Sicily grapes

Sicily's table grapes are highly marketable, well stored, but after rains the berries can crack in bunches. It is a hybrid form that continues to adapt and learn. That is why, in many respects, the data on it may differ from those indicated by the breeder.

The hybrid was bred by the amateur originator Burdak Alexander Vasilyevich. Presumably, the parent plants of the varieties Demeter x Novyi Podarok Zaporozhye were used. The breeding work was carried out in the conditions of the climate of Ukraine, in the Dnepropetrovsk region. The aim of the amateur originator was to obtain grapes with large berries, persistent sweet taste, and high resistance to wilting.

Vigorous grapes grow well both in a root-forming culture and on rootstocks. Needs a binding garter. Fruiting on last year's shoots. Needs rationing to enlarge the size of the fruit when used for dessert purposes.

Sicily is an early medium ripening grape. The ripening period is 115-125 days. By mid-August, the harvest is ready for harvest, although sugar collection occurs even earlier.

Conical brushes of moderate density are not abundant. Each weight does not exceed 500-600 g.

Large white berries with seeds inside, covered with edible skin. The pulp is dense and crispy. The shape of the berry is oval, slightly barrel-shaped. It is characterized by a large size, up to 50 mm and weighing 20 g. Ripe fruits have a pleasant golden color.

Nice, harmonious. There is a good balance of acidity and sweetness.

The hybrid is declared as low-yielding, but with proper pruning, it gives up to 8-10 kg per 1 m2.

The hybrid can be purchased in the form of lignified seedlings, harvested in the fall, as well as in vegetative shoots. The first species has its own formed root, as well as a branch with 5 buds or more. White flesh is exposed during pre-planting pruning of the bottom.

Previously, 2 days before planting, lignified seedlings are placed in water in which a root formation stimulator is dissolved. The optimal period for placing young plants in the ground is the end of April. Average daily temperatures should reach by this time indicators not lower than +10 degrees Celsius.

Vegetative shoots are harvested from young spring shoots. They are planted in the 3rd decade of May to protect them from frost. Place in the ground 40 cm, sprinkle, pour 5 liters of water. Leave at least 2.5 m in a row between seedlings.

Regardless of the type of material, it is better to prepare pits for it in the fall. The hole has a diameter and depth of about 80 cm.A layer of black soil up to 10 cm below and 30 cm above is laid in it, 40 kg of manure, nitrophoska and wood ash 0.5 kg each are placed between these layers. The place should be chosen where there is no clay soil, an abundance of salt or closely located groundwater.

Bisexual flowers form on the bushes. They don't need to be pollinated.

Sicily grapes show a long pruning of the vine with 12-15 eyes. With a more significant shortening, fertility is significantly reduced, which is already low on the lower buds. During the first year of the plant's life, it is necessary to trim the roots protruding above the soil, as well as young shoots until they become lignified. In the spring, frozen and damaged parts of the vines, stepchildren are removed.

When the lateral shoots reach a length of 15 cm, all branches are cut off, leaving 3-4 of the strongest ones. In autumn, the sprouted shoots are removed. No more than 30 buds are left on the bush.

The hybrid form is adapted for growing in regions with a decrease in winter temperatures to -23 degrees. Shelter for the winter is a must.

Sicily grapes show resistance to major diseases at the level of 3-3.5 points (above average). Nevertheless, it is recommended to carry out 2 treatments with fungicidal preparations during the growing season. Resistance to insect pests has not been studied.

The hybrid produces fruit that is suitable for transport. On the vine, berries can be left longer than the normalized time without prejudice to them.

The opinions of gardeners about the Sicily hybrid of private breeding differ markedly from each other. The form has many supporters who appreciated its characteristics. But there are also opponents who point out noticeable differences between the real indicators of the plant and the declared ones. In addition, Sicily is not very well zoned for temperate climates.

If we consider positive opinions, the hybrid receives praise for its balanced taste properties, the aesthetics of bunches, and a fairly high resistance to typical diseases. It is recommended by many for use in private households, but is not very suitable for industrial use.