White Muscat Grape

The White Muscat variety is well known to many gardeners. This culture has been cultivated for more than a dozen years. In Russia, it can most often be found in the southern regions. This variety is considered technical. The fruits attract attention with their appetizing appearance and enchanting aroma.

The White Muscat grape is considered one of the oldest varieties of fruit crops, the history of which goes back centuries. It is believed that this variety began to be cultivated in the East. It was in this region that scientists first identified the remains of this plant, as well as a description of the fruits of the nutmeg group.

Variety Muscat White, strongly branched and medium-sized. The vine is covered with lush and dense foliage. The color is delicate, light green. On the leaves, a small and light fluff is noticeable, which eventually changes color to wine-red. The percentage of ripening of shoots is from 65 to 70.

The ripening period of the fruit is 140 days. In some regions, it has 150 days. Experts recommend that you closely monitor the timing and harvest on time, otherwise the berries can quickly crumble. The ripening period is influenced by many external factors (growing region, weather conditions).

Bunches of grapes can be either cylindrical or cylindrical-conical. As a rule, 1-3 clusters can develop simultaneously on one shoot. There is a tendency to peas. Fruit weight varies from 107 to 450 grams. The crop gains its maximum weight only when optimal climatic conditions are observed and with regular care.

Ripe berries acquire a yellow, amber color with a golden sheen. There are 2-3 bones inside. The density of the peel is medium. The fruits have a tender and juicy pulp. The shape is rounded. The diameter of the berries ranges from 10 to 17 millimeters. These sizes are considered average.

Experts describe the taste of the variety as nutmeg, sweet. The sugar content is from 180 to 240 g / dm³. The acidity ranges from 6.6 to 10.7 g / dm³.

White Muscat belongs to high-yielding varieties. The yield varies from 63.6 to 109.2 kg / ha. The exact figure depends on the region of cultivation and adherence to agricultural practices. To achieve the most plentiful and high-quality harvest, it is recommended to carry out manual pollination and regularly apply fertilizing.

Mass cultivation of this variety is recommended only in the southern part of the country. This is a region with a warm, stable climate and average humidity.Experts note that it is inappropriate to breed this species in a private economy. The variety does not tolerate high acidity, as well as clay and loamy soil.

It is recommended to plant grapes in spring. The optimal time is mid to late March. By this time, the soil will warm up enough and a constant temperature will be established. In the fall, planting can also be carried out, but this will negatively affect the yield of the grapes in the first year. You need to place the bushes in rows, in the direction from north to south.

The best place to land is a slope facing south or southeast. Leave a gap of 2 to 3.5 meters between the rows. When planting, be sure to water the bushes.

During flowering, the plant is covered with flowers of both sexes. Thus, it is able to pollinate on its own.

This variety is prone to branching, which requires regular pruning. The procedure is performed 2 times a year. Experts advise to carry out the "knot" pruning. Such work is needed to rejuvenate the grapes. In the spring, to increase productivity, 15-18 eyes are left on the bush. Each shoot has 2-3 buds. And you also need to regularly remove excess foliage, large and weak branches.

It is necessary to irrigate the grapes once a week. One bush uses from 1 to 3 buckets, depending on the air temperature. It is important to avoid excessive moisture.

Fertilizers are added 5 to 7 times per season. Potassium-based formulations demonstrate high efficiency. The last time feeding is performed at the end of July. Otherwise, you can extend the growing season, which will lead to unnecessary landscaping.

During planting, the grapes are watered and organic compounds are introduced.

White Muscat can withstand frosts down to –18 degrees Celsius. The plant must be covered for the winter, even in the southern regions. As insulation, you can use earth, snow, dense material. The vine must be carefully removed and lowered to the ground. Many gardeners use wood shields to keep the grapes out of contact with the cold ground.

The main problem with this variety is rotting. In order for the plant to feel comfortable, it is necessary to correctly calculate the volume of water for irrigation. Otherwise, dampness will negatively affect the root system of the plant and the quality of the crop.

And you should also pay special attention to the condition of the vines. All damaged parts must be removed immediately. In order for the grapes to grow in comfortable conditions, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment. You can find ready-made formulations in any specialized store.

This variety has low resistance to many common grape diseases. The plant can be seriously affected by powdery mildew, mildew, anthracnose. And also the plant periodically attacks the spider mite. Regular pruning of the vine will help support the immune system of the grape.

Increased humidity over time makes grapes susceptible to gray mold.

It is necessary to harvest the crop immediately after it ripens, otherwise you can lose almost the entire crop. It is not recommended to store the bunches for a long time. The harvested crop should be stored in wooden boxes, in a cool room, away from sunlight. The air should be fairly dry so that the berries do not start to rot.