Grapes Ruslan

The birthplace of grapes of the hybrid form Ruslan is Ukraine. Breeder Zagorulko V.V. crossed two well-known varieties: Kuban and Gift to Zaporozhye. The resulting large-fruited table hybrid is still little studied, but has already spread across the territory of Belarus, Our Country and Kazakhstan. Ruslan grapes were highly appreciated at an exhibition in the Crimea.

Hybrid characteristics

Looking at the photo, the description of the Ruslan grape variety, the reviews of gardeners help to get to know the culture better. When crossing varieties with dark and light fruits, a hybrid was obtained that brings large clusters. Large berries are characterized by loose placement, as well as thin skin, which is practically not felt when eaten.

For fruit sellers, the Ruslan grape variety is of particular interest. The berries are firmly attached to the bunch, without crumbling during transportation. The harvested crop is stored for a long time without losing its presentation.

Grapes refers to hybrids of early ripening. Technical maturity of berries occurs in early August. Approximately 105 days pass from the appearance of buds to harvest. In cold summer, the ripening period can be delayed up to 120 days.

Getting acquainted with the description of Ruslan grapes, let’s take a closer look at the description of the berries:

• fully ripened fruits acquire a rich blue color with a black tint;
• the skin on top is covered with a white bloom, easily erased by hand;
• the shape of the fruit is elongated in the form of a regular oval;
• there are no small berries in the brush;
• in the sweet pulp there are notes of plum aroma;
•  a thin peel reliably protects the pulp from cracking, but is practically not felt when chewed;
• the mass of one berry varies between 10–20 g;
• inside the dense and juicy pulp there are two bones;
• sugar content – 18 g / 100 cm³, acids – 6,5 g / l.

Table grapes Ruslan brings brushes weighing 0,5-0,9 kg. The berries are medium, sometimes tightly adjacent to each other. If fewer clusters are left on the vine, their weight will increase to 1,2 kg. Ruslan grapes are grown on an industrial scale and by amateur gardeners.

Positive and negative qualities of the variety

Concluding to consider the description of the Ruslan grape variety, it is worth dwelling on the positive qualities:

• bisexual flowers are well pollinated even with minimal participation of insects;
• the variety is considered high-yielding, and the ripening rate is 75%;
•  mature bunches are able to hang on the vine for a long time without losing their taste and presentation;
• the pulp is saturated with a vitamin complex, which makes it possible to use Ruslan grapes for the manufacture of medicines;
• the hybrid is resistant to pests, fungi, and mature berries do not attract insects;
• cuttings after planting take root well and grow quickly;
• Ruslan does not tolerate an abundance of moisture, but even in such conditions rot does not appear on the berries.

Ruslan grapes tolerate frosts well. The vine remains alive at temperatures down to -25^оC. The thin skin of the berries is so strong that it is not afraid of light mechanical stress.

The disadvantage of the Ruslan grape variety is poor moisture tolerance. The berries on the clusters do not rot, but the skin cracks, and the outflow of sweet juice begins to lure small flies.

Features of landing

Looking through reviews, photos, a detailed description of Ruslan grapes, you can decide whether you need to start a culture in your garden. It is easier to make a final decision after getting acquainted with the features of growing a hybrid.

The soil is being prepared for planting Ruslan grape seedlings. The soil is mixed with humus and peat. Drainage is arranged in the pits, and a peg is driven in the center. After planting, the seedling is tied to a support until it takes root. When planting Ruslan in rows between the holes, they maintain a distance of at least 1,5 m. If the site allows, the seedlings are planted in large steps. The vine of adult bushes grows strongly and it needs free space.

The optimal row spacing is 3 m. Free spans simplify harvesting, caring for the vine, and also provide good ventilation. With a rare planting, the grapes are less susceptible to diseases, and the clusters ripen faster.

Airing between rows accelerates the evaporation of moisture. Ruslan does not tolerate constant dampness. From a large amount of water, the berries are poured with excess juice. The skin does not withstand wateriness, and the fruits begin to crack.

The further development of the vine, the setting and ripening of berries depends on the correct choice of a place for planting seedlings. For Ruslan, the sunniest site is chosen, located on the south or south-west side. In autumn, the vine in cold regions is covered. The hybrid withstands frosts down to -23^оC, but no one is immune from the gifts of nature.

Methods of reproduction

Experienced gardeners use three methods for propagating Ruslan grapes:

1. Planting seedlings with roots. The most common method of propagation is based on the germination of cuttings harvested from a mature vine. In early spring, with the onset of heat, Ruslan’s seedlings are planted with unblown buds. In mid-May, awakened planting material with leaves is used. Ruslan’s seedlings can be planted in autumn. This is usually done in October, so that rooting occurs before the onset of frost. Immediately after planting, the Ruslan grape seedling is sheltered from the cold for the night.
2. Grafting cuttings on an old vine. The propagation method is complex and suitable for experienced gardeners. If a vine grows in the yard, but you don’t like the variety, Ruslan can be grown on its roots by grafting. Cuttings will fit with awakened and sleeping buds. The Ruslan variety is grafted in spring and autumn, when there are warm days outside.
3. The simplest way to propagate is to dig a long lash of Ruslan’s mature vine in the summer. The soil in this place is constantly kept moist so that the shoot takes root. The next season, and preferably two years later, the lash is cut off from the main grape bush. Ruslan’s seedling continues to grow on its own roots.

For an experienced gardener, the propagation of Ruslan grapes is a simple matter. Use any of the three methods. For beginner growers, it is better to buy a ready-made seedling or use the method of burying the vine in the ground.

Fit Tips

Fertile soil is only half the requirements for successful grape growing. Ruslan needs good drainage, which ensures the free outflow of excess moisture from the root system.

Preparing a pit for planting consists of the following steps:

• For a grape seedling, they dig a hole with a width, depth and length of 80 cm.
• Drainage is laid first on the bottom of the hole. Crushed stone, small stone or gravel will do. From above, the drainage is covered with three buckets of humus mixed with fertile soil and peat.
• The pit is settled for at least 14 days until the day of planting the grape seedling. During this time, the soil will shrink.
• Ruslan’s seedling is chosen with a strong root system and two eyes.
• After shrinkage, soil is still poured into the pit, laying it out in a slide. You can add 1 tbsp. l. mineral fertilizer.
• The seedling is lowered into the hole, bending the roots to the side, and covered with earth to the neck.

After planting the grapes, 3 buckets of water are poured into the hole. After soaking, the soil will still sag. If a peg is driven in the center of the pit, the grape seedling is tied for stability. The earth in the hole is covered with mulch. Sawdust or peat will do.

Care instructions

Ruslan does not require special care. The variety is unpretentious, but it is impossible to completely leave it to spontaneous growth. Stepsons quickly form in grapes. They need to be cut in a timely manner, plus watering, top dressing and other procedures.

Watering

Ruslan does not need frequent watering. The only exception is dry summers. Mandatory watering of the grapes is carried out before flowering and during the ripening of the bunches. After water has been absorbed, the soil around the trunk is loosened, and then covered with mulch from above.

Additional fertilizing

As a fertilizer, many growers are accustomed to using organic matter. To apply top dressing around the stem of grapes, they dig a ditch deep on the bayonet of a shovel, pour 1,5 buckets of humus onto an adult bush and cover it with earth on top. Mineral fertilizers show good results. You can use complex mixtures.

Pruning vines

The intensively growing Ruslan grape vine is pruned. Otherwise, overloading the bush will affect the low yield. In adult grapes, a maximum of 35 shoots with six eyes are left. Dried vines are cut in autumn. Leaves and uncollected berries are removed from the bush.

Preparation for wintering

For the winter, Ruslan grapes are sheltered in regions where the temperature drops below -20^оC. The earth around the trunk is covered with a 10 cm layer of sawdust or straw. The vine is covered with shields, spruce branches, film, or simply covered with earth.

Disease Prevention

Ruslan is resistant to the main diseases of grapes – mildew and oidium. However, in the spring at the beginning of the growing season, preventive spraying with anti-fungal preparations will not hurt. When spots appear on the leaves, they begin serious treatment, but in a neglected state, the result will be poor.

Reviews

Photos, reviews, videos help to learn more about the description of the Ruslan grape variety, which we suggest that you familiarize yourself with.

In the video, Ruslan grapes at the age of one: