Unpretentious and productive Gusar raspberries: growing tips

History of the variety, its description and characteristics

Raspberry Gusar was bred in 1979 by the famous Soviet breeder V.I. Kazakov. For more than 40 years of his work, Kazakov made an invaluable contribution to the development of remontant varieties, which include Gusar, which was included in the scientist’s “golden collection”. But this variety has become widespread since 1994. Since that time, Gusar raspberries have been successfully grown in all Russian regions, although initially it was supposed to be cultivated in the North Caucasus.

Raspberries of the Gusar variety are distinguished by the yield of large berries

The variety is frost-resistant; it can withstand temperatures down to -40 °C for a long time without consequences. Drought is also not a problem for Gusar raspberries, as are not very fertile soils and open areas.

The bushes of this variety are sparse, but spreading, so it is advisable to tie them up. Strong, erect shoots grow to a height of 2.7 m if they are not pruned, and in the third year of development of the bush their number can increase significantly.

Gusar raspberries have powerful, erect shoots

The leaf blades are wide, dark green in color. The berries are large, juicy red, conical in shape. From one bush you can remove up to 6.5 kg of fruit. Each berry weighs 5–6 grams, and some specimens reach a weight of 12 g. They are valued not only for their taste and aroma, but also for their content of useful substances:

• sugars (fructose and glucose) – up to 10.9%;
• organic acids - 1.8%;
• ascorbic acid - up to 27.4 mg.

In addition, Gusar berries contain vitamins K and B6.

A little history

Gardeners learned about the breeder Ivan Vasilyevich Kazakov almost half a century ago. It was he who was one of the first to engage in domestic remontant raspberries. His collection contains many varieties that are in many ways superior to other plants in terms of large fruit size and resistance to raspberry diseases and pests.

The varieties of the collection are often called “Kazak’s”. This breeder's remontant raspberries are grown not only in Russian spaces. Gardeners of the former republics of the Soviet Union are also not averse to getting seedlings of the popular raspberry.

Preference is given to many varieties, but most often they pay attention to remontant raspberries:

• Indian summer;
• Penguin;
• Runaway:
• Balm;
• Shy.

Video about Kazakov varieties:

Remontant raspberry Gusar (the name alone is worth it!) is the most in demand today. We started cultivating Gussar in 1999. This is truly a “golden variety”, distinguished by its unpretentiousness.

Kazakov managed to develop a variety that is not affected by many raspberry diseases. I took the best Russian raspberries and the American variety Canby as a basis. As a result of cross-pollination, the variety Gusar was obtained, the qualities of which are superior to its “parents”.

Advantages of the variety and its disadvantages

Reproduction

Many novice gardeners are interested in the question of how to plant Gusar raspberries.

Cuttings

Like most varieties, Gusar can be propagated by cuttings. It is best to use young offspring that do not have their own roots.

Cuttings from Gusar raspberry varieties are harvested when the shoots are 3 cm high and have three leaves. After cutting, they need to be tied into a bundle, treated with any growth stimulant and placed in a nutrient medium. To do this, mix peat, soil and humus. To prevent the cuttings from dying, the substrate must always be moist.

As a rule, the root system is formed in 2-3 weeks. After another two weeks, the cuttings of the Gusar variety are ready for planting in a permanent place. It is better to plant in cloudy weather. The plants are shaded for several days. By the end of summer, raspberries grow up to one and a half meters.

Seedlings

The Gusar raspberry variety is planted with seedlings. You just need to purchase them from reliable suppliers so as not to run into low-quality planting material. Most often, this is why negative reviews from gardeners appear.

Warning! It is better not to plant Gusar raspberry seedlings in autumn. They often do not overwinter.

Seedlings of the Gusar variety are grown from the end of May to June. Prepare large holes - 40x50 cm, add fertile soil and wood ash. When planting, the material is not buried; the root bud should be above the surface. At first, the seedlings need to be watered abundantly and often.

For better rooting of Gusar varietal raspberries, the surface around the plant is mulched with peat and humus. Some gardeners use sawdust, but only from deciduous trees.

Advice! Beds with different varieties of raspberries, this also applies to varietal raspberries Gusar, should be at a sufficient distance to prevent cross-pollination.

Features of planting remontant raspberries Gusar (with photo)

Although the variety is completely unpretentious, it is possible to achieve good plant development and increase productivity only by following planting rules.

Selection of young seedlings

We recommend that you purchase seedlings from nurseries and specialty stores to ensure you receive high-quality planting material. A good seedling has one shoot no more than 45 cm long, the width of the base is 1 cm. The root system is powerful, the roots are 15 cm long.

Seedlings must be strong, healthy, without visible damage

There should be no signs of rot or other damage on the seedling from roots to top. In addition, it should be remembered that cuttings with fully formed leaves will not take root after planting.

Landing location

Since Gusar raspberry is undemanding to the composition of the soil, its seedlings will take root well in almost any area. But if you want to achieve increased yield, choose a good planting location.

The area where raspberry cultivation is planned should be well lit. In the shade, the shoots of the bush will not be able to become strong and well developed.

To plant hussar raspberries, choose a well-lit area

A flat place or a very slight slope is best for planting raspberries. The occurrence of groundwater is no higher than 1.5 m to the surface, since waterlogging is not recommended for raspberries.

The qualitative composition of the soil on the ground is also important. Light fertile soil with good aeration (air permeability) and acidity not higher than 6 pH is ideal.

Do not plant raspberries where strawberries, potatoes, eggplants or carrots grew the previous season. Pest larvae and sources of diseases characteristic of these crops can greatly damage your raspberry garden.

Reproduction methods: photo with description

Raspberry Gusar reproduces by shoots that emerge from the root system. That is, it is enough to dig up the desired shoot and transplant it to the intended location. Reproduction by division is also allowed, but it is used less frequently.

To do this you need:

1. Take a sharp knife and disinfect it.
2. Dig up a bush.
3. Examine it for diseases.
4. Devide into two parts.
5. Treat the cut area with activated carbon.

After this, the bushes can be replanted.

Caring for raspberries during cultivation

After proper planting, the plant will require proper care. It is simple and consists of watering, fertilizing, tying, pruning and proper shelter for the winter.

Rules for watering and mulching

For Gusar raspberries, timely soil moisture is important. After spring planting, seedlings need to be watered daily for 2 weeks. In hot, dry summers, ensure regular watering: do not allow the soil to dry out. The amount of water is 1 bucket for every 3 bushes. However, you should not get too carried away and flood the bushes, since waterlogging will cause the soil to turn sour and the roots to rot.

In addition, the soil under the bushes needs mulching. It will provide the root system with access to nutrients and powerful development. To do this, compost, straw, humus, manure or peat are scattered on the ground in a layer of about 5 cm.

Feeding with fertilizers

As soon as warm weather sets in and new leaves begin to open on the raspberry bushes, start fertilizing.

1. The first stage is the application of organic fertilizers. To do this, you can use mullein diluted in water in a ratio of 1:5, or a solution of bird droppings 1:10. Each bush will need 1 liter of fertilizer. You can first add rotted manure on top, a bucket under the bush, when the soil thaws.
2. The second stage of feeding is carried out at the beginning of flowering. To do this, add 10 g of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to 10 liters of organic infusion.
3. In the fall, carry out the same feeding. It is not necessary if the bush develops well and the soil is nutritious enough.

In addition, in the summer, pour wood ash into the rows 1-2 times a month, 0.5 liters per 1 m2 of planting.

Garter

Since the Gusar raspberry has strong, durable branches, it does not need to be grown on a trellis until a certain point. But with the beginning of fruiting, a large number of berries, as well as their total weight, strongly bend the stems to the ground. It is at this time that it is advisable to tie them up so that the branches with berries do not spread along the ground and break off.

Advantages and differences

A distinctive feature of the variety is its unpretentiousness in agricultural technology and stable yield, even in difficult situations. But with proper care and appropriate natural conditions, you can remove more than 3 kg from each bush.

Gussar is a non-remontant variety with a mid-early ripening period; the berries ripen within a month, and gardeners manage to harvest the bulk of the harvest before the onset of cold weather in most of Russia.

More on the topic: Wild raspberries: revealing secrets

Its excellent appearance and consistently high yields, as well as its ease of care, make it very tempting for breeding for sale on both farms and private farms.

The berries are endowed with a very strong aroma and a pleasant sweet taste with slight sourness. The high content of sugars (7-10%) and vitamins (37%) makes the fruits very tasty when eaten fresh and for harvesting.

The greatest advantage of the Gusar raspberry variety is its resistance to all known diseases.

Diseases and pests characteristic of the Gusar variety

The resistance of the variety in question to fungal diseases and insect pests has long been known. But bad weather conditions and violation of agricultural practices can cause some problems.

Table of diseases and therapeutic measures

Photo gallery of typical diseases of Gusar raspberry

With a yellow mosaic, the leaves lose color and curl

Green mosaic appears from lack of light

Curl is manifested by drying and curling of leaves

Table of pests and ways to get rid of them

What are the disadvantages of raspberries?

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When cultivating Gusar raspberries, some difficulties may arise, but in addition, the variety itself has several negative qualities.

The bushes are tall and powerful, they need a lot of space

• The bushes are tall and powerful - they need a lot of space.
• In the absence of a garter, the process of picking berries becomes more complicated. Some are too low to be seen; branches drooping under the weight hide most of the crop. In addition, sunlight cannot penetrate the leaves of inclined pagons, which is why the taste of the lower berries may be sour.
• The plant is frost-resistant, but thaws can completely destroy the root system.

It is also worth noting that Gusar raspberries are inferior to some modern raspberry varieties and hybrids in terms of yield, berry size and other indicators. Although lovers of this type still prefer it, at least because of its reliability.

Harvest and storage

Already in the last days of June you can harvest the first harvest of Gusar raspberries. For collection, choose dry, non-rainy weather, preferably in the middle of the day, when the dew has already dried. Otherwise, wet berries will spoil very quickly.

Ripe berries have a deep red color. Darkening of the fruits indicates that they are overripe. This does not affect the taste in any way, but transporting such berries will be difficult.

Separate the berries from the stalk very carefully: their juicy pulp is easy to damage. If you plan to transport raspberries, it is better to cut off the stem without touching the fruit. At the same time, try not to touch the berries.

You need to pick the berries carefully so that they don’t get crushed.

Collect raspberries in dry, clean glass jars or baskets in which you will transport them. Immediately after picking, place the berries in the shade, otherwise, under the influence of sunlight, they will begin to spread and turn sour. If you put them in the refrigerator at a temperature of up to +5 °C and a humidity of about 85%, the berries will remain fresh for 2-4 days. It is better to process them as quickly as possible into compote, preserves, jam, or freeze them. Gussar raspberries grated with sugar (1:1 ratio) can be stored in the refrigerator for about a month.

Description

Much about Gusar raspberries can be learned from the description of the variety and reviews from amateur gardeners.

1. The shrub grows up to 2.7 meters. The shoots are brown, erect, spreading bush. Powerful shoots with a waxy coating without pubescence do not need to be supported in the second year if their height is less than 180 cm.
2. The root system does not form many roots. Therefore, a large number of root shoots are not formed, most often from 8 to 10.
3. There are few thorns, they are mainly located on the Gusar raspberry in the lower part. The spines are purple and quite sharp.
4. The leaves are dark green with wavy edges. The wrinkled leaves are not curled and do not droop downwards.

5. Large berries of rich red color, dark ruby ​​when fully ripe. They stand out for their unusual shape: the berry is long and the tip is blunt. The weight of the sweet and sour berry is up to 4 grams. The pulp is dense, the berries practically do not fall off.
6. Not subject to rotting. They are distinguished by their aroma and unsurpassed taste.

Brief description of the variety in the photo.

Important! Gusar raspberries can be grown in any region of Russia.

Pest Control

Threatening the plant:

1. The stem fly lays larvae, which, when growing, eat the stems of young shoots. Fight with an insecticidal solution.
2. The raspberry beetle feeds on leaves. It is removed after treatment with a pesticide. As a preventive measure, do not allow the area with raspberries to become overgrown with grass .
3. The shoot gall midge damages the bark of plants and infects other bushes. Damaged shoots are cut off; if the trunk is infected, the plant is uprooted.

Proper care will increase productivity

In addition to drought resistance, the bushes tolerate low temperatures (down to – 25°C); however, at least minimal snow cover is desirable. That is, Gusar produces an average yield under the most unfavorable climatic and soil conditions, but creating a comfortable environment for the plant can lead to an increase in yield by 2-3 times.

Under favorable conditions, the mass of berries and their number on each branch increases significantly, so it becomes necessary to use a trellis to support the shoots, otherwise they may bend all the way to the ground.

• Choosing a place to grow. The shrub is very unpretentious to grow, however, following certain rules will help increase productivity significantly. To begin with, you should wisely select a site for creating a raspberry garden. The place should be well lit, since in the shaded corners of the garden raspberries will develop weak and thin shoots, underdeveloped buds, from which an insufficient number of flowers and, accordingly, fruits are formed. It is advisable to select a site with a flat surface, but it is possible to plant it on a site with a slight slope.
• Qualitative composition of the soil. The soil must be fertile, its acidity ranges from 5.6 to 6 units. Groundwater at the selected location should not be closer than one and a half meters from the surface. The shrub does not tolerate waterlogged soil, especially wetlands and regularly flooded areas. Immediately before planting seedlings, the soil needs to be fertilized well. To do this, organic and mineral fertilizers are incorporated into the soil.
• Planting process. Gusar raspberries can be planted both in early spring, before buds sprout, and in mid-autumn - from the second ten days of September to mid-October. When planting in spring, the bushes need regular watering for 15 days.

Gusar raspberries can be planted both in early spring, before buds sprout, and in mid-autumn

Seedlings are planted according to the following scheme: 2.0 x 5 m, small planting holes 40 x 40 x 50 cm. It is advisable to put half a bucket of compost under each bush, for which the hole should be dug 10 cm deeper. To avoid rotting of the root bud, it is not advisable to deepen the seedlings. After planting, the plant is pruned at a height of about 0.3 m above the ground. Watering the seedlings after planting is carried out at the rate of a bucket of water for every 2-3 bushes.

Where to buy, how much it costs

It is better to purchase raspberries in specialized nurseries, then you can clearly assess the health and condition of the seedling. And it is advisable to buy copies without any visible damage. Raspberries are also sold in online stores. But when purchasing through the site, you can purchase the wrong variety or a damaged specimen. And the seedling may not tolerate transportation well.

The cost of Gusar raspberries is low. And on average, you will have to pay about 200 rubles for a seedling of this variety. Raspberry Gusar will be an excellent choice for beginning gardeners. According to the description, the variety is distinguished by its unpretentious nature, increased frost resistance and drought resistance. At the same time, the berries of the variety are large and sweet, which is confirmed by photos and reviews from consumers.