There are about 5 thousand varieties of grapes in the world, and each of them differs in some way from the others: taste, berry shape, frost resistance, ripening time. The Ruslan grape variety is a hybrid; it was bred specifically for cultivation in extreme conditions. Its characteristic features will be discussed below.
Description
The species was bred by breeder Zagorulko from 3 existing varieties: Gift to Zaporozhye, Vostorg and Kuban.The result is a new, hybrid species with impressive frost resistance (-23 ºС) and early ripening (about 4 months). According to gardeners, caring for grapes that ripen early is easier compared to late varieties: pests and diseases are not so terrible, and agricultural technology is not complex.
The bunches are resistant to external influences and are not afraid of transportation - this explains Ruslan’s popularity among sellers. The description of the variety should be supplemented with harvest dates: 105-120 days pass from ovary to full ripening. This usually happens in early autumn, in the first ten days of August.
Hybrid characteristics
By purpose, the grapes are classified as table grapes, with very dark blue (with a slight transition to black) berries weighing 10-20 grams. The bunch reaches 500-900 grams (sometimes more than a kilogram), the taste resembles a plum, it is round, moderately sweet. Each grape contains 18% sugar, acidity is 6.5 grams per liter. The variety tolerates ground frosts of -21 ºС (according to some sources - up to -23 ºС).
The peel is dense, but quite soft and easy to chew. The cluster is formed, without peas, there are 1-2 seeds in the berries. The species takes root well in small garden plots and garden plots.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Ruslan is an early variety, the harvest is consistently rich, with the shape and contents of the bunch retained from season to season. The flowers are bisexual, there will be no problems with pollination. The berries are sweet, not cloying, with a slight sourness, and are well stored on the bush and in boxes (during transportation).
The hybrid is useful to consume not only as a ready-made dessert.Grapes have a positive effect in the treatment of anemia, normalization of gastrointestinal function, helps improve the functioning of the genitourinary system, and increases metabolism. The leaves are used in marinades, homemade pickles, and are used for wrapping minced meat (for cabbage rolls). The variety demonstrates good frost resistance; it does not need to be covered if the region does not get colder than -20 °C.
Ruslan easily tolerates standard diseases; he is not affected by gray rot, mildew, or oidium. Wasps do not eat berries. When propagated by cuttings, grapes take root well, this is another clear advantage. A disadvantage should be considered sensitivity to high humidity during the ripening period (some of the fruits may crack), as well as the presence of seeds in the fruits (1-2).
Planting methods
Ruslan tolerates cultivation well in different ways, there are 3 of them:
- seedlings;
- rooting on an old bush;
- branch from the vine.
All methods are good in their own way, and which one to choose is up to the gardener to decide, in relation to the current situation.
Planting on your own roots
It involves planting seedlings in a pre-selected location. There are 2 stages of planting: spring and autumn (before the onset of cold weather). The young bush is covered for the first time so that it can easily withstand temperature changes and adapt to the external environment.
Planting on old roots
If there is an old plant on the site, it is quite reasonable to graft Ruslan onto its trunk. This is done immediately after the start of the thaw (spring scion) or before frost (autumn scion). Awakened and dormant seedlings are used; the variety has good survival rate.
Branch from the vine
It is done according to the standard method of winegrowers: the selected shoot is dug into the ground so that it moves away from the mother plant and takes root.In a couple of years, the branch will become independent, and it will be possible to cut its connection with the bush. A season with positive temperatures is suitable for planting, but not winter or late autumn.
Choosing a landing site
The area should not be swampy, with groundwater lying close to the surface - this will harm the seedlings. The soil is more suitable loose, well-drained. The normal growth of bushes and their supply of useful substances depend on this.
Garter
As the vines grow, they provide support for branching - a picket fence, “T”-shaped pieces of pipe driven into the ground, or horizontal rows of wire made at different levels.
Row spacing
Ruslan bushes are planted in increments of up to 3 meters so that, in the event of a possible infection, the pathogens do not spread to neighboring plants. This also ensures ventilation of the seedlings.
Landing rules
When planting, a layer of crushed stone is placed in the hole, then a layer-by-layer cake of humus and soil is placed. The mixture is infused for up to 2 weeks, then a bush is planted in it.
Care
Consists of pruning, watering and treating with chemicals against diseases. Before hibernation, the vine is wrapped and snatched to ensure its safety.
Watering
Should be regular, but not excessive: Ruslan is sensitive to soaking and root rotting.
Feeding
A variety with good immunity and survival, does not require special fertilizing. But regular application of mineral and organic fertilizers affects the yield.
Trimming
The procedure for forming branches and sleeves (pruning) is mandatory; the vine ripens evenly along its entire length. Its height is maintained within the range of 200-310 centimeters. For the grapes to ripen, it is enough to leave 2-3 ovaries on each shoot.Dry leaves and branches are definitely removed as the bush grows.
Shelter for the winter
Despite the declared frost resistance, grapes need to be covered for the winter, protecting them from the harmful effects of cold air and high humidity.
Prevention against parasites
The first “bells” include a change in the color of the leaves and the appearance of foreign spots - grayish or yellow. This is a fungal infection that is treated by treating it with chemicals.
For prevention, grapes are planted in dry, sun-exposed areas (south side).
