Gardeners recently became acquainted with Baikonur grapes. The variety became available for purchase only in 2012. But its price was intimidating: it greatly exceeded the cost of analogues. Today Baikonur occupies a worthy place in summer cottages. Gardeners appreciated its characteristics. Dark blue brushes delight with taste.
History of selection
The variety was obtained by amateur breeder E. G. Pavlovsky. For his work, he chose two popular grapes - Beauty and Talisman.The result combines all the advantages of the original varieties.
Description of the variety
Any winegrower will recognize this species at first sight. It is unusual and attracts attention. Description of the variety provided by the author:
- vigorous bush;
- the vine is strong, developed;
- the vine ripens in one season;
- grown as own roots or in the form of a scion;
- leaf is bright green;
- the root system is highly developed;
- absence of peas (the berries do not become smaller);
- early ripening variety (105-115 days from awakening of the vine to picking berries);
- active shoot growth (regular trimming required);
- excellent rooting of cuttings (95%).
Baikonur is used by gardeners to make homemade wine and for fresh consumption. More complete data about the plant is not available: work is underway to study the parameters.
Characteristics of the variety
Characteristics of Baikonur grapes allow you to distinguish its berries at first sight:
- berries are oval-elongated;
- the weight of one reaches 18 g;
- berry length up to 40 mm;
- the brushes are loose and lush;
- brush weight 700 g;
- sugar content 20%;
- acidity 7% (virtually disappears during storage);
- the pulp is watery;
- the taste of the berries has a fruity tint;
- the skin is thin, dense;
- frost resistance up to -23 degrees Celsius.
The Baikonur variety has excellent marketability: the fruits remain attractive for 2-3 months after harvest. Grapes are easy to transport over long distances. This is convenient for gardeners growing berries for sale.
Features of cultivation
The attractiveness of the Baikonur variety is its unpretentiousness. But it has its own growing characteristics.
Soil selection
Baikonur bears fruit intensively on loose, nutritious soils. Before planting it is recommended:
- check the acidity of the soil (neutral, slightly alkaline or slightly acidic reaction is required);
- It is recommended to deacidify soils that are too acidic (add lime, dolomite flour);
- clear the prepared area of weeds;
- heavy soils need to be sanded, sandy soils need to be clayed;
- achieve the required soil structure: it must be loose, moisture- and breathable;
- assess the level of groundwater (water should be no higher than 3-4 m).
It is necessary to prepare the landing hole in advance. Its size: 70 cm x 70 cm x 70 cm. The soil is removed and neatly folded next to the hole. Drainage is poured down. The backfill thickness is 7-10 cm. Broken brick, expanded clay, and pieces of paving slabs are suitable.
Then the soil is mixed with mature organic matter and mineral complex and returned to its place.
It is recommended to prepare the hole in the spring for planned autumn planting and in the fall for spring planting.
Landing
It is recommended to place Baikonur in a permanent place in early spring (after the soil thaws in March) or in mid-autumn (early October). When planting in spring, the soil temperature should be 7-10 degrees Celsius. In autumn, planting should be done 2-3 weeks before the onset of steady cold weather. During this time, the bush will have time to take root well.
The plant must be planted in a planting hole. Its size should be sufficient to accommodate the root system. Be sure to thoroughly water the hole. Place a mound of earth at the bottom and place the roots around it. Add soil gradually. Seal the trunk circle. The planting should be mulched.
Reproduction
Baikonur reproduces by cuttings or grafting. Any variety except Rumba is suitable for rootstock. For cuttings, choose a mature vine (2 years of life). The length of the process is 7-15 cm.The upper part of the cutting (immediately above the eye) is cut off and filled with wax or paraffin. The lower part is cut off at an angle of 45 degrees and dipped in any root formation stimulator.
The cutting is stuck at an angle into the moistened soil and covered with a film with holes for oxygen access. After 1-2 months the vine will take root. Young grapes are ready to be planted in a permanent place. It is best to root Baikonur in early spring (early March): then the bush will have time to grow a good root system over the summer.
Principle of care
The grapes need proper care. It is recommended to follow the advice of agronomists.
Watering and fertilizing
The Baikonur variety has a developed root system. It should only be moistened during prolonged drought. It is recommended to water rarely, but abundantly.
Grapes respond by increasing yield to the application of mineral and organic fertilizers. Mineral complexes are added to the soil in spring and autumn according to instructions. Mature organic matter (humus, compost) - only in spring. The application rate is a bucket for 1 plant.
Trimming
There are no data on formative pruning at Baikonur. Gardeners are encouraged to use well-known schemes. The grapes require lightening pruning and chicking.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Some gardeners call the Baikonur variety the best among universal varieties. Its advantages:
- universal purpose of use;
- lack of peas;
- stable yield;
- frost resistance;
- high sugar content;
- unpretentiousness;
- early ripening;
- marketability;
- crack resistance;
- excellent transportability;
- resistance to major diseases.
But there is also a drawback: low frost resistance.
Pests and diseases
Baikonur grapes are resistant to mildew and oidium. The berries of the variety are not damaged by birds and insects (the thick skin saves them).
