Hadji Murat grapes

It is often believed that table grape varieties are inferior in sweetness to technical ones, but this is not always true. Among them there are varieties with an amazing harmony of sugar content and nutmeg aftertaste. These include Hadji Murat grapes.

Hadji Murat grapes also have other names: Mercedes, Tajikistan, Alma Ata-9. It was bred in Tajikistan, as one of the synonyms directly says. The authors are considered to be folk breeders. The variety belongs to the table variety, is a large-fruited hybrid of medium ripening. As for the parental varieties, not everything is clear. According to some assumptions, the "parents" are Zabalkansky and Muscat Hamburg.

According to the second opinion, it is more correct to consider these varieties as "progenitors" of the described type of grapes. It was they who gave life to the Victory, together with Tyagobi, who took part in the creation of Hadji Murat. Despite the lack of accurate data, this variety is very popular. The grapes are not intended for outdoor cultivation in cold climates. But its phenomenal large-fruitedness is striking, which, combined with excellent marketability, makes it possible to transport the product to all regions.

In this aspect, the winegrowers were not lucky: the variety does not tolerate frosts and subzero winter temperatures poorly. Therefore, the area of ​​its cultivation will be the south of Ukraine, Moldova, the coast of the Caucasus. However, such qualities of the variety as plasticity in the process of introduction (resettlement) were noticed, which made it possible to expand the geography to the European part of Russia. It will be good if a high level of adaptability allows it to appear in colder regions in the near future.

Hadji Murat retained the external beauty, attractiveness and decorativeness of his ancestors, which made him one of the most popular and permanent varieties grown not only for domestic consumption, but also for export. Its foliage is large, rich green, the flowers are bisexual. A distinctive feature of the variety is the presence of short internodes.

The grapes are mid-season varieties. Berry ripening period is 125-135 days. The countdown is carried out from the beginning of budding to the first ripe bunches.

The variety is unique in very large and beautiful conical clusters with an average density and weight of 1000 g. Good agricultural technology and correct planting allow gardeners to get brushes weighing up to 4 kilograms, while the clusters are not exposed to peas. The requirements for the sum of active temperatures are quite moderate: for the successful development of the variety, 2700-2800 degrees Celsius is enough. These indicators are typical not only for Central Asia, but also for Saratov, Voronezh, Chernigov, Kursk regions.

Large oval dark purple berries reach a weight of 16-18 grams or more. The fleshy flesh is covered with a thin but dense skin that is hardly noticeable when chewed. The sugar content is 18 g / ml. Fruit length - up to 40-50 mm, in diameter - 30-35 mm. The surface is covered with a thick layer of gray waxy coating. The acidity is low: at the time of harvest, it is 5-6 g / l.When the berry reaches full physiological maturity, the indicator will be even lower.

The fruit has a harmonious taste, moderately sweet, with a subtle nutmeg aftertaste.

Usually the eastern vine is characterized by low yields, but Hadji Murat showed his outstanding qualities in this too. Abundant harvests are provided by the size of the berries and brushes. From a bush they collect from 30 to 35 kg, from a hectare - up to 140 centners.

Hadji Murat is more unassuming than his eastern relatives, but still has certain requirements for agricultural technology.

The variety requires southern locations on slopes with maximum sunlight and high temperatures. The bushes are planted away from groundwater. The soil should be alkaline-carbonate or pH neutral.

The bisexual flowering of the variety relieves the owners of the need for additional pollination.

The large-fruited variety requires rationing and annual pruning using the method of medium and strong shortening of shoots, leaving 4-5 eyes. 30-35 buds are left on the bush. All subsequent and weak ones are removed. One vine should have one bunch, so as not to overload the plant.

The variety needs monthly watering. In mid-May, the bushes are spilled with water mixed with ash, then all watering is carried out with clean water, pouring it under the vine into the previously loosened soil so that there is a simultaneous enrichment with oxygen.

A vigorous vine requires additional nutrients. The first feeding with mullein is carried out in the spring, during the period of sap flow, the second is carried out during the formation of the ovary. Spraying with the preparation "Ovyaz" or a solution of superphosphate at the rate of 100 g / 10 l is no less important. Also, for Hadji Murat grapes, foliar dressing is necessary. Before flowering, the soil is enriched with fertilizer, which contains boric acid (5 g), potassium sulfate (50 g), superphosphate (80 g), urea (40 g), diluted in 10 liters of water.

In this area, the parameters of Hadji Murat are not particularly impressive: only 19-22 degrees below zero, which is a limiting factor in the spread of the variety in distant regions.In central Russia, the vine needs additional protection for the winter. It is bent to the ground, covered with soil and covered with agrofibre. During the snowy period, snowdrifts are poured on top.

For Hadji Murat, diseases such as powdery mildew and powdery mildew are dangerous. For the purpose of prevention, the vine is periodically examined, not forgetting to remove old and diseased shoots, and they are also sprayed with fungicides.

The grapes are characterized by excellent keeping quality: there will be no defects in the form of cracking and bruising. Creating optimal conditions allows you to keep the crop fresh for a long time - up to four months.

A careful analysis of the reviews of gardeners and professional winegrowers allowed us to draw very pleasant conclusions. Immediately it should be noted the great desire of grape lovers from cold climatic zones to acquire a similar variety on their plots. Absolutely everyone expresses admiration for the size of the bunches and berries, as well as for the excellent taste.

For those who are engaged in the sale, of the greatest importance are high commercial qualities, excellent transportability. Decorativeness and the possibility of long-term storage enjoy no less respect. It is always pleasant to surprise guests with the chic tassels of Hadji Murat at a festive feast. The variety is able to be an independent decoration of any table or a bright accent among fruit abundance.