Memory of Negrulya grapes: characteristics and description of the variety, planting and care

For several years now, the black grape "Memory of Negrul" has consistently held a leading position among new varieties in the selection collections. An appetizing appearance, unpretentiousness, and excellent taste are just some of the advantages of this time-tested variety. It has found favor not only among amateur gardeners but also among the "sharks" of the viticulture industry, which cultivates it on an industrial scale.

Description of the variety

The variety's origin is the Republic of Moldova. A team of scientists from the Moldovan Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking conducted grape selection in 1975. A new table black grape variety was developed by crossing two varieties, "Coarnă Neagră" and "Pierrell." The variety's name was dedicated to the memory of the great scientist Alexander Negrul. Although striking in its popularity and distribution throughout the Russian Federation, this grape has not yet been included in the national register of breeding achievements. In its homeland, following state testing, the variety was accepted and registered in 2015.

Ripening speed and cultivation regions

On average, 150 days pass from bud break to harvest maturity. Ripening time varies slightly depending on the growing region. According to winegrowers, the berries reach their peak sugar levels by September 10-15. These figures are consistent regardless of the garden's geographical location. Only in the south of the country does ripening time drop to 135-140 days.

This undemanding grapevine grows and bears fruit well in all regions. Its roots, located in the upper soil layer, and shoots can withstand temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius. This frost-hardy variety is suitable for cultivation even in northern regions, provided it receives additional shelter.

Description of grape bushes

The plant inherited a vigorous, tall vine from its parent varieties. With proper care, the upright shoots can reach a height of two meters. Three-quarters of the stem length matures per season. The five-lobed leaves are rich green, rounded, and have branched venation. The leaf surface is smooth on the outside, while the underside is slightly pubescent. This strong, resilient plant tolerates the heavy weight of its clusters.

The plants are endowed with strong immunity to the most insidious diseases. Winegrowers note that the vines are rarely affected by various types of rot, mildew, and oidium. Grape mites avoid the plantings. These qualities are very attractive to farmers, since in industrial plantings it is impossible to meticulously care for each vine.

Another positive feature of this variety is its self-pollination. The grapes don't require additional plantings and produce fruit beautifully on their own. Furthermore, the variety itself is a good pollinator for grapes with similar flowering times.

Characteristics of fruits

The Negrul Memorial grapes have the following characteristics:

• finger-shaped with a pointed tip;
• large (8-11 grams);
• the color is deep purple, almost black;
• the skin is dense, with a tart aftertaste and a pronounced waxy coating;
• the pulp is juicy, crispy, with 2-3 seeds;
• the taste is sweet, with a subtle sourness.

The berries are so attractive that they are sometimes mistaken for fakes. The larger-than-average clusters are often conical, sometimes cylindrical. The average weight of a cluster is 1-1.5 kg.

Productivity

This is a high-yielding variety. The plant produces its first signal cluster in its second or third year. Peak yield occurs in the eighth or ninth year after planting. A hobbyist can harvest 10-12 kg per square meter of planting. When grown over large areas, yields average approximately 200 kg per hectare.

Variety designation

The berries have a wide range of uses. They are suitable for eating straight from the bush as a sweet treat. Homemade wine, juices, compotes, and jams—all this and more can be made from the fruits of the "Memory of Negrul" variety. By planting several bushes in a plot, you can harvest not only for your own use but also for sale. Selling the harvest will be hassle-free. Marketable berries sell quickly at agricultural fairs.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Taking into account the characteristics of the variety and reviews from winegrowers, the positive features of the Negrul Memorial grape include:

• frost-resistant;
• unpretentious;
• easily adapts to various climatic conditions;
• drought-resistant;
• high-yielding;
• self-pollinating;
• has strong immunity;
• commercial appearance of berries;
• good taste.

The only negative feature that can be noted is the presence of seeds in the berries, which is not a significant drawback.

Features of cultivation and care

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Grapes are an unpretentious vine that grows and bears fruit in its natural environment without human intervention. Cultivated grape varieties, however, require minimal care in temperate continental climates. This consists of simple procedures familiar to any gardener.

Landing

Planting grape seedlings The best time to plant is in the fall. Selecting planting material in the fall is better, and the seedlings themselves are much stronger than those planted in the spring. The planting time is determined by the regional climate. But in any case, it should be done no later than a month before the first frost. In the spring, this timing depends on how quickly the soil warms up and the time before the next frost subsides.

A high, sheltered, sunny spot is best for grapes. The "Memory of Negrul" grape also grows well in partial shade. Tall vines require ample space, so space plants at least 2 meters apart. When planting, it's important to ensure good drainage. Line the bottom of the planting hole with a 20-30 cm layer of broken brick or coarse expanded clay. The seedlings should be positioned at a slight angle toward the support they will be supported on.

Fertilizer should only be applied at planting time to poor, depleted soils. However, if the soil has been regularly fertilized or the area hasn't had any crops for a long time, it's possible to do without it.

Watering

The plant's powerful root system extends deep into the soil, so it can provide itself with moisture. Of course, this doesn't apply to young plants during their first 3-4 years of life. They need timely watering, especially in dry years. Apply 1-2 buckets per plant, depending on age and weather conditions. To conserve moisture, it's best to mulch the vineyard soil with straw or mown, dried grass.

Top dressing

In spring, as soon as the snow melts, it's recommended to apply a complex mineral fertilizer, such as Kemira or Rastvorin, directly to the roots. Organic fertilizer is also recommended before flowering.

Apply one bucket of compost or well-rotted manure per square meter of trunk area. To improve fruit set, the grape tree can be treated with a boric acid solution.

During flowering and berry ripening, fertilizing should be stopped. Experienced winegrowers recommend adding a new portion of nutrients in the fall, using the following schedule:

• In September, organic matter is added during digging: liquid chicken manure diluted in a ratio of 1:10; rotted cow manure 2 buckets per 1 square meter, during digging.
• At the end of October, mineral fertilizers - phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, for example, dilute 30 grams of superphosphate and 30 grams of potassium sulfate in ten liters of water.

Bush formation

If you neglect the work on pruningThe grape tree will develop thin and frail branches. Fruit clusters will not form on such bushes. Removing only damaged and dried branches is not an option. The Negrul Memorial grape vines are very vigorous. Therefore, this approach will lead to severe plant crowding, poor vine ripening, and weakened immunity.

Form a bush Annually, in two stages: spring and fall. After the leaves fall, all runners, excess side shoots, and unripe parts of the vine are trimmed. For this variety, shortening the shoots to a medium length is appropriate, meaning there should be 6-8 buds left on each shoot. Work can begin after the first light frost.

To avoid excessive sap flow, spring pruning is gentle. Simply remove shoots at the very base of the bush and poorly developed branches.

Tying to a support

By the second year, Negrul's memory bushes reach a height of over 1.5 meters. Therefore, providing support and tying the plant is essential. Furthermore, proper tying ensures:

• better ventilation;
• decorative appearance;
• more sunlight;
• better pollination;
• easy care.

In early spring, dry staking is applied to the shoots before they have bloomed. During the summer, as the vine grows, staking is performed at least four more times. The trellis can be made of wood or metal. The structure should be at least 3 meters high. Soft twine is used for securing.

Pest and disease control

The Negrulya memory variety has a unique resistance to diseases and pests inherent to the crop. However, care errors can weaken even such a strong immunity. To prevent parasite attacks and pathogenic infections, it's important to keep the vineyard well-maintained. Regular maintenance tasks include:

• follow the planting pattern;
• remove weeds (can be replaced by mulching);
• do not allow the soil to become over-watered;
• engage in bush formation;
• apply fertilizers in a timely manner;
• harvest on time.

Preparing for the winter season

Covering the grapes This is only necessary in regions where temperatures drop and remain below 35 degrees Celsius for extended periods. In areas with little snowfall in winter, it's also better to play it safe and build a simple shelter. Fallen needles, agrofibre, or burlap can be used for this. It's best to install arches or wooden supports over the vines and then drape the covering material over them.

Reviews

Natalia, Leningrad Oblast

Of all my black varieties, "Negrulya" is the most easy-to-grow. I've been getting excellent yields for 13 years. I harvest about 20 kg from a single bush, which has grown quite large and occupies about two square meters. By the tenth year, the yield began to decline slightly, but rejuvenating pruning resolved this issue. The berries have a simple, grape-like, sweet flavor. One drawback I'd note is the presence of seeds in the berries.

Nina Mikhailovna, Yoshkar-Ola

Minimal maintenance, high yields, organic berries, and excellent taste—I can say all of this about the Negrul Memorial grape variety. Of all the possible agricultural practices, I only perform fall and spring pruning. In the fall, I cut the vines back to 10 buds, and in the spring, I remove excess or damaged shoots. Our winters are very snowy, so I don't cover the vines. Frost damage is not observed under good snowdrifts.

Conclusion

For those just starting out in viticulture or simply trying to grow a single grape bush in their garden, the Negrulya grape variety is a real find. Requiring no special conditions or complex cultivation techniques, it's a great start.