better root and take root in a new place, they are recommended to be dipped in the Humate solution before planting. To this end, no more than 10 drops of this preparation are added to 1 liter of water, and cuttings are lowered into it for only a few seconds.
Proper care of the Moldova variety of grapes
This grape variety without additional care, the formation of the shape of the bush and without pruning will not be able to give a good harvest. With thickening and a large number of grapes, also without timely watering and fertilizing, the Moldova grapes will shrink, the harvest will decrease by several times.
A little bit about the proper watering of the Moldova variety grape bush
Moisture of this variety is simply vital. Therefore, standard irrigation of the vineyard before and after the flowering period in this case is indispensable. When growing grapes "Moldova" must necessarily constantly monitor soil moisture. In case of insufficient moisture, watering should be carried out. The frequency of irrigation can be as once a month, and increase in periods of prolonged droughts. Excess water can be diverted to drainage ditches excavated specifically for this purpose.
How to mulch the soil around the grape?
Mulching has a very positive effect on both the growth of grapes and its preservation during the harsh winter. As mulch is best used stubborn humuswhich is laid out around the grape vine. You can occupy a space of about 1 or 1.5 meters in diameter. The optimum thickness of the layer of mulch is 3-3.5 centimeters. Mulching is recommended only in spring and autumn. In the summer, mulching can cause evaporation of the root system of a grape bush.
How and why to cover the grapes "Moldova"?
The grapes are sheltered from freezing wood. If you plant it in the southern regions, sheltering is not necessary for this variety, even simple mulching will suffice. But in any case it is better to sweat more on the bush than to lose it in the winter. To cover the bush after pruning can be completely put on the ground and cover with film or just hay. In any case, it is worth to cover at least the stems of a grape bush.
Only planted grape stalk must cover for sure. Usually it is completely covered with soil, putting a large vessel without a bottom near it.
What you need to know when starting to prune a grape bush?
Cutting the vine must be carried out every year. Both late autumn and very early spring are suitable for this. The main thing that the vine was in a state of rest. It will be best of all to bear fruit the Moldova bush of grapes, which has 3-4 sleeves, straightened vertically on a support.
Cut the grapevine is best for 7-9 eyes, leaving on a bush in total about 70 holes. If you form a bush with a high stem, you need to cut only 4-6 eyes. It is very important that the bush does not overload. Therefore, in the spring you need to control not only the number of shoots, but also the number of clusters that are formed on them.
Feed the grapevine "Moldova"
Fertilizing of grapes occurs even involuntarily, during the mulching of the soil around the bush. However, in addition to organic fertilizers it is very good to fertilize the soil in which the grapes grow, using mineral fertilizers. Good to make to the soil while digging potassium phosphate fertilizers.
How to protect grapes "Moldova" from pests?
This variety is affected only by such a disease as flour dew. In no case do not need to wait until the disease manifests itself on your bush. Every year about twice you need to carry out preventive spraying.
They are held before flowering, on the "black" vine, and after the grapes will bloom. The Bordeaux liquid is most commonly used as a spray. You must be very careful with it, and do not use a concentration greater than 1%.
