Contents
Alvika grapes are a hybrid obtained by an amateur breeder from Ukraine. Differs in very large berries, the mass of which reaches 30 g. The taste is pleasant, harmonious. Grapes are used fresh, for making juice and wine. Winter hardiness is very high, while ripening early. This makes it possible to harvest a normal crop even in the regions of the Black Earth and the middle zone.
History of occurrence
Alvika grapes were bred by amateur breeder Kalugin V.M. (Zaporozhye region, Ukraine). This is a hybrid obtained on the basis of well-known varieties – Velika and Talisman. The variety is not included in the register of selection achievements. Grapes are cultivated in the regions of southern Ukraine, it is also known to many breeders.
Description of the grape variety Alvika
The hybrid is characterized by large clusters and very large berries. The taste is pleasant, harmonious, early ripening.
bunches
Clusters of large sizes, on average, weigh from 600 to 900 g, specimens of more than 1 kg are often found, the record is 2 kg. Moreover, in the first years of fruiting, the clusters are not so large, and then they increase in size. The shape is wide-conical, the density of the berries is moderate. The legs are quite long and strong.
Berries
The berries are large, oval in shape, noticeably elongated along. By weight they reach 25-30 g, in length – up to 5 cm, in width – 2,5 cm. The color is dark purple, blue. The fruits do not crack even with excessive watering and in rainy weather. They keep well in bunches and do not crumble within 3-4 weeks after ripening. Each fruit contains 2-3 small seeds. Due to the fact that the berries are large, the seeds are felt weakly.
Vine
The vine is strong, has a light brown color. Ripens well, almost the entire length of the shoot. If you get cuttings, they root almost 100%.
Characteristics of Alvika grapes
Alvika is a hybrid, so it tolerates different weather conditions well, including winter frosts. The yield is consistently high, there is resistance to a number of diseases.
The fruits begin to ripen in mid-August
Ripening time for Alvika grapes
Alvika refers to early ripe (early) hybrids. Berries reach technical ripeness in 95-110, less often 125 days after bud break. In the southern regions, the fruits ripen by mid-August, in the Black Earth region – closer to the beginning of September.
Productivity
The yield of Alvika grapes is much higher than that of the original varieties – Velika and Talisman. However, specific data is not provided. In the reviews, gardeners note that the bushes bear fruit stably.
Taste of Alvika grapes
The taste is pleasant, seasoned, without nutmeg shades, the aroma is not pronounced. The pulp is pleasant, fleshy, juicy. Sweet notes are well felt; no tasting data available.
Growing regions
Due to the high winter hardiness, Alvika grapes can be grown not only in the south of Our Country, but also in more northern regions – the Lower Volga region, the Black Earth region. Culture can be cultivated in the middle lane, but with mandatory winter shelter.
Frost resistance
The Alvika grape hybrid has very good frost resistance – the bushes can withstand temperatures as low as -23 degrees. Therefore, in areas with mild winters, they can be grown without shelter.
Drought tolerance
There are no data on the drought tolerance of Alvika grapes. Therefore, in hot weather, it is recommended to water at least once a week. In combination with other methods of agricultural technology, this will ensure a good harvest.
Disease and pest resistance
Alvika grapes, like many other hybrids, have good resistance to various diseases and pests. Therefore, for prevention, it is enough to carry out only one treatment of the bushes in the middle of spring. For this, fungicides are used. If ticks, grape pruritus, aphids and other pests are found, it is necessary to do the treatment using folk remedies. In extreme cases, insecticides are used.
Methods of Use
The main purpose of Alvika grapes is table. Used fresh, for making juice and homemade wine. Berries are light and transportable. Therefore, they can be transported over long distances to the place of sale or processing.
Pros and cons of Alvika grapes
Grapes are valued for very large berries with a pleasant taste and attractive appearance. Their skin is strong and does not crack. The hybrid is characterized by high frost resistance, which allows it to be grown even in the regions of the middle lane.
All berries are large and very large
Pros:
- good taste;
- stable high yield;
- excellent rooting of cuttings;
- very high frost resistance;
- immunity to major diseases and pests;
- keeping quality;
- transportability.
Cons:
- cuttings and seedlings are expensive;
- little yield data.
Features of landing
The place for planting Alvika grapes should be well lit, even without a slight shadow. The optimal time is mid-autumn (from late September to early October), when during the day the temperature is in the range from 5 to 15 degrees. In the middle lane, the Chernozem region, you can plan an earlier landing, in the southern regions – until the end of October.
Alvika grape seedlings or cuttings should be purchased from nurseries, private collectors or local vine growers’ societies. They must have sufficient long roots – more than 12 cm and several young green shoots more than 15 cm high. Planting material must be healthy, without damage and signs of disease.
It is advisable to prepare the site for planting in the summer. Humus or compost is added to it (in a bucket of 2 m2), and if the soil is clayey, add sand or sawdust (1 kg for the same area). A few hours before planting, Alvik grape seedlings are soaked in a mash with clay and a growth stimulator (Kornevin, Heteroauxin, Zircon or other preparations).
When planting Alvika grapes, they act like this:
- Dig a hole measuring 70 * 70 cm.
- Small stones are laid on the bottom – the layer height is at least 10 cm.
- They put the seedling in the center, straighten the roots.
- Bury with fertile soil so that the root neck is exactly flush with the surface.
- Watered with a bucket of water, mulched for the winter.
Care instructions
Caring for Alvika grapes is simple, as evidenced by gardeners’ reviews. It is recommended to follow the standard rules of agricultural technology:
- Watering 2-3 times a month, in drought – weekly (2 buckets per adult bush).
- Fertilizers are applied twice. In April, they give superphosphate (60 g), urea (90 g), potassium sulfate (30 g per bush). On the eve of flowering, ammonium nitrate (120 g), potassium sulfate (80 g) and superphosphate (16 g) are added.
- The soil is periodically loosened, weeding is done.
- Landings are mulched with straw, sawdust or other material.
- In mid-November, Alvika grapes are covered for the winter. The vine must be removed from the supports, twisted into a ring, laid on the ground and pressed down with stones. Pine spruce branches are thrown from above, straw – a layer height of at least 20 cm.
If the rules of care are observed, the yield of the hybrid is very high.
During fruiting, 30 g of potassium sulfate and 60 g of superphosphate are given per bush.
Conclusion
Alvika grapes are characterized by high yields, large fruits and a pleasant taste. In the care of the hybrid is quite simple, the plants normally tolerate temperature changes and even frost. Diseases are rarely affected, so the yield is stable.
Reviews of Alvika grapes
