Libya grapes

Libya is a grape variety with a recent history and a large fan base of gardeners. The winegrowers cultivating Libya have forever become attached to her soul, despite its ambiguity. The novelty of the variety explains the fact that not all grape growers are familiar with it, which means that it is necessary to tell in more detail about its characteristics.

The author of the variety is V.V. Zagorulko from Zaporozhye, already known to Russian winegrowers for such varieties as:

• Veles;
• Fun;
• Sofia;
• Bazhena.

The emergence of Libya is the result of breeding work on crossing the table varieties Flamingo and Arcadia. Zagorulko managed to get the best qualities in the new variety from its progenitors. These include:

• early ripening;
• excellent marketability combined with high yields;
• large-fruited - for comparison, each berry is one and a half times more than a five-ruble coin.

The ambiguity of the variety lies in the uneven ripening - by the time the last berries reach full ripeness, the first ripe ones are already overripe.

Despite the fact that Libya is zoned for the North Caucasus region and has average indicators for frost resistance, it can be said unequivocally that it is not intended only for the Arctic Circle. Let's take into account the ability of enthusiastic gardeners to grow apricots even in Siberian conditions.

So this variety is successfully planted and excellent yields are achieved not only in the subtropical climate, but also in the middle lane, in the Siberian regions, where winter frosts can drop to -35 ° C. In this case, the vine is grown in greenhouses and special covering methods are used for the winter. The Libya variety has successfully settled in the dacha farms of Altai. It is grown in Primorye, in the Urals.

The variety was approved for use in farms in 2011; Libya No. 10928 is considered a synonym for the name. Grapes in technical ripeness are colored yellow and pink. At the time of the onset of physiological maturity, that is, with a fully ripe berry with complete growth processes and accumulation of nutrients, the entire bunch turns pink, with a barely noticeable golden tint. Libya is characterized by the almost simultaneous onset of both types of ripeness. The bushes are distinguished by their vigor of growth. Since grapes belong to table varieties, its purpose is fresh consumption. The variety is not prone to peas.

The plant belongs to early ripening varieties, the ripening period of the berry from the moment of budding to readiness for harvest is 105-110 days.

Loose, medium-sized large clusters of Libya have a cylindrical shape, they are slightly elongated from top to bottom, voluminous in the upper part. The weight of each brush can reach 800 and even 1000 grams, subject to compliance with agrotechnical requirements.

The berry has a thin skin, which negatively affects the transportability of the grapes. Therefore, its implementation should take place in the immediate vicinity of the growing area. The grapes are large, in the region of 9-10 grams, with dense pulp and small, easily removed seeds.

Delicate, velvety, rather sweet taste with a delicate nutmeg aroma and slight sourness.

The vine has good yields - in vineyards, the average weight of the harvested berries is 25-30 kg.According to experts, the potential yield of the variety is around 160 centners per hectare.

The variety is ideal not only for growing on large farms in large vineyards. It is very popular with summer residents. The first clusters can be obtained after three years from the time of planting. Abundant fruiting begins in the fourth year, if agricultural technology is followed and good conditions are created.

The berry is not prone to cracking and decay, so the weekly absence of the owner of the plot during the ripening period does not matter much for it. The problem may appear, but only during the period of prolonged rains. In sunny southern latitudes, gardeners sometimes shade the clusters - a similar measure allows the berry to acquire a richer color, improves its marketability.

A sunny spot with loose nutritious soil is an ideal vine location. Two types of plantings are used - seedlings and stock. The first method is simpler, available even to an inexperienced gardener, giving earlier fruiting and rapid development of the vine.

The plant needs protection from drafts and support, which can serve as a wall or trellis. Small seedlings are tied to pegs. The depth of the planting hole should exceed the height of the seedling by 4 times and be filled with humus under a layer of soil.

In the presence of bisexual flowers in pollination, problems are not observed if the flowering is lush and friendly. Otherwise, additional pollination will be required.

The powerful growth of the plant requires periodic pruning, otherwise the bushes will grow strongly, giving strength to the development of new shoots and impairing fruiting. The rational load on the bush is 45 eyes. Cut off the shoots in the fall, after the foliage has fallen. It is shortened by an average of 2–6 kidneys, depending on age.

The pruning scheme for shoots can be seen in the image.

During the season, two abundant watering is carried out - the first during flowering, the second during the ovary. During dry periods, intermediate moderate irrigation is needed.

The vine needs mulching in spring and autumn with humus, which is also a source of nutrition. During the period of rapid development, fertilizing with potassium-phosphorus and organic fertilizers in dry form is needed under the vine.

The variety has good frost resistance indicators - up to -21 ° C. In regions with frosty winters, the plant requires serious shelter with hay, soil, and film. Severe climatic conditions preclude growing on a trunk. Where the winters are snowy, hilling is permissible, and in areas with low temperatures down to -30 or more, a multilayer organic cover is required. In climatic zones with severe weather conditions, the air-dry cover method is used.

Libya can be affected by mildew and oidium, as well as phylloxera. The method of struggle is treatment with fungicides. In addition, wasps are very fond of Libya for its high sugar content. Some gardeners simply put gauze bags on each bunch.

Libya is not able to survive long fresh storage or long-term transportation without losing its organoleptic properties. This is due to the thin and delicate skin of the berry, as well as increased sugar content, which can provoke the fermentation process. But preservation is permissible - very tasty juices and table wines are obtained from this variety.

All gardeners note the excellent taste of the variety, the most delicate muscat aroma and piquant sourness, for which the variety has received recognition and popular love. Regretfully, the uneven coloring and ripening of the berries are noted, but no one expressed a desire to part with the vine because of this. On the contrary, many are happy to share their plans to increase the number of plantings on the site.