The Attica grape variety is distinguished by its high taste and commercial qualities. But not every gardener manages to achieve a generous and stable harvest of this type of crop. This is due to non-compliance with the basic requirements of the variety and errors in agricultural technology. Therefore, in order to achieve the desired result, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of this species and the features of its cultivation.
The history of the creation of the variety
This variety of grapes was bred about 40 years ago in Greece. Its creator is Michos Vassilos. This variety is based on the specific qualities of Alphonse Lavalle grapes (France) and Central Asian Kishmish. As a result of selection, a seedless black variety was obtained.
In some reference books you can find another name for the species - Attika seedless, which means "seedless attica". But in both cases, we are talking about the same variety.
Description of grapes "attica"
This type of culture is distinguished by medium-sized bushes, on which the young vine fully matures throughout the season. "Attika" is characterized by matte three- or five-lobed leaves of a rich green hue. From above, the leaf plates have a smooth, slightly dissected surface, and on the reverse side there is a sparse hairiness.
According to the description, the Attica grape variety forms bisexual flowers, which guarantees a satisfactory fruit set, regardless of weather conditions during the flowering period. The color of the berries when ripe becomes purple with a thick waxy coating on the surface. The pulp is crispy transparent with a pleasant neutral taste. The fruits of the "attica" do not have seeds, with a dense eaten peel.
According to the description of the grapes "attica" (photo above) is characterized by a cylindrical shape of clusters, the length of which reaches 30 cm. The berries are densely arranged to each other. At the age of 3 years, the bush is able to form up to 8 bunches on 1 vine.
The variety, subject to the rules of agricultural technology, has a high yield, therefore, it needs to normalize the load.
Specifications
According to the main indicators, Attica grapes (photo above) are suitable not only for home, but also for industrial cultivation. This variety perfectly tolerates transportation and long-term storage with minimal losses.
Technical indicators"attic":
| Ripening term | 118-120 days |
| Average bunch weight | 700-1000g |
| Mass of berries | 4-5 g |
| Sugar content | 16-18 % |
| Acidity | <5 % |
| Yields | 25-30 t/ha |
| Maximum bush load | 30 eyes |
Features of cultivation
"Attica" prefers to grow in open sunny areas, protected from drafts. This variety is not demanding on the composition of the soil, but does not tolerate an increased level of s alts and stagnant moisture. The best yield can be achieved when growing "attica" on light sandy loamy soil. When landing, it is necessary to keep a distance between the bushes of 1.5-2 m.
The variety tends to be overloaded with fruits, so it is recommended to carry out regular short and medium pruning of shoots, as well as install vertical trellises to support the plant. This will help minimize the chance of damage to the vine during the formation and maturation of the bunches.
Attica cuttings have a high survival rate. But to achieve maximum yields, the variety needs a strong rootstock. Gibberellin treatment is not required.
Attika grapes need adequate moisture during fruiting. Therefore, reduce the amount of watering andexcessive evaporation of moisture can be prevented by mulching the topsoil at the base of the bush. For this, it is recommended to use peat, straw or humus. The thickness of the mulch must be at least 5 cm.
Before flowering, it is recommended to pinch young shoots, which will redirect the plant's forces to the formation of large clusters. In addition, during the entire growing season, sanitary pruning should be carried out, removing damaged, weak and dried branches.
For the full growth and development of the plant, it is necessary to carry out 3 stages of top dressing: during the period of growing green mass, before flowering and during the formation of fruits. At stage 1, it is recommended to use fertilizers with a high nitrogen content, at stage 2 - phosphorus-potassium, at stage 3 - potash.
Technical maturity of grapes comes in late June - mid-August. This indicator depends on weather conditions and the region of the country. Harvesting is recommended to be carried out a few days after the full coloring of the berries. This will make it possible to fully reveal the taste qualities of the Attica grapes.
Susceptibility to diseases and pests
This variety has an increased level of resistance to gray rot. However, it is susceptible to other common crop diseases. Therefore, it needs preventive treatment with fungicides throughout the season.
Optimal result can beachieved by spraying the vines in different phases of bush growth:
- after bud break (from oidium) - the drug "Bayleton", "Topaz";
- before flowering (from anthracnose, mildew) - the drug "Antrakol", "Acedan";
- after flowering (from oidium) - the drug "Falcon".
The main advantage of this variety is resistance to common grape pests: wasps, spider mites, grape itch, leafworm, phylloxera.
Preparing for winter
Attica grapes can withstand temperatures as low as -21 degrees. Therefore, it is possible to grow this species without shelter in winter only in the southern regions of the country. With more severe frosts, even short-term ones, the grapes freeze.
In the central and northern regions, it is possible to grow "attica" only with the condition of shelter for the winter. To do this, it is necessary to prune the shoots at the end of September after harvesting, and then spray the bushes with a 5% solution of iron sulfate. After that, remove the vine from the trellis and lay it on the ground. As a warming pillow, you can use dry leaves, agrofibre, coniferous spruce branches.
In addition to sheltering the vine, it is necessary to insulate the roots of the plant. To do this, pour an additional layer of earth 5-10 cm thick and compact. Moreover, the soil should not be taken next to the bush, at a distance of at least 1-2 m.
You also need to worry about snow retention. To do this, you can place vertical wooden shields 1-1.5 m high behind the grape bush in the directionwind.
Advantages of "attica"
Comparing the technical characteristics of a variety, one can judge its merits with confidence.
The main advantages of "attica" grapes:
- stable yield;
- undemanding to the composition of the soil;
- resistant to common crop pests;
- immune to gray mold;
- has a neutral pleasant taste of berries;
- well tolerates transportation and long-term storage;
- forms strong bushes;
- develops a powerful root system;
- easy maintenance;
- differs in early ripening of bunches;
- compatible with different rootstocks;
- bunches have a high marketability;
- vegetates early in spring;
- distinguished by the friendly ripening of berries;
- universal in application;
- does not need additional pollinators.
Disadvantages of the variety
In addition to the advantages, the Attica grape has certain disadvantages that the gardener should take into account when choosing this variety.
- This species does not tolerate shading and lack of light, so bushes should be planted purely on the south side of the site.
- When the soil is waterlogged, the berries crack, so the variety needs an optimal level of watering.
- The vine is prone to overload, so it is necessary to constantly adjust the load. The maximum number of eyes on a bush is 30 pieces, exceeding their number will negatively affect the commercial qualitiesbunches.
Reviews of gardeners
Many gardeners speak positively about Attica grapes. This is due to the good pollination of the variety, undemanding care and neutral pleasant taste of berries. In addition, this species can be consumed not only fresh, but also used for the preparation of preservation, as well as raisins.
Negative reviews about the Attika variety are mainly related to the insipid taste of the fruit if the summer turned out to be cool. But at the same time, many gardeners argue that in this case it is worth being patient and leaving the ripe bunches on the vine for another 7-10 days. This will allow the berries to improve their palatability.
Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of "Attika" grapes, it is safe to say that this sultana has a number of advantages over other types of crops. But in order to obtain a stable and high-quality crop, it is necessary to take into account all the requirements of the plant. Otherwise, all efforts of the gardener may not meet expectations.
