
Grape growers in the northern and central regions also now have the opportunity to successfully cultivate the berry. For the north-central winegrowers, amateur grape grower Viktor Kraynov developed a hybrid variety of the berry and named it "Nizina."
Description
The Nizina hybrid, often referred to as "Kraynov's Gift," is designed to be eaten without any processing. Its large clusters with large berries are simply impossible to miss. It belongs to the pink subgroup. varieties, although the berry color changes depending on the ripening period. From yellow-coral, the fruits turn purple-red by autumn.
Grape It is highly resistant to adverse growing conditions. Therefore, winegrowers successfully cultivate it not only in the southern regions but also in the northern ones. The bushes are covered for the winter only in areas where temperatures drop below -27 degrees Celsius.
It features elegant clusters with dense, large berries. It has excellent shelf life, keeping in the refrigerator for about 4-5 months. Even at the end of its shelf life, the berries remain attractive, juicy, and delicious.
Tendency to produce small berries on large bunches varieties This is not observed even when grown in unfavorable climates. And thanks to their thick skin, the berries are virtually undamaged by bees and wasps.
The color of Nizina berries changes depending on their exposure to ultraviolet light during ripening. The more sunlight the berries receive, the more pigment they contain, which deepens their color. Sucrose levels in the fruit reach 17%-19%, and the berries have a cherry-like flavor.
It is distinguished by its good transportability, withstanding long-distance shipments without losing its marketable appearance. The average bunch weight reaches 650-750g, but when plants are treated with growth stimulants, a single bunch can reach 2.5 kg.
Characteristics
This hybrid has a medium ripening period. Depending on the growing region, the growing season from bud break to technical maturity is 120-150 days. It is distinguished by:
- ripening of the vine during the cultivation season up to 60% of the bush height;
- powerful growth of shoots, which have a red-pink tint in the lower part;
- a highly developed root system;
- large clusters with conical berries of moderate density;
- fruit measuring 3.5 cm by 2 cm, weighing 9g-13g;
- coloring of berries 14 days before the onset of technical maturity;
- fleshy, juicy fruit pulp with a harmonious cherry flavor;
- completely edible, albeit with a dense skin;
- stable yield of up to 6.5 kg of fruit from one bush;
- increased sugar content up to 19%;
- the presence of 1-3 seeds in one fruit;
- low acid content in the pulp - no more than 0.8 g per 100 ml of juice;
- frost resistance up to -27 degrees.
Advantages
Main positive qualities varieties:
- extended ripening periods;
- possibility of cultivation in northern regions;
- full ripening of stems;
- 99% pollination;
- stable fruiting;
- absence of peas;
- high sugar content in fruits;
- good presentation;
- increased transportability;
- ability to withstand frosts without shelter down to -27 degrees;
- resistance to powdery mildew fungi oidium, downy mildew, botrytis;
- unattractiveness to wasps.
Flaws
The vineyards of this varieties They are not particularly demanding in terms of care. However, they do have some requirements for agricultural practices:
- Each planted plant requires a feeding area of at least 2.5m-3m during cultivation, therefore bushes need to be planted at a large distance from each other;
- formed bunches and shoots should be standardized, since if the entire harvest is left, the size of the fruits will be two to three times smaller;
- if the air temperature remains stable for two weeks above thirty degrees, varieties Immunity to powdery mildew spores is reduced. Therefore, preventative spraying with fungicides is necessary.
Pollinator varieties
In regions characterized by hot climates, prolonged dry winds, or prolonged rainfall, grape growers plant pollinator varieties near the "Lowland." Under unfavorable environmental conditions, varieties with female flowers can be planted. Many novice grape growers mistakenly believe that this should not be done because it will result in cross-pollination. However, this agricultural practice does not reduce the quality or yield of the fruit. Functionally, female flowers have:
- Mascot;
- Laura;
- Victoria;
- Bashkir early;
- Guna;
- Madeleine Angevin;
- Pukhlyakovsky;
- Chaush;
- Moldovan black.
Features of agricultural technology
The hybrid thrives in open, sunny locations; a lack of ultraviolet light negatively impacts the growth of the bush and the quality of the fruit. The vines dislike strong winds, so the vineyards should be planted in a draft-free location. The planting method is also crucial. In March-April, plant "unsung" cuttings or bury the layers. In late May, plant the blossomed cuttings or graft the woody shoots.
Features to look out for:
- Lighting conditions. Choose southern planting sites. Bushes planted on the north, east, and west sides will yield two to three times fewer clusters. The berries will have lower sugar content and diminished flavor.
- Draft protection. Branched shoots. grapes Plants with reproductive organs are very sensitive to strong gusts of wind, causing some to simply fly off. Separating areas with tall perennials and small hedges that act as barriers also help combat drafts in the garden.
- Soil composition. The "Nizina" hybrid will only produce fruit well in soil that is porous and rich in organic matter.
- Groundwater. Aquifers located at a depth of less than two meters will cause vineyard roots to rot. If groundwater is located at a depth of 0.30 m to 1.8 m, vines will require at least half a meter of drainage.
- Plant spacing on the plantation. This hybrid is highly branched, so seedlings should be planted 3-4 meters apart. Incorrect planting will result in reduced productivity, stunted plant development, and increased complexity of maintenance.
Planting seedlings
In late April or early May, prepare the soil for planting rooted cuttings. To do this, prepare planting holes and fill them with the required amount of soil to nourish the plants until autumn. Additionally, prepare the holes two weeks before planting to allow for soil settling:
- dig a hole 0.7m-1m deep and wide;
- add mineral fertilizers: potassium salt 50 g, superphosphate 60 g, saltpeter 50 g, potassium permanganate parchment 5 g;
- pour two buckets of well-rotted cow manure on top of the fertilizer;
- cover the mixture with one bucket of garden soil to prevent burns from young roots;
- Before planting, soak the root system of the seedling in water for half an hour, and then in a solution of Epin or Zircon for one hour;
- After soaking, lower the cutting into the ground to the level of the transition zone from the root to the stem, gradually covering it with soil;
- to compact the soil while planting the cutting, gradually pour water into the hole;
- After planting, pour two buckets of water over the future bush;
- Drive 4 metal or wooden stakes around the perimeter of the planted cuttings to easily cover the plants in unfavorable weather conditions;
- Place a covering material of grass, hay or straw 25cm-30cm high on the soil around the planted seedling.
Bush formation
In the first few years after planting the cuttings, the main task is to properly shape the bush and create favorable conditions for the development of vegetative mass:
- During the first growing season, the plant should grow two stems about two meters long with well-ripened leaf attachments before the onset of frost. Properly ripened vines can be achieved with timely watering and the application of complex fertilizers.
- In the second year after planting, once the shoots begin to grow, break off any excess shoots, forming a bush with four vines. Within a year and a half of planting, the root system of the cutting will have grown fivefold, so double the amount of fertilizing for the second season. Before wintering, shorten each of the four stems to 1-1.6 m.
- In the third season, install a support structure to support the plant. After the bushes unfurl in May, shorten each stem to 50-70 cm. Form the bush into eight stems, systematically pruning out any excess shoots throughout the season. Before covering in the fall, shorten each vine to 1-1.5 m.
Preparing for winter
Preparing a hybrid for frost is an important and crucial step. During the first few years of its life, young seedlings must be covered, even in regions where temperatures only drop below -10 degrees Celsius.
- A disease-free plant will survive the winter better, as fungal spores living on the vine won't weaken it. Therefore, to ensure a good wintering, preventatively treat the bushes with disease-fighting agents throughout the summer. Inspect the bush closely in early fall and remove any affected shoots.
- After autumn pruning, treat the bushes with the following preparations: Cabrio Top, Ridomil Gold, Shavit, Polycarbacin, Sumilex, Nitrafen, Vectra;
- cover bushes when the air temperature is from -7 to -8 degrees;
- To increase the immunity of the vineyard, keep the plants under cover as little as possible;
- Make sure the covering material is warm, lightweight, and breathable. Suitable covering materials include: hay, reeds, corn stalks, and agrofibre.
Reviews
Winegrowers who planted a hybrid form on their plots grapes "Lowland" shares their impressions:
Alexey, Stary Oskol
My "Nizina" bush is already four years old. Last season, fertilization occurred in the rain. I didn't even expect a harvest. But everything went perfectly. The flowers pollinated perfectly, and I harvested 4 kg of bunches from the bush, which, incidentally, were completely untouched by the wasps.
Nelly, Kyiv
I'd like to share my observations about the resilience of this "Nizina" variety. This year, the vines were left in the old plot because replanting them was no longer possible. The entire vineyard in the neighboring plots was "burned" by mildew. But "Nizina," growing in the shade of three enormous apple trees, managed to produce a few bunches and looked completely undamaged.
Transportability, resistance to pathogens and good taste make Nizina popular among many winegrowers.

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