Platovsky grapes

Platovsky grapes, or Early Zorka, are one of the technical varieties of white grapes that were bred in Russia. The term "technical" means that the fruit is intended to be processed into wine, juice or compotes. In the course of a successful crossing of the Podarok Magarach and Zalandede varieties, a species with remarkable characteristics was obtained. It is deservedly popular, perfect for home gardening. The fruits have excellent taste, they can be served fresh or made into raisins.

Platovsky grapes: variety description

The grapes of this variety are medium in height with rounded and slightly dissected leaves. Small clusters of regular elongated conical shape weigh no more than 250 g. Round-shaped berries are yellow-green. In good sunlight, their surface turns pink. One berry weighs 2-3 g, is juicy, there is a pleasant nutmeg flavor. The skin of the berries is thin and very durable, due to this, the grapes tolerate transportation well, do not crack. The amount of sugars reaches 20%, acids 8.9 g / l

Frost resistance

This varietal grape has become popular due to its amazing frost resistance, it tolerates temperatures of −29-30 ° C without freezing. That is why enthusiasts who develop viticulture in Siberia and the Far East are trying to grow it. In regions with cold winters, the vine will have to be tilted towards the ground using a covering material. In the regions of central Russia, such as the Moscow region, it can be safely grown as an ornamental plant, effectively braiding arbors and walls.

Yield

On average, about 300 centners of berries are harvested from 1 hectare, one bush can disfigure up to 5-6 kg. The grapes bear fruit perfectly even after a short pruning of the bushes. It is very valuable that even in case of prolonged bad weather, the variety will delight you with a good harvest. Shoots ripen by 80-85%, on average there are 1.3 bunches of grapes for each shoot.

Flowering and development periods

The Platovskiy variety is considered early ripening, ripening period is about 110-115 days. Thanks to the thin and dense skin, the crop can remain on the branches for up to a month without deteriorating its properties.

Care

The plant is unpretentious. In private farms, the variety is ideal for summer residents who visit the site only on weekends. Grapes are undemanding to care, so one day off is enough to feed or spray for prevention.

Main requirements:

• excess shoots, weak or sterile, must be removed without regret;
• from time to time you will have to pick off the leaves behind which the bunches are hiding. This method will yield a more sugary crop;
• during hot periods, when the soil dries out, the vine needs good watering. You should also ensure thorough watering when the leaves begin to bloom and in the fall before preparing for winter.

Mulching the soil retains moisture and provides the root system with nutrients.

The soil for grapes is suitable for black earth, loam or clay-lime. Do not plant on waterlogged marshy and acidic soils, as well as salt marshes.

Potash fertilizers and compost are needed as top dressing during active flowering, which will ensure good fruiting.

For the formation of bushes, trunks are installed.In this case, the plant receives more illumination, the shoots are shortened, the buds are laid closer to the base and the yield will increase by 30-40%. In addition, the risk of diseases will decrease, maintenance and pruning will be easier. Perennial wood grows on the trunk of grapes, and fruiting becomes stable and predictable.

Breeding features

In professional vineyards, the variety is planted and processed with the help of technical means, but it is also successfully propagated by amateurs on personal plots:

• Kober 5BB is recommended as the optimal rootstock;
• well-lit areas are chosen for planting;
• for grapes, black soil is suitable, which is well heated by the sun;
• the distance between the bushes is planned taking into account the size of the root system;
• a stick is installed in the center, which will become a support for the seedling;
• if the groundwater is high, drainage needs to be considered;
• from above you need a mound of humus with fertilizers;
• before planting, you need to inspect the seedlings: it is good if they look healthy, strongly developed, without traces of disease or pests;
• after planting, they are fixed on a support and watered.

Pests and diseases

An important characteristic of grapes for cultivation is resistance. Many varieties of pests and diseases bypass it.

mildew (fungal)	there is
oidium (fungal)	there is
gray rot	there is
phylloxera, aphid	there is
leaf roll	no
grape itch	no
spider mite	no

For the best results, Platovsky grapes need timely prevention. To do this, several sprays are carried out with a 3% solution of Bordeaux liquid 1-2 times a season.

To destroy the detected mold, rot and fungi, fungicides (ridomil, anthracol) are used, which perfectly relieve the vine from anthractosis, black spot and other lesions.

Wasps and bees give grapes a lot of trouble. They pierce berries, provoke fermentation and spoil the harvest. In order to distract insects, a bowl of honey, a watermelon or something else sweet is placed nearby. Periodically, you need to inspect the site and throw out the hornets' nests.

The grapes are protected from birds with a fine mesh, various rattles and other deterrent devices are used.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Platov grapes may well replace the usual table grapes. The advantages of this solution:

• easy to care for;
• ripens quickly;
• very tasty;
• has high frost resistance.

Reviews of gardeners about the Platovsky variety are mostly positive, but disadvantages are also mentioned. There are only two of them:

• some growers feel the taste of nightshade in the berries;
• dense clusters sometimes begin to rot.

Be that as it may, the Platovsky grape has collected many properties that are desirable in breeding and cultivation. It makes it possible to get southern fruits even in the northern regions, therefore it is more than worthy to take a place on any site.