Rochefort grape

The Rochefort table grape belongs to the hybrid high-yielding forms of the plant. It is distinguished by a very high resistance to fungal diseases, abundant fruiting, and impressive taste. The grapes ripen very early, with a moderate nutmeg taste when ripening.

The Rochefort grape was obtained by the breeder Evgeny Georgievich Pavlovsky by crossing the Talisman and Cardinal varieties with a mixture of pollen from other subspecies, mainly of European-Amur origin, in 2002. The folk breeder focused on obtaining an early hybrid form capable of providing high yields while maintaining the taste of the parent plants. Despite the fact that Rochefort is a product of amateur selection, it is highly appreciated by professional originators. It was entered into the state register in 2015.

Rochefort grapes are very early in terms of ripening. The growing season takes 95 to 105 days. Harvesting in subtropical latitudes begins already in the 3rd decade of July. In colder climates, ripening times are shifted by 1-2 weeks. It is recommended to leave the bunches on the bush for ripening so that they can get sweets.

The brushes of this hybrid species are large, moderately dense. They have a conical shape. The weight of the bunch varies from 500 g to 4 kg. When grown in a self-rooted culture, the brushes are of medium size, on a strong rootstock they reach record sizes. Bunches can be left on the bush until October without losing their marketable properties.

Rochefort bears fruit with large berries with a dense dark red skin. Inside there are 2-3 seeds, the flesh is crispy, fleshy. The berries are round, 21.5-20.5 mm in size and weigh 8-12 g.

The berries are moderately sweet. The sugar content reaches 148 g / dm3 with an acidity of 5-6 g / dm3. The taste range contains pronounced nutmeg shades.

Rochefort grapes begin to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting. Up to 10 kg of berries are harvested from one bush per season. With industrial cultivation, the yield is 5-8 kg / m2.

Hybrid Rochefort is a plant species that is sensitive to a lack of moisture, through strong winds. It is recommended to plant it in regions with relatively warm winters and long summers with an abundance of sunny days. In such conditions, the bushes demonstrate the best survival rate, the vine becomes lignified in due time. The hybrid is not very picky about the quality of the soil, but prefers clay and loamy soils, does not grow well on sand.

Reproduction of Rochefort grapes is carried out using seedlings with a self-developed root system or grafting, with grafting cuttings on a stronger base. Agrotechnical procedures can be carried out in spring or autumn. Preparation of the pit begins 2 weeks before the transfer of plants to open ground. The dimensions of the hole should be at least 80 × 80 cm. The bottom of the hole is covered with fertile soil and humus layer by layer so that a slight elevation in the center is obtained.

A prepared seedling is installed on it, positioned so that the root collar is at the level of the edge of the hole. The roots are straightened, covered with earth. The soil must be compacted, then abundant watering must be carried out. Depending on the choice of support, it is recommended to immediately place a trellis or pegs next to it. The soil surface is mulched to maintain sufficient soil moisture.

When planting, it is important to choose a place that is well lit, protected from drafts. The recommended distance between the bushes is 2 m, you should retreat 1 m from the foundations and basements of buildings.

1.5 inflorescences are formed on the shoot. The buds are bisexual. It is a self-pollinated grape that, under normal conditions, does not need additional efforts to form the ovaries. The hybrid is characterized by peas.

To increase yields, stimulate the growth of shoots, Rochefort bushes need regular sanitary pruning. In springtime, it is performed by shortening the vine to 6-8 eyes. At the same time, frost-bitten, dry, broken shoots are removed. In the fall, after fruiting is complete, remove all excess vines, leaving only 3 on each side.

Rochefort belongs to the moisture-loving grape hybrids. It is watered at least 3 times during the season, bringing 20-30 liters of water under the bush. Moisture is applied in the early stages of the growing season, before flowering and after the formation of ovaries. Watering should be done under the root with warm, settled water in the evening. In dry periods, the amount of incoming moisture has to be increased.

The mineral complex, laid in the planting soil mixture, provides the plant with the necessary substances for up to 4-5 years. More mature bushes need regular feeding - in spring and autumn. It is allowed to use both organic matter - compost, humus, and mineral complex fertilizers.

Rochefort grapes can withstand frosts down to -23 degrees. In winter, it needs additional shelter. Autumn seedlings are immediately laid, wrapped for wintering.Spring is covered after spring pruning with a special material or spruce branches. It is also possible to use grooving with slate sheets or wooden boards on top.

Rochefort is tolerant of powdery mildew. This hybrid is considered to be well protected against fungal diseases. To protect it from damage, conventional preventive measures are sufficient, taking into account the level of humidity and regional characteristics of cultivation. To reduce the risks, spring preventive treatment with Bordeaux liquid and colloidal sulfur is used - immediately after the shoots reach a length of 100 mm. Before flowering, the plants are sprayed with systemic fungicides.

From the grape mite, it is necessary to use acaricidal preparations. And also the roots of the plant can suffer from rodents, nematodes. Here, control measures also involve the use of chemicals.

The hybrid has a good presentation, transportable. You can store its berries and bunches after removal from the bush for up to 3-6 months. On the vine, the brushes are left up to 3 weeks without the threat of shedding.

According to the majority of owners, Rochefort grapes deserve the highest marks. Amateur gardeners praise it for its excellent presentation, fast fruiting - by the third growing season. It is noted that the hybrid is more resistant to disease than its creator claims. The negative aspects of cultivation include the tendency to peas, but it does not manifest itself in all regions.

In addition to uneven maturation, Rochefort is distinguished by its fast coloration. In this case, the full ripeness of the berries is gained later. Otherwise, the hybrid deserves only positive ratings. It has a pleasant taste and does not pose storage problems. Even a novice wine grower can cope with the cultivation.