Domestic breeders contributed to the emergence of the Kesha grape variety. This culture has good tolerance to the effects of both pathogenic microorganisms and the environment. The grapes produce a good and large harvest, exceeding several kilograms per vine. The berries have a pleasant taste and do not wrinkle during transportation.
History of variety development
This variety of grapes was created by Kuban breeders. This culture is a hybrid.The latter was obtained by crossing the Moldovan variety White Beauty and Delight. Moreover, the latter was also developed at the Kuban Institute.
The name Kesha is not only used for this variety. There are several cultures with the same name that have similar characteristics.
The variety has retained the features inherent in its parent forms. In particular, grapes have gained the ability to withstand the effects of many diseases, and ensure high yields of each vine.
Description of Kesha grapes
There are two varieties of this grape variety: Kesha-1 (Talisman) and Kesha-2. The latter is also a hybrid. To get the second variety, we crossed the first crop and Kishmish Radiant.
The description of this variety states that grapes are among the early ripening crops. The berries are ready for making wine approximately 140 days after the start of flowering. The fruits can be harvested towards the end of August.
A 5-meter vine grows from the shoots of this crop. The plant is self-pollinating. That is, there are flowers of both sexes on the vine.
The clusters are characterized by large sizes and the absence of peas (plant growth is not accompanied by the formation of small berries). Each fruit has a dense and elastic consistency. The total length of each bunch reaches 24 centimeters.
The brushes, as they grow, take on the shape of a cylinder or cone. In mature plants, the weight of the bunch reaches 1 kilogram. Due to such high rates, more than two racemes should not be allowed to appear on one shoot.
During the ripening period, green berries are formed on the vine, which, having reached technical ripeness, acquire a light yellow color. The fruits have a uniform structure and sweet taste.
The skin of the grapes is dense, but can be easily chewed during eating.Thanks to this shell, the bunches are not damaged during transportation. Therefore, Kesha grapes are often grown for sale.
The fruits of this crop are characterized by the following features:
- sugar concentration is 20-25%;
- acid content is 4.8-8 grams per liter;
- weight reaches 14 grams.
The berries have a round shape, and inside the fruit there are no more than three seeds.
Species diversity
Kesha-1 is characterized by high (more than related forms) resistance to sub-zero temperatures. Moreover, if grapes are grown in the central zone of the country, it is recommended to plant the vines inside greenhouses.
The talisman has good immunity to most varieties of pathogenic fungi. Pathogenic microorganisms dangerous to the variety include mildew and gray rot. An important feature of the Talisman is that the vine contains only female flowers. Therefore, together with Kesha-1, it is recommended to plant other varieties on the site that are capable of pollinating the plant.
The talisman grows quickly, so it requires constant pruning. It takes up to 135 days for the grapes to ripen. The total weight of a bunch on an adult plant reaches 1 kilogram. Brushes, as they grow, acquire a conical or loose shape. Ripe berries have a light red hue.
Kesha-2 (Kesha Muscat, Tamerlan, Zlatogor) produces a harvest 130 days after the appearance of the first flowers. The berries of this hybrid have the following characteristics:
- dimensions - 30*35 millimeters;
- weight - 16 grams;
- sugar level - 23%;
- acidity - 8 grams per liter.
This hybrid is self-pollinating. The plant's clusters can hang on the vine for several weeks without losing their original characteristics.
What are the advantages?
Grapes have many benefits, including the following:
- high productivity;
- relatively low care requirements;
- regular appearance of fruits;
- uniform ripening of berries;
- rapid acclimatization to a new growing region;
- pleasant taste;
- good presentation;
- long shelf life;
- good immunity to fungi.
The disadvantages of the variety include average resistance to diseases characteristic of most varieties of grapes. This hybrid does not tolerate frost well, provided that the vine is left uncovered for the winter. In addition, due to its rapid growth, the plant must be pruned in a timely manner. The remaining shoots and stepsons form a crown over the course of several months, which interferes with the ripening of the fruit.
Main characteristics
The grapes can withstand, on average, frosts down to -23 degrees. Therefore, the crop is planted in Central Russia, provided that proper shelter is provided. The berries can remain in the refrigerator for a long time, maintaining their original properties.
The Kesha variety is used for cultivation on an industrial scale. The popularity of grapes is due to the high transportability and good presentation of the berries.
Plant cuttings take root quickly. With proper care, the vine begins to produce a harvest 2 years after planting. Despite the fact that grapes can withstand the effects of fungal microorganisms, the plant requires regular treatment with Brodka liquid and fungicides, which will protect the crop from the harmful effects of bacteria and oidium.
The Kesha variety is a perennial one. If the cultivation rules are followed, the vine produces a harvest for more than 10 years.
Variety ripening time
Kesha grapes produce a harvest 125-135 days after the first flowers appear. The harvest begins in the middle or end of August.The bunches can hang on the vine until September without losing their presentation and taste.
Landing Features
The Kesha variety vine is recommended to be grown in chernozem, as the plant has high requirements for soil composition. The crop has a long root, which must be taken into account when choosing a growing location. If groundwater is close to the surface of the earth, it is recommended to dig a hole in another part of the site.
Planting of grapes is carried out provided that the ambient temperature exceeds +15 degrees, and the soil temperature exceeds +10 degrees. For Central Russia, the appropriate period for growing seedlings is early spring, for the south of the country - spring and autumn.
The distance between plants should exceed 1.5 meters. This interval should be taken into account when determining where grapes grow.
The plant is planted in soil mixed with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers and humus. A drainage layer must be formed at the bottom of the pit, which will prevent stagnation of liquid and the development of diseases of the root system.
After filling with soil, the neck of the seedling should remain above the ground at a level of 5 centimeters. Upon completion of planting, the above-ground part of the cutting is cut into 2 buds. At the same time, it is recommended to install a support that will ensure the formation of a bush of the correct shape. After completing all the manipulations, the seedling needs to be watered with three buckets of water.
A drainage system should be formed near the grapes to remove excess moisture.
Care and cultivation
In the first year after planting grapes requires constant watering and 2-3 times treatment of the vine with fungicides. Later, during the season, it is necessary to remove excess shoots, thereby giving the bush the correct shape.
Twice a year the vine requires abundant watering (13-14 liters of water): the first time - before the buds swell, the second time - after the grapes have flowered. For normal crop growth, it is enough to apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers once.
During the season, it is necessary to regularly mulch the soil using manure. Dried stems and defective branches should be removed, otherwise the speed of plant development will decrease. Pruning is carried out in early spring or autumn.
All branches, including those attached to the support, must be removed and laid to the ground before the onset of frost. For reliable fixation, it is recommended to use wire. After this, the vine needs to be covered with leaves or dry branches, and plastic film placed on top.
To speed up fruiting, use a woody cutting, which is kept for 30 seconds in a 1-3% solution of copper sulfate and then grafted onto the plant.
About diseases and pests
The Kesha variety is susceptible to the following pests:
- Powdery mildew. This fungus attacks the leaves. Powdery mildew is characterized by rapid development and appears as a yellowish coating on greenery. To combat this pest, fungicides and ferrous sulfate solution are used.
- Gray rot. Infection occurs due to high humidity. Gray rot causes the formation of brown spots on the surface of leaves. In case of infection, the affected parts are removed.
- Ticks. They provoke the appearance of brown, light or yellow spots on the surface of the leaves. Tick infestation is dangerous for humans.
Kesha grapes are rarely affected by these pests. If signs of infection appear, the plant must be treated immediately.
