Description, beneficial properties and technology for growing grapes of the Akademik Avidzba variety

Photo of Akademik grape variety

Growing grapes is an activity that has been around for hundreds of years. The development of genetics made it possible to create new types of grapes that could be grown in regions with very different climatic conditions. Scientists were able to create hybrids with specified characteristics. One of these hybrids, bred at the beginning of the 21st century, is Academician. We will tell you in more detail about the new variety of cultivated plant, its distinctive features, taste characteristics, and growing rules.

Description of the variety

Two proven grape varieties were selected for breeding work:

• gift to Zaporozhye;
• Richelieu.

The Academician variety was the result of the fruitful work of the staff of the Magarach Institute. It is considered to be rare because since its creation the stock of planting material has not been accumulated. Those wishing to breed a variety that receives a lot of positive feedback from winegrowers will have to go to the Crimean Institute for seedlings or contact private nurseries. The number of the latter is limited, and there is a high risk of running into a fake.

Interesting: the grape variety has several names at once - initially it was called Academician Avidzba in honor of the director of the institute, then “in memory of Dzheneev”. There is also another name - Academic K. But the variety is officially registered under its original name. Winegrowers, as a rule, call him briefly - Academician.

The main feature of the Akademik variety is the possibility of cultivating it in unusual regions - in the North Caucasus. Planting and cultivation further north is possible, but additional protection measures will need to be taken.

Interesting: the creators of the variety claim that the academician can withstand temperatures down to – 25° C.

Breeding history

This is a new variety. It was created by breeders of the Crimean nursery Magarach. Scientists took the following varieties as a basis: Podarok Zavolzhyu and Richelieu. Academician (Avidzba) successfully passed the tests. The plant has an additional name - In Memory of Dzheneev.

But ordinary summer residents do not always manage to purchase original seedlings: Magarach does not conduct free sales. Gardeners obtain planting material on occasion: from friends or at seasonal fairs.

The Academician grape is so successful that already in 2014 it was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements.

Features of the variety

Features of the Akademik grape variety

Let us highlight the main features for which the young type of grape has already become a favorite among both winegrowers and those who have tried it:

• early ripening - you can enjoy the harvest already 4 months after planting;
• the possibility of growing in central Russia and in more northern regions;
• high frost resistance;
• the size of the leaves is closer to large, the shape is strongly dissected with 5 lobes;
• the outer side of the leaf is smooth and shiny , with an edge present on the inside;
• The flowers of the plant are bisexual and do not require a third-party pollinator.

Description of berries of the Akademik variety

The berries form clusters, the density is low - closer to loose. The average weight of a bunch is about 2 kg.

Characteristics of berries:

• shape - cylindrical-conical, blunt tip;
• size - up to 35 mm in length, about 20 mm in width;
• color - blue;
• the plaque is clearly noticeable. This layer on the berries helps protect them from the effects of the external environment and pathogens of various diseases. In addition, such a waxy coating simplifies the storage and transportation of grapes;
• The skin is dense and practically invisible when eating ripe fruits.

Important: those who have already received the first harvests of the described variety recommend leaving it on the vine until the beginning of September. It is by this time, in the conditions of the middle zone, that the berries not only acquire color, but also acquire an excellent taste with a rich aftertaste. And the skin during this period is thinner and can be eaten easily.

Research is currently underway on the possibilities of growing Academician on an industrial scale. Preliminary data indicate that this use is cost-effective. High taste qualities and frost resistance allow the new variety to be grown in private household plots.

Important: Academician’s resistance to the main diseases characteristic of grape crops - oidium and mildew - is average. This means that when cultivating the variety, periodic preventive treatments will be required.

The main disadvantage of the Akademik Avidzba variety is the need to cover plants at very low temperatures if they are grown in the northern regions. Otherwise, the grapes are characterized by unpretentiousness, high yield and attractive taste.

Characteristics

The variety is characterized by good yield, and even stepsons and dormant buds “shoot out”. Needs pruning for six to eight eyes.

Pereyaslavskaya Rada, Shakhtar and Arkadia also demonstrate high yields.

Afraid of showers and spring frosts. Requires shelter for the winter. Frost resistance is high - up to minus 26 degrees, good resistance to parasites.

Needs preventive treatment against gray rot and powdery mildew. You will have to protect the berries from wasp raids.

Compatibility with rootstocks is satisfactory.

Sugar content 18-20% Brix.

Scope of application

The main areas of application of Akademik grapes

The Academician variety belongs to the table variety. The taste of its pulp is rated by experts as almost 10 points. The taste of the grapes is an exquisite bouquet of muscat base, hints of cherry and a chocolate aftertaste. Sugar content is high.

Academician is used for canning and making wine. The possibility of long-term transportation and storage allows the variety to be eaten without additional processing.

Pros and cons of the variety

Academician, like other varieties, has a number of advantages and disadvantages. If we consider the advantages, we can highlight:

• since ripened fruits have excellent taste, the berries can be eaten fresh or used to prepare homemade wines and various dishes;
• There are no seeds in the fruits of Akademik grapes;
• the harvest is subject to long-term storage, if necessary, the harvested fruits can be transported over long distances, as a result of which the Akademik variety can be grown on a production scale for further sale;
• high productivity;
• tolerates low temperatures well.

The disadvantages of this variety, many gardeners include the dependence of the yield on the soil where the grapes were planted and the quality of care.

Growing rules

The academician variety, according to its characteristics, is suitable for cultivation in temperate climates and subtropics. Regions with a different climate will require skills and additional plant care measures from the winegrower, but growing and harvesting in conditions with a colder climate is quite possible.

Choosing a landing site

When choosing a place to plant grapes of the described variety, you must follow the rules:

• solar illumination. If the plant is cultivated in regions with a hot climate and a lot of sunny days, shading is acceptable. In more northern regions, it is necessary to provide the kusa with constant sunlight, without shading;
• protection from the wind. The landing is carried out on the south side under the protection of buildings. In the north, protective planting of plants exceeding the height of the vine is carried out, and screens and hedges are erected.

If cultivation conditions deviate from the subtropical climate, it will be necessary to create conditions that will help increase the air and soil temperatures in the local area.

Sum of active temperatures

This indicator (CAT) is necessary for the fruits to fully ripen and acquire the required taste and amount of sugar. Vegetative processes begin at +100 C (in the rhizome zone). In this situation, a temperature that exceeds the mark on the thermometer of + 100 C will be considered active. To obtain the CAT indicator, it is necessary to add up all temperature indicators exceeding the specified indicator. The period for which the summation is carried out is from the beginning of the growing season to the final ripening of the berries. The resulting indicator will be the CAT indicator.

Each grape variety has its own SAT. For the Academician, the creators indicated an indicator of 2100 degrees. This is the average value at the latitude in which Moscow is located. Of course, summer in mid-latitudes is not constant and it is not always possible to achieve stable SAT values. Therefore, grapes may not gain ripeness and sugar in certain seasons.

Winegrowers, using various tricks, try to achieve the specified CAT indicator in order to ultimately obtain a rich harvest of tasty berries. Such events include:

• installation of wind protection and planting on the south side of the building;
• covering the soil near the trunk with dark-colored material. This could be spandbond, manure, or, for example, dark-colored stones;
• installation of reflective screens made of foil or polyethylene;
• organizing an L-shaped canopy over the bush. It must transmit light;
• planting plants in a greenhouse.

Important: to avoid damping off and the formation of rot on the bushes, it is necessary to cover them only after frost sets in.

When to plant

Planting dates for Akademik grapes

Possible disembarkation dates:

• spring - end of March or beginning of April;
• autumn - mid-September (for cold regions), end of October (warmer regions).

Soil preparation

For planting you will need loose, fertile soil. The degree of looseness should not be too great so that moisture cannot escape very quickly, which will lead to freezing of the bush in winter. But heavy clay soil is not suitable for grape bushes due to poor moisture conductivity and low air saturation.

To plant grapes in the spring, the holes will need to be prepared in the fall of the previous year. The recommended size of the holes, which have the same depth, width and length, is 70 cm. They are left open throughout the winter so that the soil is moistened and settled. Such holes are optimal for planting grapes in the spring.

Seedling preparation

If the seedling is transported over a longer distance, its root system may dry out and will need moisturizing and feeding. Before planting, the roots are soaked and a growth stimulator is added to the water. Treatment before planting:

• if there are shoots on the bush, remove everything, leaving the 2 strongest;
• shorten the remaining branches to 2 buds;
• remove the top roots to retain more moisture.

If planting is planned a long time after purchasing the seedling, it is necessary to dip the roots in a mash of water, clay, or humus. It should be the consistency of sour cream to actually coat the roots. Wrap the root system in burlap for storage.

Reviews from gardeners

Fursa Irina Ivanovna, Krasnodar region

If we do a comparative analysis of the Pamyati Dzheneev variety with other grapes similar in type and appearance, then we can already say that it will completely replace Kodryanka in industrial plantings and will be more profitable in that it even ripens a week earlier.

Source: vinforum.ru

Nick041, Mozhaisk district

Greenhouse. Last year, the academician gave signals and really liked the taste and storage. I have grown 4 vines and this year I am completing the formation of the cordon. I left 6 vines for fruiting. Handsome, 2 bunches at the beginning and 4 on the outermost shoot, of course, I’ll remove the extra ones later.

Source: forum.vinograd7.ru

How to plant - step by step

Landing on the prepared area is carried out following the sequence:

1. At the bottom of the hole, drainage is made of expanded clay or small stones.
2. The second layer is a mixture of substrate and mineral fertilizer.
3. The third layer is soil without additives, in which the plant is planted.
4. Cover with soil and water generously.

After planting, you will definitely need to cover the tree trunk circle with mulch. This will help avoid rapid dehydration.

Important: when planting several seedlings, the distance between them should be at least 1.5 meters.

Diseases and pests

The plant is resistant to many diseases. But it shows weakness to powdery mildew and gray mold. It is necessary to constantly carry out prevention against these scourges. Otherwise, the crop will simply rot on the bushes.

Copper sulfate is suitable for carrying out procedures. Prepare an aqueous solution with this drug and periodically pollinate the bushes.

The culture is resistant to various pests, including slugs. But it is very interesting to wasps and birds. They can cause significant damage to the yield of the variety.

It is not difficult to protect the Academician from birds. It is enough to put a mesh fence around the vineyard. Mesh bags become a salvation from wasps. They are tied on each bunch. The bags allow sufficient sunlight to pass through and do not interfere with the ripening of the crop.

Rules for caring for the Academician variety

Despite its unpretentiousness, the variety requires a number of preventive measures.

Watering, fertilizing

Caring for Academician grapes

The plant requires intensive watering in the spring after removing the covering layer, before and after flowering. After removing the cover, at least 40 liters of water are poured under each bush.

After the berries appear, do not water the grapes; there is a high risk of overwatering. This can lead to watery and acidic fruits. The grape bushes will need thorough watering immediately before sheltering for the winter.

Feeding is carried out several times per season:

• after removing the covering layer in the spring , a mixture of P, N, K is optimal;
• before the formation of flowers - with the same composition;
• during fruit ripening - viburnum salt, superphosphate;
• after harvesting , the tree trunk circle is generously sprinkled with ash. This will help enrich the soil with potassium.

Pruning and shaping the bush

Lack of pruning will cause the plant to stretch upward and the clusters to be small. Formation is required, which is carried out according to the rules:

• in the spring, weak shoots are cut off and a trunk is formed;
• summer - pinch the tops of the shoots. The leaves above the clusters are plucked or trimmed;
• summer - stepsons are removed throughout the season;
• late autumn - removal of unripe vines.

Throughout the season, it is necessary to carefully monitor the general condition of the plant, getting rid of dry, broken or diseased branches.

Garter

An untied vine will lie on the ground. She will not receive enough sunlight or ventilation. The risk of disease infection and rot formation increases. The first garter is carried out before the start of sap flow, the second is done after the length of the shoots is more than 30 cm. Another garter will be needed before flowering.

After the formation of berries, the procedure is no longer carried out. Great squeak to damage the bunches.

Preparing for winter

The Academician grape variety is frost-resistant (up to – 25 C). If lower temperatures are expected during the season, measures must be taken to protect the vines. To do this, it is removed from the trellis, tied and covered. Peat is suitable for these purposes. Another option is to install arcs and cover them with polyethylene.

Important: the first rays of the warm spring sun are a signal to remove the covering material. Otherwise, the plants may resist.

Propagate by cuttings and layering

Reproduction

Propagation of grapes of the Dzheneev memory variety is possible:

• cuttings - harvested in the fall, stored all winter and planted in the spring. It is recommended to organize the storage of cut cuttings in the basement;
• grafting - in the spring, when 3 leaves appear on the plant. This method is used by experienced winegrowers;
• layering.

Propagation by layering is the easiest way to propagate the Akademik Avidzba grape variety. Events are held at the beginning of summer. To do this, make longitudinal grooves up to 10 cm deep around the bush. Layers are placed in them and buried in soil, watered well. The cuttings are watered throughout the season and freed from weeds. Separation is carried out at the moment when young plants are formed. They are carefully separated from the shoot and planted on the site.

Selecting a location and seedlings for planting

Academician (Avidzba) gives a high yield when planted with high-quality seedlings. Be sure to choose the right place for placement. It is recommended to follow the rules:

1. Healthy rooted cuttings are suitable for planting. The root system, underground and above-ground parts must be well developed. The material should be purchased only from certified centers. When purchasing, it would be useful to familiarize yourself with the documents for the goods.
2. A grape variety with increased winter hardiness can be used as a rootstock. But you should know: there is no data on the propagation of Academician by grafting cuttings.
3. When propagated by cuttings, the scion receives all the diseases of the rootstock. They will definitely appear.
4. For the scion, a healthy cutting of Academician is taken. It is recommended to graft in any convenient way (in a split, in an overlay).
5. The place for planting the rooted cuttings should be sunny, protected from northern and northeastern winds. Grapes should be planted near the southern and southwestern walls of country houses. It is recommended to take into account the size of the bush: it is required to retreat 2.5-3 m from the walls.
6. The winegrower must take care of support for the vine in advance. The plant overloads itself with fruits. Untied stems break and the harvest is lost.
7. The depth of groundwater at the site is 3-4 m. The grapes do not tolerate waterlogging of the soil. To prevent wetting and rotting of the root system, drainage must be done before planting. To do this, you need to crush crushed stone, brick, tiles and pour a layer of 7-10 cm onto the bottom of the planting hole. This simple measure will prevent stagnation of water at the roots.
8. The variety prefers soils that are fertile, loose, with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. It is recommended to deoxidize acidic ones by adding lime (1 liter per square meter). To obtain permeable soil, add perlite, neutral peat, and sand.
9. Academician takes root well when planted in early spring or mid-autumn. To do this, use a piece of vine with 3-4 eyes. The top cut is made horizontal. It is recommended to fill it with paraffin or wax. The bottom cut is made at an angle of 45 degrees. It is dipped in any root formation stimulator. The cutting is stuck into the moistened soil at an angle and placed in the greenhouse. After 30-45 days the vine will take root.

Academician grapes have vigorous bushes. When planting several plants, intervals of 2-3 m should be made.

See also

Description of the Lady's Finger grape variety and characteristics of Husayne white and black when ripeRead

Reviews about the Akademik grape variety

Reviews from gardeners about the Akademik grape variety

There are not many reviews about the new grape variety due to its still low prevalence. Most of the ones you can find are positive.

• Interesting new variety. Seedlings can be purchased from private owners in nurseries. The taste is unusual, amazing chocolate aftertaste. I was pleased that the berries do not crack in heavy rain. It is recommended to cover the bushes with netting in the summer to protect them from wasps and bees.
• Planting seedlings of the new Akademik variety does not require any special conditions. The young plants survived the winter well. The first season pleased us with the harvest - large berries with a thin layer of natural wax. And very tasty. It is better to postpone the collection of bunches until September, the berries will gain ripeness and sugar. The taste will be even more interesting.

Productivity

Since the Akademik grape variety appeared on sale relatively recently, not all grape growers have had time to try it. The cost of planting material is too high, and the shortage of seedlings in the required quantity plays a significant role. If we take into account the few reviews from gardeners who were lucky enough to grow grapes, they note that the yield corresponds to the declared one. The main advantage is stable annual fruiting with proper care.

How to choose a place?

In the south, Akademik grapes are grown at high temperatures, sometimes reaching more than 40 degrees, while the optimal temperature for this variety is 28-30 degrees. Under such conditions, it is advisable to shade the plant. In regions that are located to the north, it is advisable to choose places for this grape that are illuminated by the sun all day long.

The vine must be protected from the winds. When choosing a place to plant a plant, experienced winegrowers must take this fact into account:

• seedlings are planted on the south side of houses and other buildings;
• hedges or tall trees are planted on the northern side of the vineyard;
• install fences or make screens from reeds and other available materials.