Juodupe grapes

Grapes are a southern culture. But thanks to the efforts of amateur breeders and professionals, the area of ​​its successful cultivation is moving further and further north. There are varieties adapted to the harsh conditions of Altai, the Urals, the Far East, and even the Moscow region and St. Petersburg. Many of them are the fruit of many years of work by A. Gailunas.

The well-known Lithuanian breeder Antanas Gailunas started breeding grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the north of Lithuania more than 30 years ago. Difficult climatic conditions made it impossible to cultivate the popular high-yielding southern varieties. Gailunas bred many hardy early varieties, one of which is Juodupe. A complex interspecific hybrid obtained by crossing with the American ancestor of many famous Vitis Labrusca grape varieties, the most widespread of which is Isabella, which has become truly popular.

Juodupe is a grape of universal use, it is distinguished by exceptional growth force with the number of fruitful shoots per plant 80-85%, bunches on one shoot 1.8-2.1. Unpretentious variety, resistant to unfavorable growing conditions. In central Russia and in the southern regions, it can be grown without shelter, perfectly decorates gazebos, arches, verandas. Ripe fruits are capable of not spoiling on the bushes for a long time.

A distinctive feature is long internodes on the shoots. The vine ripens well during the growing season, cuttings root easily, compatible with any stock.

Juodupe's advantages:

• high tolerance of natural factors negative for grapes;

• excellent immunity to major diseases;

• plants do not need regular treatments for diseases and pests;

• winter hardiness up to –25 ° C;

• transportability.

The disadvantages include low yield and small size of grapes.

Grapes are consumed fresh, juices and compotes are made from it. There is an opinion that the variety is of little use for making wine due to the insufficient acidity of the berries.

Very early ripening grapes - 90-95 days. In the climatic conditions of the Moscow region, maturity occurs in the second half of August, in the Rostov region and Stavropol Territory - at the end of July.

Broadly conical in shape, often with a wing, medium density. Weight from 90 to 140 g, in good conditions can reach 250 g.

The size of the berries is not amazing - the weight of a ripe grape is 3-3.2 g. The shape is round or slightly oval, dark purple in color, with a dense, edible skin. The pulp is slightly slimy, fleshy, with seeds.

There is a fruity-floral aftertaste, with a light "isabel" hint, but without a special richness of flavor nuances. Sugar accumulation 140-160 g / dm 3, with low acidity 3-4 g / dm 3. Fresh grapes earned a tasting score of 6.9 points.

The Juodupe variety cannot be classified as a record holder in terms of yield, it is about 5-7 kg per plant. Productivity increases with the growth of the bush and the accumulation of wood reserves.

Taking into account the peculiarities of Juodupe grapes, one should not expect high yields in the first years of growth. A condition for increasing the weight of the brushes and their size is the degree of accumulation of substances in the shoots and roots of the bush. It takes at least 4 years for a plant to build up a supply of perennial wood. Upon reaching this age, a full load is possible.

The optimal load is considered to be 30-35 eyes per plant.

Grapes are a sun- and heat-loving culture, even as hardy and unpretentious as Juodupe. Based on this, a site for planting seedlings is selected - a sunny place closed from the winds. The ideal option would be a small hillock located next to the fence or wall of the building on the south side.

Having decided on the site, they begin to prepare the pits. It is better to prepare them in advance, at least 3-4 weeks before disembarkation. The size of the holes is 80x80 cm. A drainage layer is poured onto the bottom - pebbles, crushed stone. Then a fertile pillow is prepared - a mixture of compost and soil, garden soil is poured on top. Before planting, the seedling can be kept for a day in a solution of a root growth stimulant. The young bush is sprinkled to the level of the root collar, watered, tied to an established support. The soil is mulched with last year's sawdust, straw or dry chopped grass.

Small bisexual flowers form on the plant. Good, dry, warm weather is sufficient for successful pollination. To attract pollinating insects to the site, it is recommended to plant plants that attract them.

In the spring, before the start of sap flow, sanitary and formative pruning of the bushes is carried out. To limit the load on the bush, the recommended norm is 30-35 eyes per plant, 4-8 eyes per shoot.

Juodupe can withstand frosts down to -25 ... 28 ° C, therefore it is suitable for growing without shelter in many regions of central Russia. In the conditions of the Urals, Altai and Southern Siberia, shelter is required for the winter.

The undoubted advantage of the Juodupe variety is its immunity to the main diseases of grapes, this will save the gardener's energy and time, because regular fungicide treatments are not required.

Resistance to major diseases:

• mildew - 2 points;

• oidium - 2 points;

• gray rot - 2 points.

Juodupe fruits are not subject to long-term storage. In a cool place, refrigerator or cellar, grapes are stored in wooden boxes with openings for air in one layer.

Thanks to the constant creative work of wine breeders in most regions of the country, it has become possible to grow valuable table and wine grape varieties. But the time-tested, unpretentious Juodupe will always find a place in his favorite garden.