Grape Senator.

Grapes of the "Senator" variety have recently been the subject of active discussion among winegrowers and gardeners. Despite the fact that they began to grow it recently, the variety has already acquired a lot of fans. However, one of the amateur breeders, about two years ago, in Ukraine received a hybrid, also named by him "Senator". The presence of two varieties of the same name causes some confusion in the ranks of gardeners and summer residents. So, at first glance, both "Senators" are completely different, one is a dark burgundy color with large berries, the other is green with a yellowish tinge. At the same time, the varieties have many characteristics in common.

In this article, we will consider the features and characteristics of each of the two hybrids, so that in the future, there will be no confusion when choosing and buying grapes, and the results of your work would not disappoint expectations.

History of the name of varieties.

So, "Senator" first appeared about ten years ago and is the result of the work of the famous and one of the most successful Russian breeders E.G. Pavlovsky. For this reason, the variety received another name "Senator" Pavlovsky. This hybrid is obtained from grape varieties Maradona and Gift to Zaporozhye.

"Senator" the second is a hybrid obtained by A.V. Burdak, so you can often find his second name "Senator Burdak". To breed a hybrid, the breeder used the Arcadia and Talisman varieties. Despite the fact that this hybrid has not undergone official research, it can be commercially available. Moreover, the recommendations of the practicing gardeners, the cultivation of this grape, contribute to its rise in popularity.

Grape seedlings offered for sale under the name "Senator" are nevertheless more often the "Senator" Pavlovsky variety. In any case, when buying planting material, it will not be superfluous to clarify what color the grapes have. This characteristic is most evident when the two varieties are distinguished.

Senator "senior" (Pavlovsky).

This is a table grape, which means that it has an excellent taste and, first of all, is recommended for fresh consumption. The grapes of this variety are early maturing, that is, the harvest can be harvested in 110 - 125 days. The bunches of grapes are attractive in appearance, the berries are weakly affected by pests and various diseases.

In regions with mild climates, the grapes ripen in late summer.

The bushes are distinguished by active growth, branching, as well as a powerful and long vine.

Saplings of this variety take root easily and quickly gain green mass, so the propagation of grapes is not difficult.

The leaves are characteristic for grapes, but slightly larger, with dark green veins.

The presence of other varieties for pollination of grapes in this case is not required, since the flowers of the plant are bisexual.

The fruits are large, the weight of one berry can be up to 18 g, they are even, regular oval and burgundy in color. The flesh of the fruit is tender and not very dense. The number of seeds depends on climatic conditions and cultivation techniques. By the way, most of us throw away grape seeds when we eat. At the same time, scientific studies have shown that bones contain a whole storehouse of substances and useful elements necessary for the body. And many manufacturers of vitamin complexes increasingly include grape seed extract in their composition.

The peel of the berries is thin, chewable well when eaten fresh.But, at the same time, it is durable, allowing to transport grapes over long distances.

Bunches of grapes are large, resembling a cone in shape. The weight of one bunch, provided optimal conditions for growth, as well as proper care, can be up to one and a half kilograms.

The fruits of this variety are distinguished by a pleasant sweet taste, with a pronounced nutmeg hue.

Despite the fact that the grapes are approved for areas with moderate climatic conditions and regions with mild winters, the plant is able to withstand temperatures down to minus 24 degrees without any shelter. Gardeners who cultivate this variety in areas with lower winter temperatures recommend covering the vine.

Grapes are resistant to pathogenic fungi and infections, and are also weakly susceptible to attacks by insect pests.

As already noted, the berries are well transported and stored for a rather long time without changing the presentation.

The hybrid created by Pavlovsky is undoubtedly a breeder's success. The grape has some disadvantages, however, it has much more advantages, which is confirmed by the growing popularity of the variety.

So, the plant is distinguished by high viability of seedlings and active growth of the vine. Frost resistance, which, as gardeners note, is higher than that declared for this variety. Consistently good yields of large and juicy berries. Ease of growing and easy care of the bushes. Good resistance to diseases and various pests of grapes.

Despite the fact that "Senator" is classified as a table variety, winegrowers successfully use the fruits to prepare wine, which turns out to be aromatic, moderately sweet with hints of nutmeg.

The disadvantages of a hybrid are largely due to growing vines in a climate not suitable for grapes, as well as errors in plant care.

So, for example, the number of minuses includes cracking of fruits during long rainy periods. Inconvenience caused by the need to remove the vine from the support in the autumn-winter period, when growing grapes in regions with cold winters. In addition, according to a number of tasters, the flesh of this variety is rather loose, lacking the “crunch” characteristic of grapes.

Obviously, with such quality characteristics, the demand for this variety remains high, and some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of this. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase planting material in proven and proven garden centers, nurseries or from winegrowers who directly grow this variety, and who have the opportunity to clearly demonstrate all its characteristics.

Senator "junior" (Burdaka).

Since this variety began to be cultivated quite recently, reviews about it have appeared only recently.

Recall that experimental tests have not yet been passed, and for this reason the variety is not in the relevant registers, but it managed to deserve a positive assessment of many gardeners and private winegrowers.

The vigorous grape bush, the vine actively grows, forming a powerful crown.

Fruits are oval in shape, even, have a green color with a yellowish tinge, not prone to pea. The average weight of a bunch is up to 1200 kg, the shape is conical. The berries are tightly adjacent to each other, while the bunch is not full.

Grapes ripen early, the growing season does not exceed 120 days.

The hybrid is distinguished by good frost resistance, as well as immunity to various infections that affect the vine.

The pulp of the fruit is juicy, the taste is sweet, with a slightly noticeable hint of nutmeg.

The grapes tolerate transportation and storage well. The market value of the variety is also high.

The productivity of the bush depends on the growing conditions, as well as the correct and timely care of the vine. Yet, according to most gardeners, the variety is characterized by high yields.

The size of the grapes of this variety is somewhat smaller than that of "Senator" Pavlovsky, and this is another difference between the varieties in addition to the different color of the berries.

Agrotechnics of grapes.

In addition to the fact that both "Senators" have similar characteristics, the growing conditions and the rules of vine care for these varieties are also no different.

The soil for planting grape seedlings must be loose and breathable. For the palatability of the fruit, it is important that the grapes receive the maximum amount of sunlight. Therefore, if possible, it is better to choose the site on the south side or slightly to the west. Some growers grow vines on slopes that are better lit and warm. In this case, it is more correct to place the planting across the slope, so you will prevent the washing out of the fertile soil layers during the rains. Also, it is important to remember that constant wind and drafts negatively affect the development of the vine and its yield.

Planting seedlings can be done in trenches or holes. The length, width and depth of the planting hole should not be less than 60 cm. In the case of planting grapes in trenches, one should be guided by the same dimensions.

Experts advise to prepare a site for planting grapes in advance. When planting seedlings in spring, preparatory measures are carried out in the fall. It should be borne in mind that the minimum period that must be maintained from the moment of digging a hole or trench to planting cuttings in them is two weeks.

In the case where groundwater occurs close to the surface, drainage must be provided. To do this, crushed stone, expanded clay or crushed brick is poured at the bottom of the hole, and then a layer of coarse sand. Next comes the fertile soil, which is poured into a layer approximately 45-50 cm thick, mixed with organic matter or a complex of mineral substances. The grape stalk is placed in the center of the planting hole, carefully adding the soil. After the ground is lightly tamped and watered plantings.

Some gardeners use a clay mash to preserve the roots of plants before planting, after cutting them a little and removing the damaged shoots.

Vine care.

Stable and high yields can only be expected with proper grape care.

In the case of the varieties in question, caring for the bushes does not present any difficulties.

So, regular watering is more necessary for young seedlings, during the period of their rooting and adaptation. For adult plants, it is enough to water in a drought, when the weather is so hot that the soil cracks. In general, in the case of this culture, it is not recommended to be zealous with watering, since waterlogging can lead to cracking of the fruits and their rotting.

The soil of the trunk circle is recommended to be mulched. In summer, this will protect the root system from overheating, and in winter it will serve as a shelter. If humus is used as mulch, then the plant will also receive fertilizers.

Grapes are good for any top dressing, including: rotted manure, poultry droppings, minerals. However, at various stages of the development of the bush, experts advise to apply certain types of fertilizers.

So, before flowering, grape bushes are sprayed with a solution of boric acid with the addition of zinc sulfate. When the so-called eyes of the grapes open, the bush is fed with ammonium nitrate. After the end of flowering, nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied. When the berries begin to ripen, superphosphates and potassium sulfate are used. And if you notice the softening of the berries, then the grapes must be fertilized with phosphate-containing substances.

Vine care includes mandatory pruning. It is better to carry out this procedure in the spring. For this variety, both medium pruning is suitable, for 5-8 eyes, and long - for 10-15. If pruning is carried out in the fall, then it is recommended to leave a few more eyes, in case they freeze.In addition, you need to remember about formative pruning, otherwise the vine will simply break off under the weight of large bunches. The optimal number of them on each shoot is one or two.

Despite the resistance of both varieties to disease, you shouldn't risk neglecting just a few preventive treatments. The first spraying is carried out at the stage of appearance of 3-5 leaves. For these purposes, use a solution of "Ridomil" - a fungicide that acts on a whole range of diseases. During the opening of the bushes, they are treated with iron vitriol. They are also sprayed with bushes after the leaves fall. While the ovaries are still the size of small peas, the plant is treated with the fungicides Acrobat and Topaz.

Reviews of gardeners.

Unfortunately, among the gardeners who shared the reviews, there were no ones who would grow grapes of both varieties and could give their comparative characteristics.

However, each of the hybrids separately deserved a positive assessment.

Grape Many people fell in love with the "Senator" varieties of Pavlovsky for their sweet taste, which goes well with notes of nutmeg.

The variety "Senator" Burdak turned out to be much more difficult to find. Those gardeners who managed to acquire planting material note the rapid rooting of seedlings and their active growth. At this stage, the grape bush shows good development, and the taste can be judged in a couple of years, when the grapes give the first harvest.

Thus, despite the similar characteristics of the varieties, they are unlikely to compete with each other, since they differ in the main thing - in taste. However, both varieties, of course, are worthy of choosing them, especially since even novice gardeners and winegrowers can grow them.