Features of the Miner grape
Of the mid-late varieties, gardeners often choose Miner grapes for growing. It is popular due to its good stable yield (even without special care), unpretentiousness, high taste of the fruit. If the culture is properly cared for, it will pay off the costs in the shortest possible time.
Features of the Miner grape
Characteristics of grapes
Miner is a table variety of Moldovan selection. It bears excellent fruit in the regions of Central Russia. Its second name is Aphrodite's Gift.
The bunches ripen on 130-140 days from the beginning of the growing season. Under appropriate weather conditions, the crop is harvested in early September.
According to the description of the variety, Shakhtar grapes have the following positive characteristics:
- high profitability - 160 centners per hectare;
- good frost resistance - tolerates temperatures up to -26 ° C without shelter;
- excellent transportability of fruits;
- high regenerative function;
- lack of peas;
- undemanding to crop rationing - does not suffer from overload;
- bears fruit without fertilization;
- is immune to phylloxera;
- not affected by wasps, birds, leafworm.
The negative qualities include the fact that rodents damage the culture in winter. She also needs pollinators: the Miner grapes have female flowers. The preservation of the bunches on the vine is short-lived.
Description of the bush
The plant is vigorous, powerful, withstands heavy loads. The thickness of the vine reaches 3 cm, ripens perfectly. The number of fruitful shoots is 80%.
Description of fruits
The clusters are cylindro-conical, large. The mass reaches 1.2 kg. The density of the berries is medium or high (depending on the strength of the bush and the quality of its pollination). They are dark blue with a purple tint. At full maturity, the color is almost black. The skin is firm but thin. The shape is round or slightly oval. Weight - 9-10 g, diameter - up to 2.4 cm. The pulp is fleshy, juicy, of medium density.
Loose berries are rare. The taste of ripe cherries (in not fully ripe fruits - with a tart shade). Sugar content is 17-18%, acidity - 7-8 g / l. The fruits are not stored for long.
Growing grapes
The variety is unpretentious in care
The culture is unpretentious, so any type of soil is suitable for planting. If the goal is to achieve maximum results, it is better to choose black soil. According to the description, the root system of the Miner grape grows inland. The occurrence of groundwater at the site should be at least 2.5 m. In other cases, a drainage system is equipped.
The grafted seedlings are bought in special nurseries. They must be healthy, their roots firm and powerful. Before planting, they are cut off by 10 cm and dipped in a clay chatterbox. Strengthen the immunity of plants using the drug "Argumin", which is used according to the instructions.
Landing in the soil
Manipulations are performed in early spring (March-April) or late autumn (November). Landing is carried out according to the following recommendations:
- landing scheme - 1.5-2 * 2.5 m;
- pit dimensions - 0.8 m in diameter and 0.8 m in depth;
- a layer of a mixture of compost with fertile soil is laid on the bottom;
- leave for a week so that the soil subsides;
- watering is done after the seedling is covered with soil (1 bucket of water is added);
- lay a layer of mulch to retain moisture in it.
Care
Shakhtar grapes will delight with the harvest even with minimal care. Compliance with certain rules will help to increase its performance.
The pruning is medium, for 6-8 eyes. In the southern regions, manipulations are performed in the fall. To secure the plant from bending, it is tied to trellises. When grown in northern regions, the variety requires shelter for the winter.
Fertilizer
If the plant is planted in infertile soil, it should be fed. This is done 3 times per season:
- at the beginning of the growing season, use the following solution: superphosphate (20 g), ammonium nitrate (10 g) and potassium salt (5 g) per 10 liters of water;
- the same fertilizer is applied before flowering;
- after harvesting, potash substances are added to increase frost resistance.
Once every 2-3 years, the culture is fed in the fall with organic matter: manure with the addition of ash, superphosphate and ammonium sulfate. Substances are brought in for digging the earth.
Watering
The soil under the Miner grapes is moistened in dry summer conditions once a week. To do this, several notches are made around the plants, 2 buckets of water are periodically brought in. Drip irrigation has proven itself well, since moisture gets directly under the root. Be sure to water it after a snowless winter and in mid-June.
Diseases and pests
The variety has an average resistance to a number of fungal diseases:
- mildew;
- powdery mildew;
- gray rot.
To prevent their development, it is worth carrying out preventive treatments. It is necessary to spray grapes with the drug "Ridomil Gold" in the following periods:
- in the phase of 3-4 true leaves;
- 10-12 days after the previous one.
Actions are repeated several times. In this case, the disease will have no chance of developing. If they have already hit the plant, they use a solution of copper sulfate or 1% Bordeaux mixture to fight. The treatment is repeated after 1-1.5 weeks, since the action of the funds ends after this period.
Grapes should also be regularly inspected for pests (spider mites, aphids). If insects are detected, the affected parts of the plant are removed. The culture is treated with special preparations - acaricides. Spruce branches are used for shelter for the winter. This helps scare off rodents. This action will also save you from mold.
Conclusion
Miner grape is an excellent cultivar. Even novice gardeners will find it easy to care for the crop and achieve results.
According to the description, the species always pleases with a good harvest, despite the weather conditions during flowering and ripening. With minor errors in care, the plant quickly recovers. Even light freezing will not harm him.