Phenological characteristics of grapevine varieties released in Sremski Karlovci

Abstract

At the experimental field for viticulture in Sremski Karlovci, Serbia, grape breeding started 70 years ago. During that period three breeding programs resulted in 24 created varieties. First breeding program aims to improve the wine quality of the native pontica-balcanica varieties, by crossing them with occidentalis galica varieties. As a result 7 varieties were released. Second breeding program started in 1970s and aims to improve the tolerance to low winter temperatures. In their genetic base, they have 87.5% Vitis vinifera and 12.5% Vitis amurensis. In this program 6 varieties were released. In third breeding program, which is still in progress, the primary goal is to increase the tolerance to fungal diseases. As a result 11 wine varieties have been released.

The aim oh this paper is to analyse phenological stages (budburst, flowering and veraison) of the varieties from the three breeding programs recorded during the period 2019-2025 and to compare the phenology data for varieties released in first two breeding programs with available historical data. Following varieties were examined – First breeding program (Neoplanta, Probus, Sirmium and Župljanka); Second (Lela, Liza, Mila and Petra); Third (Bačka, Dionis and Morava).

Beginning of budburst occurred in first decade of April, which is more than one week earlier compared to historical data. The highest shift in budburst within the variety groups showed Probus and Lela. Flowering occurred in last decade of May which is in line with historical data. The earliest beginning of ripening showed varieties Bačka and Neoplanta. On the other hand Liza, Mila and Morava showed the latest entrance to veraison which was occurred in the first decade of August.

Acknowledgements

The research funds were provided by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation under Contract No. 451-03-34/2026-03/200117 dated 05 February 2026.