Content
Agat Donskoy grapes are one of the most common table crops. It is valued for its undemandingness to climatic conditions and increased resistance to diseases and frost. This allows you to grow this heat-loving crop even in the northern regions and get a high yield, which is confirmed by numerous reviews from gardeners. However, to achieve maximum performance of the variety, you need to follow some rules for planting and further care.
Agat Donskoy grape variety used to be called Vityaz
History of origin
Agat Donskoy is a hybrid form of culture. Employees of the All-Russian Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking worked on its breeding. Ya. I. Potapenko, who is located in Novocherkassk.At the initial stage of selection, the varieties Zarya Severa and Dolores became the basis for the hybrid, and later the resulting seedling was re-crossed with Russian Early. This made it possible to obtain a species with increased resistance to adverse external factors and high stable yield.
An application to include Agat Donskoy in the State Register was submitted in 1987. And the variety tests carried out showed its compliance with the characteristics. As a result, the grape was officially registered in 1992.
Description of Agat Donskoy grape variety
Agat Donskoy grapes are distinguished by vigorous bushes, reaching a height of 1.5-1.7 m and having a spreading shape. The number of fruiting shoots is 75-80%, which ensures high yield of the hybrid. But Agat Donskoy also has other characteristic differences, which sets it apart from other varieties.
Bunches
This hybrid has medium-sized conical clusters. The weight of each varies between 400-600 g. On adult bushes, with proper care, their weight can reach up to 1 kg. The density of the brushes is moderate or loose. Their length reaches 15-18 cm, and their diameter is 10 cm.
Berries
The hybrid has large, round berries. When ripe they acquire a dark blue color. The diameter of the berries is 2.2-2.4 cm, and the weight is about 4-6 g. The fruits are not closely located in the bunch, which eliminates the possibility of their damage during development and ripening. Their surface is covered with a protective wax coating. Each berry has 1-2 large seeds, which you can feel when eating the fruit. The pulp is dense, crispy, meaty.
The skin of the berries of the Agat Donskoy hybrid is dense, but not rough
Vine
Agat Donskoy grapes annually produce a few young shoots, but they are characterized by a rapid growth rate. The ripening of the stems is good - more than 2/3 of the total length. Young growing pagons are slightly pubescent. After ripening, the shade of the vine changes from light green to brown. The color of the nodes is more intense.
Leaves are medium to large in size. The plates are dark green, five-lobed with upward-curving edges. The leaves of Agat Donskoy are finely toothed, and there is slight pubescence on the reverse side. Leaf petioles are shorter than the central vein. At the base they have an anthocyanin sheen.
Characteristics of Agat Donskoy grapes
To successfully grow this grape variety, you need to take into account its basic characteristics. This will provide complete care for the crop and achieve maximum productivity.
Ripening period of Agat Donskoy grapes
In terms of ripening time, Agat Donskoy belongs to the category of early-middle species. The brushes mature in 115-120 days from the moment the buds open. Harvesting can begin in the second half of August.
Productivity
Agat Donskoy grapes begin to bear fruit in the fourth year after planting. The yield of an adult bush is 50 kg. The vine can be very overloaded, as it forms three clusters on each shoot. Therefore, the variety needs to normalize the load, otherwise the size of the fruit decreases and their marketability decreases.
The harvest is suitable for long-term storage. For this purpose, it is recommended to remove the brushes at the stage of technical maturity. The harvest retains its marketability for 2-3 months in a cool, dark room.
Taste qualities
The Agat Donskoy variety is characterized by moderate sweetness of the fruit and a weak aroma. Its tasting score is 3.8 points out of a possible five. In the case of cool, rainy summers, the fruits become sour.
The sugar content in berries reaches 15%
Growing regions
This grape is recommended for cultivation in the Ural and North Caucasus regions. But since the variety showed resistance to harsh climatic conditions, it spread to the south of Siberia and most of the Non-Black Earth zone.
Frost resistance
Donskoy agate is characterized by low susceptibility to low temperatures. Its shoots and flower buds do not suffer from frosts down to -26 °C. Therefore, in regions where winter temperatures do not drop below this level, grapes can be grown without shelter. And in other areas, bushes should be insulated and bent to the ground.
Drought resistance
The Agat Donskoy variety is also drought-resistant. Watering for a plant is important only at the initial stage of growth, until the seedling takes root. Mature bushes need moisture only in the absence of rain for a long time.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Agat Donskoy variety can be grown with a minimum number of treatments for fungal diseases. After all, this grape shows resistance to gray rot and downy mildew.But in order to prevent it from being damaged by oidium, you must not neglect preventive treatments with fungicides twice a season.
Agat Donskoy is susceptible to wasp attacks when the berries crack. Therefore, it is necessary to apply protective measures to preserve the brushes.
Methods of application
The harvested crop is suitable for fresh consumption and the preparation of compotes, jams, and preserves. Many gardeners note that the harvest can also be used to make wine. Moreover, the taste of the drink resembles Isabella.
Grapes are also suitable for freezing. In this case, the berries retain their taste and texture, and the skin does not burst.
Advantages and disadvantages
This hybrid has a number of advantages, which sets it apart from other types of crops. But it also has certain disadvantages that need to be taken into account.
Agat Donskoy is easily propagated by layering and green cuttings
Main advantages:
- low maintenance requirements;
- high stable yield;
- increased resistance to gray rot, downy mildew;
- frost resistance;
- good ripening of shoots;
- early ripeness;
- versatility of application;
- excellent keeping quality of fruits.
Flaws:
- susceptibility to wasp attack;
- low sugar accumulation in berries;
- needs to normalize the load.
Planting Agat Donskoy grapes
To plant this grape, it is recommended to choose sunny, open areas protected from drafts. At the same time, Agat Donskoy is undemanding to the composition of the soil. The main thing is that the soil has good aeration and neutral acidity. The groundwater level on the site must be at least 1.5 m.
It is recommended to plant in the spring so that the seedlings can get stronger before winter.The bushes need to be placed on the site, taking into account the fact that each one needs about 5 square meters. m of space for adequate nutrition and development.
Rules of care
Young seedlings should be watered regularly until they take root as the topsoil dries out. Subsequently, irrigation should be carried out 1-2 times a month. It is recommended to water adult grape bushes three times a season: before buds open, before flowering and in autumn.
It is necessary to feed hybrid seedlings during the period of active growth of green mass with organic matter, with a break of two weeks. In the future, you should use superphosphate (40 g) and potassium sulphide (30 g) per bucket. It is advisable to fertilize the bushes once a month.
This type of grape needs regular pruning. Every spring, shoots should be shortened to 5-8 buds. At the beginning of the growing season, the plant should be cleared of weak and barren branches. And during flowering, you need to additionally thin out the bush, leaving no more than 1-2 brushes on the shoots.
Permissible load 35-45 eyes for an adult bush
Conclusion
Agat Donskoy grapes belong to the category of varieties that do not require increased attention from gardeners. But in terms of taste, it is significantly inferior to other types of crops. Therefore, it cannot compete with them.
Reviews of Agat Donskoy grapes
