Senator grapes are a popular grape crop, distinguished by the high taste of the berries, the size of the fruits and the beautiful shade of the grapes. Two grape varieties were bred at once by breeders Burdak and Pavlovsky, who combined different varieties, but ultimately obtained similar crops. Therefore, before choosing which Senator variety to plant in your garden plot, you need to find out the pros and cons of the type and choose the right one.
History of selection
Plant selection is divided into two stages:
- The first to cross the Podarok Zaporozhye and Chocolate agrotechnician Pavlovsky varieties. Selected plants are immune to viruses and diseases, and at the same time they have a pleasant berry taste.
- Another grape form of Senator was bred by breeder Burdak based on crossing two varieties - Arcadia and Talisman. Although the variety is new, it has already won the sympathy of many gardeners.
Description of the variety
A detailed description of the Senator variety is considered in relation to its two breeding forms.
Culture has a number of features:
- The plant belongs to the early crops, but the time of fruit ripening varies depending on the region of growth. In the southern territories, up to 125 days pass from the planting period to the first harvest. In frosty areas, the ripening period will be up to 140 days.
- A plant with a high survival rate.
- Bushes with strong trunks form a lush crown. The leaves are large, with pronounced veins. The flowers are bisexual, so the plant does not require additional pollination.
- Frost resistance. It is better to plant grapes in warm regions, with temperatures up to -24 degrees, or to prepare shelters for wintering plants.
- Disease resistance is high.
The main advantage of the culture is the wasps’ indifference to the berries. According to its characteristics, the Burdak variety is similar to the Pavlovsky variety.
Characteristics of grape berries
Grape berries have a number of features:
- The oval-shaped grapes are large, up to 15 grams each.
- The mass of the brushes varies from 0.75 to 1.5 kilograms.
- The berries taste sweet, with a nutmeg aftertaste.
- The color of the berries varies from pink to dark red and purple.
- Juicy pulp that melts in your mouth.
The variety is also characterized by high yield, which depends on the conditions of keeping the vine and caring for the plant.
Landing Features
A decent grape harvest can be obtained if you take into account the peculiarities of planting.
Soil selection
Grapes grow on fertile soils with a significant supply of nutrients. The soil structure is light, not clayey.
Choosing a place and time
Plants are planted in the spring months, after the last frost. The landing site is a well-lit area hidden from the through northern winds. In this case, southern or southwestern slopes are suitable.
Landing
Planting a crop occurs in several successive stages:
- Preparing holes for planting.
The distance between planting sites is at least 1.5 meters, since the plants have a powerful root system.
- At the bottom of the depressions, pour fertile soil combined with organic fertilizers and peat.
- When groundwater flows through, prepare drainage from small crushed stone and expanded clay at the planting site.
- Before planting, soak the seedlings with their roots in a solution of potassium permanganate for a day.
- Remove weak, damaged shoots from seedlings, shorten rhizomes, and treat them with a clay mash.
- Plant the seedlings, cover them with soil, compact the soil and moisten it abundantly.
Proper care
Proper plant care includes a number of agrotechnical measures discussed below.
Watering and fertilizing
The grape variety is demanding when it comes to watering and does not tolerate either excess moisture or dry soil. Watering should be done several times a season:
- in the spring;
- 7 days before flowering;
- after flowering;
- before winter shelter.
It is better to use a drip irrigation system for this.
In this case, combine watering with the application of fertilizers. To feed plants use:
- Natural fertilizers:
- manure;
- bird droppings.
- Chemical additives:
- Novofert;
- Master.
Trimming
The crop also needs timely pruning, which is carried out in two ways:
- Long - 8-10 eyes.
- Short - 5-6 eyes.
The first pruning is carried out after the spring buds open. When the berries have become the size of a pea, the plants are sprayed with agents to combat diseases and pests:
- Topaz;
- Ridomil Gold.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Grape culture has a number of advantages compared to other types:
- high-quality, abundant harvest, which can be used both fresh and processed into wine;
- frost resistance of shrubs;
- berries of the same size and huge tassels;
- resistance to pests, fungal infections;
- high survival rate of seedlings and growth vigor;
- simple bush care.
However, the variety has its drawbacks:
- Loose pulp without the usual crunch.
- Mandatory preparation of crops for wintering in the northern regions.
- Due to contact with water, damage to the berries and damage to the tassels is possible.
Reproduction methods
The following plant propagation methods are chosen:
- Cuttings.
- By layering.
- Vaccinations.
The first method is considered the simplest, and the latter will help replace low-value sprouts with high-quality plants.
Pests and diseases
Although the variety is classified as resistant to diseases and illnesses, it is important to carry out timely prevention:
- treatment of vines with antifungal agents;
- cutting off spoiled twigs and leaves;
- removal of foliage near the bush;
- weed thinning.
