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In recent decades, not only residents of the southern regions have become ill with the cultivation of grapes, many gardeners of the middle lane are also trying to settle a wine berry on their plots and quite successfully. Many are no longer content with just taste and unpretentious care, but strive to grow a grape variety with the largest berries and bunches. Among the many varieties and hybrid forms of grapes bred in recent decades, the achievements of the amateur breeder V.N. Krainova. This article is devoted to the description of the Ataman grape variety, reviews of which are very contradictory, but the photos of the berries are very attractive.
Description of the Ataman variety
The Ataman grape was born as a result of crossing two very popular grape varieties - Talisman and Rizamat. Both parental forms have outstanding characteristics, and the Ataman inherited most of them, although he proved to be very susceptible to growing conditions. Rizamat rewarded him with huge berries and high yields, and from the Talisman he inherited stability, good maturity of shoots and rooting of cuttings.
The leaves of Ataman grapes are large in size, have a slight pubescence on the lower part of the leaf. The flowers are bisexual, so the bush can be planted even in splendid isolation, the harvest will still be there. Problems with the reproduction of this grape variety are not foreseen, since the cuttings root well and fusion with rootstocks during grafting also occurs at the highest level.
In terms of ripening, the Ataman grape variety belongs to medium or even medium-late - from the moment the buds open to the ripening of the berries, it takes about 130-145 days. In the south, the berries can begin to ripen from the beginning to the first half of September. For more northern regions, the ripening dates are shifted closer to October. The ripening of Ataman grapes can be significantly accelerated by grafting it onto early-maturing rootstocks, as demonstrated in the video below.
Ataman bushes have considerable growth power, especially on their own roots. Therefore, it is mandatory for them to normalize the harvest, otherwise ripening may be delayed until the very frost, the vine will not have time to ripen, and the bushes will leave unprepared in the winter. Not only can this affect the frost resistance of the bushes, but in the next season the vines may refuse to bear fruit at all, trying to restore the strength spent on the surplus harvest of the previous year.
The optimal load on an adult bush should be, according to various sources, from 30-40 to 55-60 eyes. In this case, fruitful shoots make up 50-65% of the total mass of shoots. The fruiting factor is thus 0.9 - 1.1.
Pruning of fruiting vines is recommended for 8-10 buds and is best done in the fall, after the end of fruiting, before sheltering the grape bushes for the winter. In the summer, it is only necessary to cut out individual shoots and stepsons thickening the bush.
Frost resistance of the Ataman hybrid form is average - grapes can withstand up to -24 ° C without shelter. Therefore, in the overwhelming majority of regions of Russia, it must be sheltered for the winter. According to gardeners, this grape does not tolerate shelter with earth in the best way - it is better to use plywood or wooden shields, slate with coniferous spruce branches and straw as shelters.
One of the advantages of the Ataman grape is its undoubted yield. Thanks to the rationing of the shoots, it can be kept within the framework, but this hybrid form is capable of a lot with good care. Many growers easily collect several 10-12 liter buckets of berries from one bush.
Disease resistance of Ataman grapes is the most controversial among those who grow this variety on their plots. According to the breeder, it is average. With regard to mildew and mildew - resistance is 3 -3.5 points. Indeed, several preventive treatments are often enough for grapes. But about a variety of rot, opinions are less favorable. Gray rot lesions are especially common. Many growers note the special tendency of Ataman grapes to crack berries under conditions conducive to this phenomenon: a sharp transition from heat to heavy rains. And already through the cracks, an infection gets in, and the berries begin to rot strongly. To avoid these unpleasant moments, in addition to preventive fungicide treatments, you can use a regular moisturizing regimen. The ideal solution for industrial planting would be the installation of a drip irrigation system.
Characteristics of berries
Bunches and berries of the hybrid form of Ataman grapes are famous, first of all, for their size. According to reviews, some individual berries can reach the size of a good plum.
- The bunches are predominantly cylindrical-conical in shape, sometimes changing into a lobed one.
- The length of the bunches can be up to 35 cm with a width of about 15 cm.
- The mass of a bunch averages 900-1200 grams, but often reaches 2 kg.
- The density of the brushes is medium, sometimes increased.
- The shape of the berries is mostly oval.
- The berries have a beautiful pinkish-red hue; in the sun they darken and become more purple.
- The skin is firm, but completely edible, with a slight waxy bloom.
- The pulp is juicy and fleshy.
- The sizes of the berries are: in length -35-40 mm, in width - about 25 mm.
- The average weight of one berry is 12-16 grams.
- There are few seeds in the berries - 2-3 pieces.
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The berry's taste is harmonious, pleasant, without excessive sweetness, rather refreshing. The tasters estimate it at 4.2 points.
According to its purpose, the Ataman grape variety is a table one. It is of little use for making raisins or homemade wine. - The sugar content in berries is 16-20 g / 100 cc, acid - 6-8 g / cc. dm.
- Damaged by wasps to a moderate extent.
- Transportability of grapes is declared as high. Some agree with this. For others, this characteristic raises doubts, mainly due to the fact that if the berries crack, then there can be no question of any transportation.
Gardeners reviews
As mentioned above, reviews of the Ataman grape are very controversial. Apparently, this is due to the strong dependence of this hybrid form on the growing conditions. Probably, there are also mis-grading facts.
Grape Ataman Pavlyuk
There is another hybrid grape form with a similar name, but with slightly different characteristics. Judging by the description of the Ataman Pavlyuk grape variety, they have a kinship with the Ataman grape in one of the parents, and it is clear from the photo that the berries are somewhat similar to each other.
Description and characteristics of berries
The Ataman Pavlyuk grape was bred by an amateur breeder V.U. By means of a drop by crossing the varieties Talisman and Autumn Black. It also belongs to medium-late grape varieties, as it usually ripens during September, depending on the area of cultivation.
The vigor of the bushes is above average, the vine ripens at a fairly early date along the entire length of the growth. On each shoot, from two to four inflorescences can be laid, so the grapes need normalization. Usually one, maximum two inflorescences are left per shoot.
Disease resistance is good. Of course, you cannot do without fungicide treatments, but you can get healthy bushes by performing only a few preventive sprays per season.
The yield is good, the bush can carry a very heavy load. The video below clearly shows what this grape variety is capable of.
Bunches can reach significant sizes, up to 2 kg, their average weight is 700-900 grams. The berries are dark purple, almost black in color. The shape is oval, the size of the berries is large, the average weight of one berry is 10-12 grams. No peeling is usually observed. The taste is very pleasant, sweet with harmonious sourness. The pulp is firm and fleshy.
Under suitable conditions, bunches of grapes can easily be stored until the New Year, and some even until spring.
Testimonials
The Ataman Pavlyuk grape, for some unknown reason, is not very popular among winegrowers; it is grown by only a small number of amateurs. Although it does not possess particularly outstanding characteristics, those who grow it on their plots are completely satisfied with it, and appreciate it for its reliability, yield and good taste.
Conclusion
Both the Ataman and Ataman Pavlyuk grapes are worthy hybrid forms, the greatest value of which is the size of their berries and their yield. Of course, each variety has its own nuances in cultivation, which must be taken into account. But each gardener chooses for himself which characteristics are more significant for him.
