Grapes of Athos: a description of the variety and photos

Grapes have long been a cultural plant. The man very much fell in love with this berry, found many uses for it and learned how to grow it. In the world there are a huge number of grape plantations, on which the most diverse varieties grow. However, the grape variety of Athos deserves special attention.

Characteristics of the variety

Athos refers to the supernormal varieties, which give the opportunity to harvest the first crop in July. This is quite early, other varieties by this time still only form fruit. In addition, grapes Athos is quite undemanding to the soil and care, and also shows great resistance to various diseases. It was withdrawn recently, at the very beginning of the 2000s, in the Ukrainian city of Starobelsk.

The grapes of Athos, whose photo can be seen in this article, is a product of crossing two very famous varieties (Codreanka and Talisman). He is loved not only for the early ripening of fruits, but also for excellent taste qualities. He absorbed all the best from his maternal varieties. Since the time when the buds blossomed the first kidneys, and until the maturity of the fruit is no more than a hundred days.

Grapes Athos: description, photo

This variety can be rightly attributed to high-yielding. From the moment of ripening berries can stay on the bush for about a month, while they do not lose their aesthetic and taste characteristics. They do not crack and do not crumble to the ground, they simply accumulate even more sugar, which makes the taste even more remarkable. At present, an important feature is that the grapes of Athos are unattractive to wasps, which makes it possible to keep the berries intact and not to worry that the insects will damage them. But he likes birds very much, so you should take care of them beforehand.

Grapes Athos is characterized by vigorous shrubs and large berries of cylindrical shape, pointed at the bottom. Fruits are dark blue with dense skin, but when consumed as food it is insensible. The weight of the brush can be from 700 g to 1.5 kg, which is quite a lot. Fruits have a juicy and very harmonious taste.

Berries can contain up to 19% of sugar, but acidity is not felt at all. The length of the fetus can reach 3 cm, and its weight is sometimes equal to 12 grams. Such a rich harvest can be fully bragged to relatives and neighbors.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Leaves in this variety have an average size and a dark green color. Shoots grow very quickly. Fruit-bearing vine is pruned approximately 6-7 kidneys. To the branches do not break under the weight of brushes, you should think in advance about the trellises and pegs, which will hold the mass of the crop.

The variety is frost-resistant, can tolerate a temperature drop of -23 ° C, is resistant to pests and diseases. Also it is easy to do without constant watering. However, to obtain excellent crops and healthy shrubs, you must carefully choose the planting material.

Application of grapes of grade Athos

The variety is suitable for winemaking, as well as eating fresh. In the production of wine can be combined with other varieties, giving the wine excellent taste. You can also make juice or jam from it.

The description of the grapes of the variety Atos characterizes it as suitable for transportation. It does not lose its attractive appearance and attracts customers. In tattered form can be stored for quite a long time.

Resistance to diseases

Description of grapes Athos characterizes it not only as a frost-resistant variety, but also as resistant to various diseases. All these positive characteristics are achieved due to the fact that the plant is a hybrid. It is less prone to fungal diseases, powdery mildew. However, there is a high risk of infection with gray rot, so care should be taken in advance for treatment against this disease and to take preventive measures.

Important is the time of acquisition of seedlings. We must try to choose the most healthy and viable material. It is necessary first of all to pay attention to that on the plant there were no mechanical damages, as well as incomprehensible spots on the trunk itself or on leaves. In no case should there be any hints of drying of the seedlings. On a young plant, at least three rootlets should be present, and the height of the shoot itself must be at least half a meter.

Buy plants for planting better in proven locations or specialized stores, otherwise you risk acquiring an already infected or non-viable material. Experienced viticulturists can easily grow for themselves a plant from the cuttings, but it is better for beginners to take an already rooted seedling.

Care of grapes of grade Athos

In general, grapes are a plant that is very fond of the sun. Athos in this regard is no exception. For its landing, the southern part of the site is best suited. In addition, in the territory that you have allocated for the vineyard, the groundwater must be at a depth of at least two meters, and ideally they should not be at all. It is necessary to plan the location of the drainage grooves in advance, since the underground waters wash away the roots and can lead to the death of your plant.

The grapes of Athos are to be planted in spring and autumn. In this spring it is necessary to wait for the full warming of the soil, and in autumn it is recommended to complete the planting works until the middle of October. The distance between the bushes should be equal to 1.2 - 2 m, and the depth of the pit should be made slightly more than half a meter. Drainage is done at the bottom of the pit. Before planting, roots that are longer than 10 cm are pruned. Also dead roots are removed. During planting, two growth buds are left above the soil level.

Treatment of diseases and pests

Despite the fact that the variety of Athos is resistant to diseases and pests, it still requires some preventive treatment. First of all, its main enemy is the gray rot. If it gets damaged, the berries become unsuitable for storage and transportation. In addition, the period of treatment for this illness can last from two to three years, so it is better to take preventive measures.

To avoid infection with gray rot, bushes need to be treated with a fungicide. In addition, it is recommended to ensure a good supply of fresh air to the brushes. For this purpose, the leaves are periodically thinned around them.
To prevent damage to the crop by birds, a hard grid with small holes is thrown onto the bushes. But from the leaf rollers will help save the vine treatment with an insecticide.

The grapes of Athos can become a real find for a beginning gardener due to its unpretentiousness, good yield and resistance to diseases.