Witch's fingers grapes - one of the most unusual and spectacular varieties

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Many people value grapes for their beneficial properties and excellent taste. Breeders have bred a huge number of varieties of this berry. The most exotic of them is the "witch's fingers" grape, which has an unusual elongated shape.

History of variety breeding

Witch's fingers grapes were first grown in 2002 by American scientists. The variety was bred at the University of Arkansas, which has its own agricultural site. The creation process took place with the help of hand pollination of one American variety with several Mediterranean varieties.

Purchase of planting material

Unfortunately, "witch's fingers" grape seedlings are not sold on the territory of the Russian Federation, so the only way to grow this variety is to buy seeds in America or China. In this case, a package of 50 pieces will cost 30-70 rubles, but the possibility of their germination is extremely small.

What species does it belong tograde?

Witch's fingers grapes belong to red table varieties, so it is advised to use it fresh, without undergoing any processing. It is also a hybrid form of the "kishmish" species, that is, despite the large size, the berries have a very small number of seeds.

Many growers consider this variety to be elite, due to its small distribution around the globe and, accordingly, a small amount of crop grown.

But Russian summer residents also have the opportunity to grow unusual berries on their plot. There is a hybrid twin of the Witch's Fingers grape variety, which is called Alyonushka. It is distributed throughout the country, and it is much easier to purchase it.

Description

"Witch's fingers" - grapes, the description of which should begin with the unusual appearance of the berries. They are distinguished by a matte purple, deep blue or black-blue color and an oblong shape.

The berries are dense in texture, their skin is strong. Taste quality remains at the highest level. The variety is very sweet, juicy and rich, it is believed that it resembles a sweet plum. There is also a slight aftertaste of lambrusca grapes.

The bush of plants is quite tall, it is characterized by rapid growth.

In terms of its useful qualities, this variety is in no way inferior to its counterparts, but it is distinguished by a small amount of tannins and low acidity.

Now breeders are testing the white grape variety "Witchesfingers", which will have the same shape and delicate, sweet taste.

Features

Producers of the variety have done a good job on its quality characteristics. Grapes "witch's fingers" can be grown both on an industrial scale and on the territory of a summer cottage. It is unpretentious in care, can withstand the climatic conditions of central Russia, while bringing a good harvest.

Highly resistant to various diseases affecting this fruit and berry crop.

This variety ripens in the middle of summer, on average, it takes from 115 to 125 days to grow "witch's fingers" grapes. Due to these qualities, he belongs to the early-middle type.

The flower of the plant is bisexual, so when growing such berries, you do not need to take care of proper pollination, which is very convenient for large volumes.

On average, one berry weighs from 7 to 10 grams.

The weight of a whole bunch ranges from 700 to 1,500 grams.

The bush is able to withstand temperatures down to -23 degrees, so if there is a risk of a frosty winter, the plant must be carefully covered, thereby protecting it from cold air.

The yield of the variety is average.

Resistance to various diseases

Witch's fingers grapes, the photo of which can be seen below, refers to the dessert species of this crop. Due to its high sugar content and low acidity, it is rarely affected by various diseases. But the possibility of the appearance of an ailment cannot be ruled out, therefore it is veryit is important to know how to get rid of it quickly and efficiently.

1. Downy mildew and penosporosis - the variety has good resistance to such diseases, colloidal or ground sulfur, "Topaz" and "Skor" are used as prophylaxis.
2. Bacterial cancer - the "witch's fingers" grape variety is rarely affected by such an ailment, but if infection occurs, Fitoverm, Gamair, Extrasol or Fitolavin are used.
3. Rodents can significantly spoil the grapes, so you should protect the plant from the attacks of animals who want to eat delicious berries. For such purposes, sawdust, ash or peat with the addition of creolin are scattered on the ground within a radius of a meter from the bush.
4. Birds are also a serious problem for gardeners who grow this fruit crop. Berries are easy prey, and rarely any bird will be able to fly past. To divert their attention, you can hang drinkers on neighboring trees, but this method does not promise an ideal result, the risk of losing part of the crop in any case remains.
5. Wasps - since the "witch fingers" are distinguished by a dense skin, it will be difficult for insects to get close to the pulp. Only those berries that were previously pecked by birds attract the attention of wasps.

Another distinctive feature of the variety is its safety and naturalness, because when it was created, scientists did not resort to genetic modification. Grapes "witch's fingers"ideal for sale, the sweet taste combined with the unusual shape can bring good returns to suppliers. The only difficulty is the purchase of planting material, it can only be purchased outside the Russian Federation.