In addition to table varieties, technical varieties receive great attention from winegrowers. The “Alpha” grape variety, widespread in many regions, is an ideal landscaping and pollinator of plots.
The main place of its cultivation in Russia is the Primorsky Territory. Since 1937, the crop in the region has taken one of the first places in the cultivation of industrial grapes; more than 800 hectares of area are occupied by its cultivation. The Alpha variety was developed in North America using the parent species Riparia and Labrusca. Grapes first attracted the attention of breeders among wild plant varieties. What characteristics of the technical variety were able to win the favor of winegrowers? The answer to this question can be easily obtained by reading the description of the variety, photos and reviews of the Alpha grapes.
Main characteristics
The variety is not new for winegrowers. For decades, it has been grown by experienced and novice gardeners. It attracts attention because it tolerates the cold season well and maintains the splendor of the bush. It is difficult to find a better landscaper for gazebos, balconies, buildings and the entire site. In addition, Alpha grapes have a pleasant taste and good juiciness of the berries. The following parameters are important for gardeners:
Harvest ripening period. According to the description of the variety, the Alpha grapes belong to the average ripening period. The berries are ready for harvest 110-145 after the start of the growing season.Usually the harvest takes place at the end of September.
The yield of Alpha grapes, according to gardeners, is 10-14 kg per plant and 150-180 c/ha.
The bush is vigorous and powerful. It is distinguished by the presence of a large number of stepsons. This leads to thickening of the vine. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the stepsons at least 2 times per season. If this is not done, the density and size of the crowns decreases.
Lianas grow up to 9 meters, they have large leaves (up to 25 cm in length). The leaves have sharp teeth along the edges characteristic of the Alpha variety.
The clusters of "Alpha" are small, cylindrical, the weight of one fluctuates between 150-180 g. In some cases, gardeners note the formation of larger specimens on the vine up to 250 g. For a technical grape variety, this is a good indicator. Grons of medium density.
The Alpha variety blooms in mid-June. There are 2-3 bisexual inflorescences on the shoot. It is often used by winegrowers as a pollinator of other varieties.
The berries of the Alpha grape variety are round, dark blue in color, weighing 2-3 g each. A faint waxy coating forms on the skin.
The taste of the berries is very pleasant, nutmeg, but with sourness. Therefore, "Alpha" is used for making wines and juices.
But it does not belong to the table species. The pulp of the berries is juicy and slimy, with a slight strawberry flavor.
Frost resistance is the most worthy characteristic of grapes. The root system can withstand soil temperatures of -12°C and air temperatures down to -35°C. For this quality, the Alpha variety is very popular among gardeners.It does not require additional shelter, which significantly saves energy and time during the busy autumn period. It also serves as a high-quality rootstock for varieties with low frost resistance.
Resistance to fungal infections. The variety does not require a large number of preventive treatments against infections and constant attention. But chlorosis is affected quite often.
Be sure to trim to 8-10 eyes. Otherwise, Alpha grapes will significantly reduce yields.
In the photo there are Alpha grapes:
Landing algorithm
The main activities that will ensure good development and fruiting of Alpha grapes are planting and care. The final result depends on how well they are made.
In addition to high frost resistance, Alpha grapes demonstrate the same degree of survival rate. Therefore, the variety is planted in spring (late March-June) and autumn (October-November).
First choose a place. It should be well lit and protected from the wind. The groundwater level is no higher than 2 meters. Otherwise, you cannot do without drainage. The southwest side of the building is perfect.
Planting material is being prepared. Most often, gardeners propagate Alpha grapes by rooting cuttings. The variety has a good characteristic - problem-free merging with the rootstock. Seedlings must be hardened and all procedures recommended for growing cuttings must be followed.
For cuttings, choose the vines closest to the ground. Before planting, the seedling is soaked in water for better rooting and development of the root system.
The soil for planting is suitable with any composition, but fertilized. Be sure to add sand to the soil.There is no point in moistening the soil too much before planting a seedling, so the event is not scheduled after rain.
Planting holes are being prepared. For fertile soils, a cube measuring 80 cm is sufficient; for sand, you will need to go deeper to 1 m. Leave a distance between holes of at least 1.5 m, and 2 m between rows.
A support peg is placed in the center of the hole, the seedling is lowered to the root collar, and covered with soil.
The grape seedling must be watered and mulched. The young plant is covered for the winter; it does not yet have the strength to withstand frost. You should not expect a harvest in the first year after planting. At this time, residual rooting, hardening and strengthening of the seedlings are still underway. Despite the fact that the Alpha grapes, according to the description of the variety and reviews, are unpretentious, they need to be taken care of. Especially at the first stage of development. Therefore, the next step for the gardener is to provide the grapes with decent care.
Grape care
In order to maintain the Alpha grapes in good condition and obtain the result stated in the description, it is necessary to comply with the requirements of the variety’s agricultural technology:
Water. The first time, abundant moisture-recharging watering is carried out after removing the spring shelter. This is important to do especially in those years when there was little snow in winter and rain in spring. In the following months, water the bushes in the early morning or evening once a week. One plant needs 1-2 buckets of settled warm water.Sprinklers or sprayers are not used for these purposes; water must be supplied to the roots. For adult plants, the dose of watering is increased; 2-4 buckets are used per bush.
Feed. Alpha grape seedlings are characterized by intensive growth. Without applying a group of fertilizers, it is difficult for the plant to withstand the initial critical period. Until the natural process of symbiotic nutrition is normalized, the grapes are fed with nitrogen, carbon and potassium. Organic additives are also suitable:
- infusion of bird droppings (in good dilution);
- herbal infusion;
- infusion of wood ash.
The preparations “Biovit”, “Gummi-Plus”, Vermistim”, “Optim-Humus” are also used. They are applied according to the instructions and no earlier than 7 days after the main ones.
Trim and remove stepsons.
Thin out the grape bushes throughout the summer. Pruning is done correctly for 8-10 eyes. It is not recommended to skip events, otherwise the bushes will become very overgrown.
Protect from diseases and pests. The variety is not afraid of fungal infections. But other diseases and pests are as common as on other species.
The main pests attacking Alpha grapes:
- Grape flea beetle. You can destroy the flea with the help of the insecticides “Karbofos” and “Fufanon”.
- Grape mosquito. For grapes, its larvae are dangerous, at the site of their penetration galls are formed. The same insecticides are used as against fleas.
- Grape cushion. It is problematic to destroy adult pests, so the vines are treated with Preparation 30 or Nitrafen in the spring. To avoid having to process the grapes again, the pad can be removed manually. You just have to do this regularly.
- Wasps. They love ripe grapes.The danger is that in areas damaged by wasps, fruit flies multiply and the fruits rot. Control is carried out using scented traps or insecticides.
Among the diseases found on Alpha grapes are:
- Chlorosis, oidium, types of rot. It is difficult to deal with such problems, so regular preventive measures are needed.
- Anthracnose. Spraying with Ridomil, Antracnol, and Bordeaux mixture helps.
Preparing Alpha grapes for winter involves covering the vines. Despite its high frost resistance, the vine near the ground can freeze out.
Reviews
Reviews from gardeners about the variety differ. It depends on the region and growing conditions. But the bulk of them are positive. Along with a description of the variety and a photo of the Alpha grapes.
Useful video for winegrowers:
