Chernysh grapes: characteristics and description, planting and care

In some regions of the Russian Federation, growing grapes is quite challenging. However, breeders have simplified this task, producing weather-resistant varieties. One popular variety is "Chernysh," developed at the Potapenko All-Russian Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking. Developed by crossing "Rusmol" and "Agat Donskogo," this variety is gaining popularity year after year.

Characteristics of the variety

Chernysh is a table grape variety. It ripens early, with clusters maturing in approximately 116-125 days. Harvest typically occurs in early August, although timing varies by region. The bushes are medium-sized, vigorous, and spreading, with numerous shoots. Chernysh is self-pollinating, producing bisexual flowers and therefore does not require pollinators. One or two clusters form on a single shoot, each weighing from 500 grams to a kilogram. The clusters are usually shapeless, sometimes cylindrical. The berries are round, large, ranging from 22 to 26 mm, and turn blue with a slight purple tint when ripe. The skin is dense, covered with a waxy coating, and the flesh is juicy and fleshy. The berries have a high taste, containing up to 16% sugar and 6 to 9 grams of acid per liter.

This variety is recommended for cultivation in central Russia. The vines ripen quickly and tolerate temperatures down to -25 degrees Celsius. The yield is high, with a mature vine yielding up to 14 kg. Chernysh grapes are suitable for fresh consumption and are also suitable for processing into juice and wine products. The variety has moderate resistance to common diseases. It is particularly resistant to the following diseases:

• mildew;
• oidium;
• gray mold;

The survival rate of cuttings is high, up to 99%. The bush contains 85% fruiting shoots, with 38 to 43 buds.

Advantages

• high yield;
• excellent immunity;
• attractive presentation;
• excellent berry taste;
• long-term preservation of berries on the bush;
• frost resistance;

Flaws

• If there is too much moisture, the berries will crack, which will spoil their marketable appearance;
• Direct exposure to scorching sunlight can cause berries to burn;

Growing

It's best to plant grapes in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Planting cuttings in the fall is not recommended, as they may not have time to root and will die when the cold weather sets in. Only fully grown seedlings are suitable. When planting several vines, leave a distance of 150-200 cm between them. Dig holes to an average depth of approximately 60-70 cm. Some agronomists recommend preparing the planting hole in advance, especially if the soil is poor. Place crushed stone or broken brick at the bottom, followed by a mixture of soil and humus, to which 20 g of superphosphate can also be added. After 14-21 days, dig the planting hole, place the seedling, and cover with soil mixture. Then compact the soil lightly and water with warm, settled water (20-25 liters).

The planting location is equally important; it should be sunny and protected from cold winds. To protect the still-young plant, you can place a bottomless bucket on top. Grapes require support to allow them to climb.

Care

To ensure normal development and high yields, grapevines need to be pruned. This is done in spring and fall, removing excess branches and distributing the load on the bush. Typically, pruning is done to 6-8 buds. Regardless of frost resistance, the vine must be protected for the winter. To do this, remove it from its support, cover it with a layer of soil, then sawdust or dry leaves, and finally cover it with plastic wrap.

Like any crop, grapes require watering, 4-5 times per season, depending on weather conditions. A mature plant typically requires 40 to 60 liters of water. To prevent diseases, it's best to take preventative measures. Before flowering, grapes are treated with Bordeaux mixture. Fertilizing solutions are best. Here's one popular recipe:

Ingredients:

• phosphorus fertilizers;
• nitrogen fertilizers;
• potash fertilizers;
• water;

Preparation and use:

Add 20 grams of each of the above-mentioned fertilizers to 10 liters of settled, room-temperature water and stir until completely dissolved. Water the grapes at the roots with the resulting solution; 5-7 liters of solution per plant is sufficient.

Reviews

Lyubov Ivanovna

I grow over 15 grape varieties on my plot, one of them being "Chernysh." We planted it eight years ago and it began bearing fruit in its second year, though we haven't harvested much. It has an excellent flavor; I love it; it makes delicious juice. It's highly disease-resistant; I haven't had a single infection in all that time, and I protect myself from wasps with containers of sweetened water. The bunches are large, weighing up to a kilogram, and ripen in early August.

Andrey

My brother grows vineyards and makes wine, and I'm just a hobbyist. Five years ago, he shared a cutting of "Chernysh" with me. I planted it in the spring and it survived the winter just fine, but it didn't start bearing fruit until a year later. The berries are high-quality, but they absolutely mustn't be overwatered, otherwise they crack and scar. We eat the grapes fresh and make compote; the yield is excellent, up to 12 kg.

"Chernysh" is an excellent, high-yielding grape variety grown in central and southern Russia. It requires little care, tolerates cold well, and has excellent immunity. The berries have excellent flavor, and are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing.