Growing characteristics of new PIWI varieties from the breeding program in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Context and purpose of the study. The breeding of PIWI varieties has a long tradition in the Czech Republic. In the last two years, 9 new PIWI varieties have been registered. In the Czech Republic, PIWI varieties are cultivated on an area of almost 1000 ha. The most cultivated varietiy is Hibernal. The most cultivated varieties bred in the Czech Republic are Savilon, Rinot, Malverina, Sevar and Laurot. They are grown under organic or integrated production, which represents an intersection between fungicide reduction and organic practices. This study presents selected new PIWI varieties, their agrobiological, qualitative parameters and recommendation for viticulture practice.

Material and methods. The following varieties were evaluated for growing characteristics: Cristal Wikra, Flower Riesling, Marcus blanc, Pinot écru, Riesling gris (white w.v.) and Fragment, L 108-23-11, Ruby Pinot (red w.v.). Experimental sites are located in the wine-growing villages of Lednice, Perná, Přítluky and Rakvice. Basic agrobiological parameters, resistance to fungal disease and quality parameters during harvest were evaluated. Chemical protection of the vineyards was carried out before and after flowering. The varieties are planted in space of 2.2 x 1.0 m (Lednice location) and 1.2 x 0.8 m (other locations).

Results. Based on the evaluation of agrobiological properties, it can be observed that the varietiy Ruby Pinot shows significantly earlier bud break, which may be consequence of V.amurensis in the pedigree. Time of flowering is also earlier in the varieties Ruby Pinot and Marcus blanc. Other varieties show an average time of bud break and flowering. Significantly early time of maturation is shown by the varieties Pinot écru, Flower Riesling and Fragment (early September). All varieties show good to very good resistance to fungal pathogens. The highest resistance is shown by Ruby Pinot and Marcus blanc. The evaluation of qualitative parameters showed that the highest sugar content had varieties Pinot écru and Flower Riesling. Other varieties have a medium to late ripening period. It is possible to find a high variability in wines from these varieties, which is due to the origin of the varieties.

Acknowledgements

The research is supported by the program No.: MZE-62216/2022-13113/6.2.10.