Grape "Blagovest"

Origin: Талисман × Кишмиш лучистый. Obtained by V.N. Kraynov, amateur selection, Russia

Grape «Blagovest» – a hybrid form of table grape of early ripening; from budbreak to full ripeness it takes 115-125 days. Ripens in mid-August.

Bushes medium to vigorous. Cane ripening is good, approximately to ½ of the length. Capable of yielding on first- and third-order lateral shoots.

Flower bisexual. Flowering in ordinary years occurs in early June. Pollination very good. Self-fertility high.

Bunch large, weighing 600-1100 (2500) g, size 26-28x23-25 mm, cylindro-conical or conical, medium density. Berries very large, average weight 9-12 g, oval or slightly nipple-shaped. Skin dense, edible, green-yellow, when fully ripe becomes amber. Flesh juicy, meaty, crisp, medium density, harmonious flavor with a slight muscat aroma. Not susceptible to coulure. Only slightly affected by wasps. Yield high (up to 45 kg) and stable. Transportability and marketability high; with crop overload market qualities decrease.

Sugar content 18.5 g/100 cm³ at acidity 7.6 g/dm³.

Winter hardiness zone: -23°C

Site: undemanding to soil, but grows better on light, sufficiently moist, well-warmed and well-drained ground.

Planting and care: similar to those for cultivated grape.

Training: three-arm fan

Pruning: Plant load up to 30-35 buds. Shoot load 22-24 with a feeding area of 4-6 sq. m. Prune fruiting canes to 8-10 or to 3-4 buds.

Diseases and pests: Resistance to downy mildew – 3.5-4.0 points. Resistance to other fungal diseases – 2.5-3.0 points.

Propagation: Cuttings root very well. Compatibility with rootstocks good.

Use: a good commercial cultivar. Distinguished by high and stable yields, large attractive bunches, large berries, and high disease resistance.