Alpha grapes

The Alpha grape culture is one of the most popular technical varieties. Summer residents are actively planting greenery on their plots with a luxurious vine. Shoots of vigorous bushes gracefully entwine arched structures and open gazebos. In the fall, purple bunches add spectacularity to hedges. In regions with a short period of heat, the fruits of this grape are used as raw materials for making wine.

The variety has been well known for over 70 years. Alpha grapes are native to the United States of America. It appeared when crossing Lambrusco and Riparia varieties. It is most widespread in the north.

The Alpha variety was first tested near Odessa, and later in a vineyard near Brest. As a result, grapes spread throughout the Soviet Union as a technical variety. Since 1937, it has been actively cultivated in the Primorsky Territory, in the Far East and in the northern latitudes of Russia.

Like any grape crop, the Alpha variety is endowed with certain advantages and disadvantages. The culture is unpretentious, frost-resistant, characterized by quick adaptation and resistance to weather changes. The grape has a good decorative effect due to its large, light green leaves with a jagged edge.

Among the shortcomings of Alpha, it is worth noting a weak resistance to diseases, a low tasting score and a tendency to overgrowth, as well as the need for constant pinching.

Alpha grapes have an average ripening period of 140-145 days.

The bunch of cylindrical shape is of medium density. Each bunch weighs about 120 grams.

The color of the rounded fruits is almost black, with a reddish-brown or purple tint. Inside there are up to 2-3 seeds. The surface of the berries is covered with a thin layer of waxy coating. Fruit weight is about 3 grams, average size.

The technical varieties of the berry do not have a very pleasant taste. Professionals call it isable, and consumers note its bright aromatics with a distinct nutmeg flavor. The taste has a refreshing sourness. Sugar content 200 g / dm3 with acidity - 10-12. The slimy flesh with a pronounced fox flavor is covered with a thick skin.

With standard care, you can get about 15 kg of grapes from each bush. Harvesting takes place in the last days of September or in the first days of the month following it.

Alpha grapes are unpretentious in care. But in order to get a high-quality harvest, you will need to follow a number of recommendations.

The site for planting crops should be well-lit by sunlight, protected from cold winds.It is preferable to plant grapes outside the walls from the southern and southwestern parts of the world, observing a distance of 2.5-3 m from the walls. It is important to prepare in advance supports for the vine, which tends to overload itself with fruits.

The depth of groundwater at the site should be at the level of 3-4 meters. To prevent decay of rhizomes, a drainage device is required. The soil is preferable fertile, loose, neutral or slightly alkaline. Alpha rooted well when planted in early spring and mid-fall. For planting, material is required in the form of healthy rooted cuttings with developed roots, an underground and above-ground part. Quality material is purchased in nurseries and specialized stores. Before planting, the stalk is soaked in water for several days. You can inoculate in any suitable way.

Alfa grapes bloom in mid-June. There are 2-3 bisexual inflorescences on one stem. Often, the crop is planted in plots for pollination of other varieties. In this way, you can significantly increase their yield.

The variety is vigorous. It needs clipping to evenly brighten maturing brushes. A short pruning of an annual cuttings is made at a height of 2-4 eyes. During the ripening period, stripping and pinching are required. Preparation for winter begins with formative pruning with the removal of all immature vines.

Alpha responds well to watering. It is necessary to moisten the soil during flowering and the formation of ovaries. In the ripening phase of the berries, watering stops. Excessive moisture leads to cracking of the berries. If there is little rainfall in spring and winter, watering is carried out after removing the covering material. The critical period for water consumption is considered the end of May-beginning of June, at this time it is necessary to water the plants abundantly. It is recommended to combine watering with fertilizers. Distribute from 2 to 4 buckets of water to each bush. Watering is carried out in the morning.

In the spring, nitrogen fertilizers and mineral complexes should be applied.

Bird droppings and organic matter are best suited for feeding. Top dressing is carried out periodically throughout the season, except for the winter period. And also the culture is fertilized with iron vitriol and chlorosis for good growth and development of the bush.

Alpha grapes are able to live quietly up to -30. There is no need for shelter. Rhizomes can survive a drop in soil temperature of no more than –12 degrees. To protect the root system, it is recommended to create a near-trunk circle, mulched with a layer of sawdust.

Alpha grapes are resistant to fungal diseases.But prone to chlorosis, mildew, oidium, anthracnose. To prevent these diseases, it is important to adhere to the irrigation and fertilization regime. Wasps and birds pose a certain danger. Traps help to fight wasps. The grapes are protected from birds with nets.

Stores well for a month in a cool place. At the same time, the taste and marketability of the fruits are preserved.

According to reviews, it is quite easy to grow grapes. The unpretentious variety is suitable for working gardeners. It is noted that excellent dry and semi-dry wines are obtained from the fruits. In autumn, summer residents receive a sufficient amount of raw materials to prepare alcoholic beverages. Alfa wines are popular with gourmets. The juice from the grapes of this variety is also tasty.

True, the calorie content of the fruit is within 65 Kcal per 100 grams. This is a fairly high figure to consider for dieters and diabetics.

When cultivating Alfa grapes, summer residents are advised to take into account the high degree of pinching. If the vine is bred not for landscaping the site, but in order to get a solid harvest of fruits, stepchildren are removed at least twice during the summer.