Grape variety "Libya"

The table grape variety “Libya” is popular among gardeners because it allows you to get an early harvest, and is also relatively resistant to many grape diseases. About the features of growing a hybrid and the rules for caring for it - later in the article.

Breeding history

“Libya” is a fairly young grape variety, which was obtained by Ukrainian breeder V.V. Zagorulko. The basis for it was the famous grape varieties Flamingo and Arcadia. Like most varieties bred by the breeder, “Libya” is characterized by early ripening of berries, the ability to self-pollinate, as well as excellent taste of berries.

Zagorulko himself considered Libya his most successful creation. This variety was patented and entered into the State Register of Ukraine in 2011.

Description of grape variety “Libya”

"Libya" belongs to vigorous varieties, the fruiting process begins 3-4 years after planting grape seedlings or grafting. The color of the outer part of the shoots has a light green tint, there are no pubescence on the top, the ripened shoot takes on a light brown hue. The shape of all leaves is five-lobed, except for the upper leaf, which is almost completely solid.

The clusters of this variety are quite large, their length can be 25 cm or more. The berries themselves are oval or ovoid, in length from 28 mm and in width about 20 mm. The grapes are pink, fleshy and juicy, with a nutmeg aroma. The skin is thin and almost imperceptible in food. One berry may contain from 1 to 3 seeds, which are easily separated from the pulp.

Grade characteristics

"Libya" has a lot of positive characteristics that have allowed this variety to be very popular among professionals in growing vineyards, and among amateurs.

Drought resistance, frost resistance

This grape variety has an average resistance to drought, which means that watering is carried out according to the standard scheme - not often and not abundantly, since excess moisture can provoke the appearance of some diseases. Did you know? For the manufacture of 1 bottle of wine will require about 600 grapes. Also, "Libya" does not differ in high frost resistance - the maximum low ambient temperature should not exceed -20 ...- 21 ° C provided that it is thoroughly covered, otherwise the plant may die. Ideal for this variety are areas with a temperate cold climate.

Productivity and fruiting

The fruiting period of this variety is August. Given the standard weight of one bunch of 1 kg, up to 30 kg of berries are usually removed from one bush. According to tasting methods, the taste of berries is estimated at 9.6 points out of 10. The taste of the pulp is sweet, with a pronounced musky flavor. Berries of this variety are not prone to shedding, but subject to hot summers can be baked in the sun.

The main condition, which affects both the amount of the crop and directly on the taste of berries, is the right place to plant. "Libya" will grow well in a ventilated place with plenty of sunlight - it is its absence that affects the lack of sugar in berries.

When the grapes ripen

"Libya" refers to early ripening varieties. It takes about 100 days from the appearance of the first ovaries to get a ripe and ready to harvest crop - usually this is the period from the beginning to mid-August.

Fruit application

Table varieties, which include "Libya", and especially early ripe, are the most common in the vineyards of personal plots. Most often, this type of grape is grown for consumption or for its further sale.

Read also about table grape varieties such as:

Due to its taste and medicinal properties, Livia is often used in dietetic nutrition. But because of its piquant taste and large, beautiful berries, wine from this grape variety is extremely rare.

Disease and pest resistance

Variety "Libya" has an average resistance to disease. Diseases such as mildew and oidium, to which this variety is located, require mandatory preventive treatments.

Pest resistance is also average. Due to the high sugar content in grapes, wasps and birds often attack Libya.

Advantages and disadvantages

• The main advantages of the Libya variety are:
• high taste;
• stable and high fruiting rate;
• long shelf life and the possibility of transportation;
• good presentation.

Important! Due to the high content of sugar and organic acids, this grape variety is not recommended for use by people suffering from gastritis, gastric ulcer or diabetes mellitus.

• Among the shortcomings are noted:
• low frost resistance;
• mandatory preventive treatment for diseases.

Hybrid Planting Rules

The basic rules for planting this hybrid are not difficult, therefore, guided by a few recommendations, you can easily grow Livia grapes.

Recommended Dates

In warm climates, the variety "Libya" is usually planted in the fall - at the end of the fallen leaves on the trees. The grape will need about three weeks to fully adapt to a new place and prepare for winter.

As mentioned above, the grape planting site will play a significant role in the final harvest and its quality, so the vineyard should be located in a place with sufficient light, but protected from winds and drafts. Most often, such a shield can serve as fences, walls of the house or any buildings.

Also, the vineyard should not be in places of moisture accumulation, which is often observed in the lowlands - this can trigger the appearance of many diseases. Soil is suitable for almost any, except for heavy clay soil.

It is better if it is sandy, loamy or sandy loamy soil. Spring planting is also permissible during the period when the snow has already melted and the soil has warmed enough.

Choosing the right place

As mentioned above, the grape planting site will play a significant role in harvesting and its quality, so the vineyard should be located in a place with sufficient light, but protected from winds and drafts. Most often, such a shield can serve as fences, walls of the house or any buildings. Important! The place chosen for the vineyard should be at least 5 m from the fruit trees. Also, the vineyard should not be in places of moisture accumulation, which is often observed in the lowlands - this can provoke the appearance of many diseases. Soil is suitable for almost any, except for heavy clay soil. It is better if it is sandy, loamy or sandy loamy soil.

Selection and preparation of seedlings

The selection and purchase of seedlings is best done in proven nurseries. Most often, in order to avoid drying out and deformations, the root system of planting materials is closed - this method allows seedlings to adapt faster and be less sick.

Immediately before planting in open ground, seedlings carefully inspect. All damaged parts of the rhizome and shoots are carefully cut with a secateurs, the ends of the roots are slightly cut and left for 30 minutes in any solution of the growth stimulator. After that, each seedling is dipped in molten paraffin, and then in water, the temperature of which is about +23 ... + 25 ° С. These manipulations will strengthen the immune system and retain moisture.

Landing algorithm

Regardless of what period is chosen for planting, for 3-4 weeks it is necessary to prepare special planting pits for each seedling - this time will go to shrinkage of the soil, which can seriously damage the plant. Recommended to find out

Further, in the following order, the grape planting itself is carried out:

1. They dig a hole with a diameter of about 0.8 m and a depth of 0.7 m.
2. The bottom is covered with a layer of expanded clay or crushed stone with a thickness of 10-15 cm.
3. A layer of black soil 15 cm thick is formed on top, 140 g of potassium sulfate and 200 g of superphosphate are added.
4. Then pour soil and fertilizers.
5. Another layer of chernozem follows from above and about 5 buckets of water are poured.
6. A hole is left for shrinkage of the soil.
7. During planting, a low hill is formed from the ground into which a seedling is placed. The root system is neatly straightened and covered with soil on top.
8. The earth is well compacted and watered.

The formation and care of the vine grape "Libya"

After planting, the main task of the vineyard owners is the correct formation of the young vine and the procedures for its care - this will ensure a high-quality and rich harvest in the future.

How to water

Watering the grapes should begin immediately after removing the shelter from the winter cold. Each bush requires about 4 liters of water mixed with 0.5 kg of wood ash. In the future, "Libya" is watered about 7 days before its flowering and in the process of forming the ovaries of berries. At a time when the clusters begin to pour, watering is completely stopped.

In the irrigation procedure, it is important not to overdo it. The main indicator of waterlogged soil is the brown color of the foliage.

Read more on how to water grapes properly.

Grape pruning

This grape variety requires regular regular pruning, which is usually carried out during the period of slowing down sap flow - in early spring or late fall. To improve fruiting, each shoot is reduced to 2–5 buds.

The permissible number of left eyes on the shoot during forming pruning is 4–8 pieces. The load on one bush should not exceed 40 buds. Shoots that are frozen, dried out or hurt are also removed.

Harvesting birds and insects

The grape berries of this variety are characterized by a high sugar content, which attracts various insects and birds. To protect the crop from insects, each bunch is covered with a special net, which blocks access to grapes by pests, but allows air to pass through well.

To scare away birds, they hang mirrors, old toys, tape recorders or iron covers on grape bushes - everything that can scare away birds with sound or sight.

Did you know? If you do not take into account fats, grapes are close to milk in terms of nutrient content.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

Variety "Libya" is predisposed to fungal infections, which is why preventive procedures are so important. In the spring, after removing the shelter from frost, the shoots are sprayed with “Switch” or “Horus” preparations.

Among pests, spider mites, weevils, thrips and leafworms are especially noted. To prevent an attack, as well as in the fight against such insects, insecticidal preparations such as Actellic or Confidor are used. Processing of any kind must be completed no later than three weeks before harvesting.

Regular procedures such as loosening the ground under the vineyard, harvesting leaves and pruning regularly, as well as moderate watering, will be excellent preventive methods in the fight against various diseases and pests.

Methods of propagation of grapes

There are several ways of propagating grapes of the Libya variety:

• cuttings;
  

• vaccinated.
  

In the case of cuttings in the autumn, the ripened vine is cut into strips about 5 mm thick, with 3-4 eyes on each of them. Storage of such planting material is possible at a temperature of 0 ... + 5 ° C.

In February, it is necessary to select cuttings that have no defects (stains or molds) and put in a jar of water, while the tops are wrapped in a plastic film. Further, the cuttings are rooted in containers that are filled with chernozem and humus, and already at the end of May they can be planted in open ground. Find out in more detail how to plant grapes correctly and when. Vaccination of the cuttings is also an excellent way of propagation of "Libya". The stock is selected from grape varieties resistant to various diseases and frosts. Both methods are excellent for propagating grapes of this variety.

Variety "Libya" has become popular among many gardeners precisely because of its reliability and unpretentiousness. This grape is perfect for both professionals and amateurs. Taking into account a few recommendations, you can get a rich harvest of delicious berries, which compares favorably among numerous varieties with its sweetness and spicy nutmeg flavor.