Description of hybrid grape varieties Pearl Black, Pink, White and Saba

The universal variety of Pearl grapes has several subspecies that are widespread in European countries. The variety is valued for its ease of care, high taste characteristics and resistance to temperature changes. The grape vines are suitable for decorative purposes, and the fruits are consumed fresh or processed.

History of selection

The Pearl grape variety was bred at the beginning of the 20th century by breeders from Hungary. The first fruits were grown from unknown seeds and looked like round pearls with a pronounced waxy coating. Later, by crossing Muscat Hungarian and Muscat Ottonel, a specimen with identical characteristics was obtained, which helped to establish the parent pair of the grapes. Due to the variability of use and frost resistance, the variety has become widespread in Eastern European countries and Transcarpathia.

Botanical and technical description of the variety

Pearl vines have individual characteristics that distinguish them from other varieties. Before growing plants, you should read the detailed description of the variety.

Vine and shoots

Young shoots turn purple. The upper part of the shoots is covered with cobwebby pubescence. By the time they ripen, the shoots turn brown.

Productivity and fruits

The Zhemchug grape is considered an early table variety that produces a harvest in mid-summer. The rounded fruits are medium in size, amber in color and have thin skin. The pulp of the berries is valued for its unique taste with a predominant nutmeg aroma.

Hybrid forms

As a result of breeding research, several hybrid subspecies of the variety were developed. Each variety has distinctive properties and is suitable for growing in certain conditions.

Grapes White Pearl

An early ripening variety that bears fruit after 4 months of ripening. The berries are yellowish in color and weigh 3-4 g. The taste is rich and sweet. The sugar content is 16%.White pearls are famous for their increased resistance to cold, down to -25 degrees. This grape variety is rarely susceptible to diseases and tolerates the adverse effects of harmful insects.

Pearl Saba

Compared to other hybrids, Saba Pearl produces less yield. The clusters are of medium size: length is 12-17 cm, width - 8-10 cm. The fruits have a round shape, thin skin, and a slight waxy coating. The pulp is juicy, tender, with a pleasant nutmeg aroma.

Pink

The Pink Pearl variety is suitable for growing in middle zone conditions with constant frosts. Grape bushes are famous for their high resistance to cold and variable temperatures. Plants can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees. The percentage of ripened fruits reaches 95%. The harvest is used to make wine, juice or fresh consumption.

Black

Black pearls are a technical variety used primarily in winemaking. The fruits have a beneficial effect on the human body, strengthening the walls of blood vessels, preventing the formation of blood clots and improving the functioning of the circulatory system.

Advantages and disadvantages of the type

Zhemchug grapes have a number of positive and negative characteristics. Benefits include:

• high resistance to frost;
• early maturation;
• minimal susceptibility to diseases and pest attacks;
• ease of planting and subsequent care.

The main disadvantage of the variety is low transportability. If the harvest is not harvested in a timely manner, the fruits will lose their taste characteristics. If the vines are overloaded, the berries in the bunches begin to become smaller.

Where and when to plant grapes

To get a harvest, it is recommended to plant grapes in mid-spring, eliminating the possibility of return frosts. For the Pearl variety, constantly sunny areas located on peaks or hilly areas are preferred. Proper growth is promoted by loamy or sandy loam soils with neutral acidity.

Growing areas

Optimal conditions for the growth of Pearl grapes are observed in European countries and the Transcarpathian region. When grown in other regions, more careful care is required to ensure that the bushes grow healthy and produce consistently.

Planting scheme and timing

It is better to start planting grapes in the second half of spring, when the temperature is fixed at a positive level and there is no risk of cold weather returning. During the warm period, the seedlings will take root and bear fruit in the summer. A distance of at least 2 m is left between the rows, and 1.5 m between the bushes.

Rules of care

The process of caring for seedlings involves periodic inspection of plants, timely watering, soil treatment and pruning of bushes. Constant care has a beneficial effect on the quality and quantity of the harvest, ensuring its stability and improving the taste characteristics.

Loosening the soil

In early autumn, before the first frost, deep loosening of the soil around the bushes is carried out. The earth is dug up to a depth of 0.7 to 1 m.

During the loosening process, the top layer of soil with fertilizers moves down, and the bottom layer rises to the surface to be saturated with nutritional components.

Irrigation mode

The vineyards are drought-resistant and can grow without frequent watering, but moistening the soil and soil helps to increase yields and active growth.The need for artificial irrigation arises in arid regions where it rarely rains. When irrigating grapevines with water, you should avoid overwatering.

Fertilizer

If fertilizers are applied to the ground when planting seedlings, then it is not necessary to fertilize the plants over the next 3-4 years. Adult bushes require nutritional components for active fruiting. It is recommended to fertilize in spring and autumn using phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium fertilizers.

Formation of the vine

To give a decorative appearance and remove old branches, it is necessary to periodically trim the vines. It is recommended to carry out formation in the spring so that frosts do not destroy the bushes. To carefully cut off some of the foliage and branches, you need to use pruning shears.

Do I need to cover it for the winter?

Shelter for the winter period is necessary during severe frosts or after winter pruning of bushes for additional protection. Thick burlap or other similar fabric can be used as a covering material. When covering plants, air access should be provided so that the bushes do not begin to rot.

When to expect first fruiting

Grapevines of the Pearl variety begin to bear the first harvest in the 4th year of cultivation. The berries on the bunches ripen in mid-July, subject to proper care, suitable climatic conditions and timely application of fertilizers.

Collection and use of berries

Grapes must be harvested at a certain time, since late harvesting leads to partial loss of the harvest, and bunches cut ahead of time cannot be stored for long. When harvested in a timely manner, the berries reach the maximum in terms of taste characteristics and the presence of nutritional components.After the grapes ripen, it is enough to cut the bunches using pruners or garden shears.

The berries can be eaten fresh or used to make wine and juice. Grapes can also be frozen. If you want to store the crop, it is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place.

Common Black Pearl Disease

With improper care or negative external influences, the risk of grape disease with downy mildew increases. This disease is the most common and leads to gradual damage and death of the grapevine. The primary signs of the disease are oily spots on the leaves, constantly increasing in volume. At high night temperatures, a grayish coating forms on the back of the sheets. All parts of the plant are susceptible to the disease.

To combat downy mildew, it is necessary to spray the green part of the vineyard with fungicidal preparations. It is recommended to carry out treatment before flowering begins.