Variety Baikonur

Baikonur is a hybrid form of amateur breeding by Ye. H. Pavlovskyi (Shakhty; Talisman × Krasotka; breeding number V-9-1). It ripens early, in 100–115 days: the berries appear at the beginning of August, sometimes at the end of July. The cluster is cylindrical-conical or conical, loose or of medium density, 500–1000 g: early clusters are lighter, later ones about 1 kg. The berries are large, elongated, nipple-shaped (some with a waist), dark violet, almost black when fully ripe, with a waxy bloom, 11–12 g on average. The flesh and skin are firm, the flesh crisp, the taste harmonious, sweet, with a fruity aroma; no Muscat. Sugar content 18–20%. The berry has up to three seeds.

The bush is vigorous, the flower is hermaphroditic, and no pollinator is needed. The variety must be regulated and not overloaded with crop (one or two clusters per shoot), otherwise ripening shifts later. The berries transport well, do not crack after rain, and wasps hardly damage them, but sunburn is possible. Resistance to fungal diseases is medium or high according to different sources. It withstands frost down to −23 °C, and the vine is covered for winter.