Description of the variety, reviews and features of growing Druzhba grapes

Grape variety Druzhba in the photo

Growing grapes on your own plot is not an easy task. While most varieties coexist and bear fruit in the southern regions, the more northern regions of the country often face many problems - difficult wintering, diseases, low yields. The grape variety Druzhba is a universal grape variety. It is tasty, tolerates low temperatures well, is resistant to rotting and fungal infections, and even a beginner can grow it.

History of variety development

The new variety was named Friendship for a reason. It was the result of the fruitful work of Russian and Bulgarian winegrowers. The hybrid has passed all the necessary tests and is recommended for cultivation in all regions of the country. In 2002, it was included in the State Register of Selection Achievements.

To create a hybrid, several varieties were used at once:

• Misket kaylyshki is a wine variety with vigorous bushes. It has a unique nutmeg taste. It tolerates frost well and is highly resistant to diseases to which grapes are susceptible - mildew and gray rot;
• Zarya Severa is a technical variety that is used exclusively for processing into wine material. Characteristics - early ripening, good bush growth, disease resistance, frost resistance;
• Hamburg Muscat is a grape with average ripening and growth characteristics. A table variety with unique taste characteristics - a clear and very persistent taste of nutmeg.

Production and biological characteristics

Druzhba is a table variety with a mid-late ripening period. In the foothill zone of the Alma-Ata region it does not ripen every year, in some years - in the third ten days of September.

Timing of the main phases of the growing season: Beginning of bud bursting May 3 Beginning of flowering June 15 Beginning of berry ripening August 7 Removable ripeness does not occur annually

Bush growth is strong. The shoots ripen well, at 70-80% of the total length.

It begins to bear fruit early, in the second or third year after planting. At the Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit Growing and Viticulture, the yield per bush already in the third year after planting with cuttings amounted to 3.3 kg. It is distinguished by good yield - 3.9 kg per bush, and in some years (1963) -7.1 kg per bush, which in terms of per hectare is 142 centners (2000 bushes per 1 ha) In the zone of distribution of spotted necrosis when covering bushes During the winter, the soil suffers significant damage from this disease. At the same time, productivity decreases sharply. In such areas, it is advisable to cover the bushes with plant material for the winter. The variety has a tendency to thicken bushes with shoots and shoots; in shaded bushes the clusters turn out to be defective and loose. To avoid this, it is necessary to carry out thorough fragmentation and pinching in a timely manner. There is a non-simultaneous ripening of berries in a bunch and a tendency to shed berries during harvest. At high temperatures, peas are observed. Medium and long pruning should be used for the Druzhba variety. Sugar accumulation in the foothills is 15-16%. Tasting taste rating is good - 4 points (on a 5-point scale).

Use of products.

Druzhba grapes are used for fresh consumption at the place of growth and for export. Testing the variety for keeping quality showed that the bunches are suitable for storage.

Main advantages . A table variety with beautiful large clusters and very large berries of pleasant taste. Good yield. Disadvantages of the variety . Damage due to spotty necrosis. Tendency to peas and shedding of berries. Non-simultaneous ripening of berries in a bunch.

Description and appearance of the Druzhba variety

The variety is adapted to various growing conditions, so its bushes can be found in various regions of our country. Looking at the photo of the Druzhba grape and studying the description, one can note its average growth and modest size.

Bush

As already noted, the bush of the described hybrid is medium-sized. It does not grow in breadth and does not stretch upward endlessly. The usual number of fruiting shoots on a bush is about 70-85%. The leaves are quite small, light green. A feature of the variety is their small number on the vine. Because of this, the clusters are very visible.

Bunches

Like the plant itself, the clusters of Friendship grapes grow small. The average weight of one brush is about 300 grams. The shape of the bunch looks like a long cone. The berries are collected quite loosely.

Important: the described variety is characterized by the formation of a large number of eyes. If measures are not taken (normalizing the number of eyes), the appearance of the bunch will deteriorate. It will become loose, the berries will “get knocked out”. The ripening period of fruits will increase. The optimal number of eyes per adult fruiting bush is about 35.

Berries

Photo of Druzhba grape berries

The fruits of the variety are quite large and spherical in shape. The average diameter of the berry is about 22 mm, and the weight is about 4 grams. Unripe fruits have a light green tint; when ripe they become almost white. If during the ripening period there are many clear sunny days, the berries acquire a “tan” on the barrel that is turned towards the sun.

Agricultural technology

To protect against wasps, mesh bags are placed on the hands.

Winegrowers who have been dealing with this variety for many years recommend carefully monitoring how the variety behaves in your specific conditions.

The ripening of shoots is determined at the level of 85% , the bush produces fruitful shoots at 70–80% . The load of bunches per shoot is in the range of 1.1–1.5 .

The planting area is sufficient within 2.5 x 2.5 m .

Trimming

The recommended standard is two brushes per shoot.

The opinions of winegrowers were also divided on how to prune, since everything very much depends on climatic and agrotechnical conditions.

• Some winegrowers prune by 2 buds and no more , and are satisfied with the result.
• Others cut it by 5-6 and are just as happy.

Everything is very ambiguous. To determine your optimum you need to try this way and that.

Propagation by cuttings

Another peculiarity of agricultural technology of this variety is propagation by cuttings. Reviews indicate that it gives a low rooting yield of cuttings.

When purchasing several pipes, you need to be prepared for the fact that only half of them will take root. This will happen if rooting is carried out correctly.

At the same time, winegrowers willingly share information that rooting agents such as “Kornevin” perfectly bring the percentage to 70.

Variety planting technology

The Druzhba grape variety is unpretentious. The planting technology does not require any special measures; you will need standard measures to prepare the soil and seedlings in order to end up with a decent harvest of tasty nutmeg berries.

Selection and preparation of a site

Young bushes of the hybrid can be planted either in separate holes or in pre-prepared trenches. The pits are prepared in the fall. You will need to loosen the soil in them, put a nutrient mixture of organic matter and fertilizers on the bottom.

Druzhba shows excellent growth rates on loose soils - sandstone and loam. The powerful root penetrates deeply into the ground, so low-lying areas with high groundwater levels are not suitable for the described variety. The planting site is chosen on the south side of the site, making sure that the bushes’ access to the sun is not blocked by buildings or tree crowns.

The size and shape of the hole for planting does not matter. It is important that its depth is not less than 80 cm. At the bottom of the hole, drainage is arranged from sand and expanded clay.

Important: if planting is planned on sandstone, drainage will not be needed.

Recommended timing

Planting seedlings of this variety, like other grapes, is possible both in autumn and spring. The timing may also depend on the method of cultivation - in open ground or in a greenhouse.

In open ground

Disembarkation is possible:

• in the spring - this period is practiced in the central regions of the country. If the seedling already has blossoming leaves, planting is carried out after the end of frost (April-May). Unawakened young bushes can be planted as early as mid-March;
• autumn - as a rule, autumn planting is practiced by winegrowers in the southern regions.

To the greenhouse

Planting grapes in a greenhouse is sometimes the only way to preserve the vine and get a harvest of ripe, juicy berries. The temperature of the air and soil in the greenhouse (no matter what covering material is used - polycarbonate or polyethylene) is several degrees higher than that outside. In addition, you can always organize an additional heat source in the greenhouse.

Grapes are planted in a greenhouse in early spring or late winter.

Step-by-step disembarkation process

Rules for planting Druzhba grapes

Soil preparation is of great importance - for the Druzhba variety it is very important that the planting hole is not filled with water and does not stagnate. A general planting scheme is used, in which the pit is prepared in the fall. During the winter period, the soil freezes, settles, and pests and pathogens are destroyed.

Step-by-step process of planting a plant:

1. A drainage layer is placed in the hole prepared for planting the seedling - about 15 cm of pebbles, sand or expanded clay.
2. The soil that was dug out of the hole is mixed with humus , wood ash, superphosphate (about 200 grams) and potassium nitrate (the same volume).
3. The resulting nutrient mixture is placed back into the pit , leaving about a third free.
4. Carefully straighten the root system of the young bush and place it in the prepared soil. It is worth recalling that the day before planting, the root system is soaked in water with the addition of nutritious fertilizers.
5. Strengthen the plant in the hole, sprinkle with soil . Water (you will need about 1 bucket of water).
6. Mulch with manure or peat.

Features of cultivation and care

Growing the Druzhba grape variety will not be difficult even for a novice winegrower. Immediately after planting, it is better to leave the bush alone for a while. It will definitely have enough moisture and nutrients to take root and adapt to new conditions.

Watering rules

After about a week, the plant will need to be watered again. Depending on the dryness of the soil, you will need about two buckets of water. It is necessary to defend it first.

When all the moisture has been absorbed, you will need to loosen the soil, selecting weeds and their roots. Both dry and waterlogged soil are detrimental to grapes. Therefore, subsequent watering will depend on its condition, which is checked visually.

Feeding and fertilizers

The experience of winegrowers shows that Druzhba will need to be fertilized three times per season:

• in the spring - until flowering begins;
• 2-3 weeks after the first spring feeding;
• at the very beginning of fruit formation.

Support and garter of shoots

Growing shoots need support and garter so that they do not fall to the ground and rot. For these purposes, use a trellis (2-meter is recommended). This length will allow you to move the mount as the plant grows.

Vine pruning

Caring for the variety includes activities for pruning the vine. In the first three years after planting, it will be sanitary. Dried, broken branches must be removed. In the fourth year, bush-forming pruning begins. Leave no more than 35 eyes. This means that about 6-9 buds remain on one shoot.

Shelter for the winter

Before sheltering for the winter, be sure to remove all the clusters from the bush, prune it and water it abundantly. There are several ways to insulate the vine in the cold:

• hilling - suitable for regions where the temperature does not drop below - 150 C;
• full or partial cover - the vine is pressed to the ground. Hay, film, fabric, and pine paws are used as covering materials. But the thickness of such a “blanket” should not be more than 50 mm.

Important: a covered plant will help it overwinter in warmth, but it can also cause harm. The bush should be covered no earlier than 2-3 weeks before the expected frost. In addition, the bush should not touch the material. To do this, before covering, small wire protective arcs are formed and only then covered with the selected material.

Protection from pests and diseases

A special feature of the Druzhba variety is its high resistance to common “grape” diseases and pests. But this does not mean that preventive measures should be neglected. For a resistant variety, two treatments per season against common diseases and pests will be sufficient. But you will have to constantly fight wasps, because the sweet variety attracts these insects.

An additional measure that will keep the plant healthy is thorough weeding between the bushes, loosening the soil near the trunk, sanitary and formative pruning, and timely collection of bunches.

Reproduction methods

Reproduction of Friendship is possible in several ways:

• by seeds - a thankless method, since the varietal characteristics of the mother plant are not preserved;
• cuttings - harvesting cuttings is possible in autumn or spring, when it is necessary to trim off excess lashes. In order for the harvested tendril to take root, it must have at least 4 buds. Before planting, all media are disinfected with vitriol solution;
• layering - carried out in the spring, when active formation of lashes occurs. The largest branch is buried in soil and watered with a nutrient solution to quickly form roots. Until the cuttings are fully formed, they cannot be separated from the mother bush.

Answers to frequently asked questions about “Druzhba” grapes

Question No. 1. Is the Druzhba variety resistant to fungal diseases?

The grapes are resistant to fungal diseases, but not all. We present the indicators in the table.

Question No. 2. How to protect grapes from diseases and pests?

The main preventive measures to combat fungal diseases are spraying with special means. Fungicides are used. The bushes are treated twice a season. But it is worth noting that the Druzhba variety has strong immunity against gray rot and phylloxera. These diseases appear extremely rarely. To prevent the proliferation of insects and pests, it is necessary to promptly remove dry leaves under the bush and pick rotten and bad berries.

Question No. 3. Is it necessary to cover grapes?

Friendship has good frost resistance, so in regions where winter temperatures do not exceed -23 ° C, the bushes are not covered, mainly in the southern regions.

Question No. 4. Is the Druzhba variety suitable for cultivation in the Central regions of Russia?

This variety is universal not only in use, but also in cultivation. It is adapted to any climatic conditions, because it has good stability indicators. Grapes are grown in the South, North, middle regions and Central Russia.

Question No. 5. How to increase grape yield?

To increase productivity, folk remedies and commercial preparations are used. Among the purchased products, Gibberellin is distinguished. It affects fruiting and quality of berries. People use wood ash to increase productivity. It is a source of potassium and phosphorus and promotes rapid ripening of fruits. The ash is used as fertilizer and to fight diseases.

Diseases and pests reduce yields and lead to the death of the bush. To improve the quality of berries and get rid of mildew, an extract from wood ash is used. A liter of product is poured into a bucket of water and left for a week. Then add 50 g of laundry soap and treat the bush every 10 days.

Reviews from winegrowers

Friendship is an excellent variety for growing on the plot. The harvest can be harvested even when other varieties are still gaining sugar. The resulting juice is delicious, similar to wine, and can be sealed in jars.

A hybrid that incorporates the nutmeg notes of famous varieties. It doesn't look very presentable, of course. But the taste of ripe berries cannot be compared with anything. Clear taste and aftertaste of nutmeg. Soft, with a slight sourness.

Excellent variety. The only difficulty is that you need to get used to the insulation. You can use fabric, and in winter also sprinkle the bush with snow. Delicious berries that make excellent homemade wine are worth all the effort.

The Druzhba grape variety is the fruit of the joint efforts of specialists from Russia and Bulgaria. It has impressive characteristics - frost resistance, high resistance to diseases and pests, early ripening of berries and high yield. The main advantages of the variety are its unpretentiousness in cultivation and excellent taste characteristics. The latter allow you to use Friendship for the production of wine, juice, or simply enjoy eating aromatic berries that leave a nutmeg aftertaste.