Tukay grapes

The Tukai grape, which is very popular in the Urals and Siberia, has justified the trust of gardeners for many years. It is appreciated for its good adaptability to growing in a small number of sunny days. The variety is good for fresh use, the berries are suitable for dessert use, drying, making juices.

Russian breeders are considered the authors of this table variety. It was received at VNIIViV them. Potapenko when crossing Yagdon and Zhemchug Saba grape varieties. The hybrid form was ranked among the group of European-Asian varieties.

Vigorous grapes form bushes of medium compactness. The vine ripens completely. On the shoots, leaves of medium size with a characteristic five-lobed shape are formed. Saplings take root well, have the ability to adapt to different climatic conditions.

The variety is characterized by a very early ripening period. The grapes are ready for harvest as early as 90-95 days of the growing cycle, around the end of July. In the areas of northern viticulture, these periods reach 130 days.

Large bunches of grapes reach a mass of 800-1200 g. The density of the bunch is average, the shape is cylindrical-conical, winged.

Fruits in clusters are medium in size, white, rounded, weighing 2-3 g. The skin is dense, strong. A characteristic tan may appear on the sunny side.

Tukay has an expressive nutmeg flavor with a good balance of acidity and sweetness.

The high-yielding Tukay produces up to 20 kg of berries per bush. Not grown on an industrial scale, it is recommended for private farms.

Tukai tolerates moderate decrease and increase in atmospheric temperatures well. In hot climates, it demonstrates a slowdown in growth, prolongation of the ripening of the crop. For the variety, correct agricultural technology is important, otherwise abundant fruiting can not be expected. In cold climates, hardening is beneficial. The use of trellises, drip irrigation systems is recommended to obtain strong, healthy plants.

Tukai grows well in bright areas that are not blown through by winds. Areas near fences or southern walls of buildings are suitable for planting. The best soil is black soil, but loam or sandy loam is also suitable. Excessively damp areas and salt marshes should be avoided. This variety is characterized by a deepening of the root system, the proximity of groundwater is contraindicated for it.

The choice of timing is made based on the climatic characteristics of the region. In the north, spring planting is preferred. In a warm southern climate - autumn, from September to the 2nd decade of October.

The landing hole is made 50 cm deep. Half of it is covered with drainage elements - crushed stone, broken brick. A layer of compost or humus, a shovel of ash and 50 g of superphosphate is placed on top. A support for a garter is installed inside the hole. The stalk is pre-soaked in water to enhance root formation, then the hole is buried almost to drainage, it is closed, and a mound of earth about 20 cm high is formed on top.

After planting, the plants are watered abundantly, mulched. The optimal choice for Tukai is trenching with a reduced distance between bushes. This will noticeably facilitate its shelter for the winter, will ensure snow retention until the end of the frost period.

The flowers are bisexual, the Tukai grapes do not need additional pollinating plants during reproduction.

The variety needs normalization of the ovaries. Pruning vines is recommended short or medium. In the spring, shoots are broken off. 40-45 fruiting buds are left on the bush. The shoot should have up to 6-7 eyes. The residues obtained during pruning can be used for grafting.

Tukai requires repeated watering during the season. In early spring and late autumn, there is an abundant supply of water for charging. But you should definitely take into account the peculiarities of a particular season. After a snowy winter or rainy autumn, the irrigation intensity is regulated. The spring awakening moisture charge is made hot, providing stimulation of the kidneys, warming up the soil. In the summer months, watering is carried out at least 1 time a week, in the evening, in a volume of 5 to 20 liters.

During the first year from the moment of planting, the plants do not need additional fertilization. Grape bushes will have enough food that they received when planting in a hole. From 2 years old, top dressing is added in the summer, adding phosphorus and potassium mixtures.

Withstanding a drop in atmospheric temperatures down to −19 degrees, Tukai is not very frost-resistant. The variety needs protection from cold weather, shelter for the winter when grown outside the southern regions.

Tukai is highly resistant to gray mold. It is unstable to other fungal diseases and requires increased attention. Often affected by powdery mildew and mildew. Insects are affected moderately, special insecticidal treatment is performed as needed.

The bunches can be kept on the bushes for a long time. The variety produces berries that can withstand storage well. You can keep them in the refrigerator until February.

Tukay is called one of the most delicious Muscat grape varieties.Gardeners note that in the absence of rationing, the bunches are much smaller, about 500 g by weight, but do not lose their other qualities. The grapes are praised for their small skin thickness, which does not interfere with chewing. It is noted that the real frost resistance is higher than the declared one, even in the absence of the recommended squat bush shape. In terms of the totality of its qualities, Tukai is recommended for the northern zone of viticulture by most owners.

Of the negative comments, one can single out the tendency of the variety to peas, as well as not the best pollination. When normalizing, it is advised to remove up to 50% of the inflorescences. The variety suffers greatly from mildew in wet years, even with 3-4 sprays, the disease affects young shoots even before harvesting.