The aim of our research was to analyze the composition of an ampelographic collection of the V. Ye. Tairov Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking by geographical origin of varieties, application, ripening period, berry color, flavor profile, seed development, winter hardiness and frost tolerance, and resistance to major fungal diseases. To enrich the database of varieties – sources and donors of valuable traits via analysis of data on expression of adaptability and performance characteristics.
Results and Discussion. At present, there are 736 varieties in the ampelographic collection of the V. Ye. Tairov Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking. The largest portion contains Ukrainian, Russian and Moldavian varieties. More than half (59 %) are table varieties; one third (31%) are wine ones; and 10 % are universal varieties and varieties that are still being studied. As to the ripening period, a group of early-ripening, mainly table varieties (23 %), stands out. The most numerous portions of the collection are mid- and late-ripening varieties (17 % each). The percentages of early-middle and mid-late varieties are similar (11 and 12 %, respectively). Among the berry colors, white and its variations (yellow, yellow-green, amber, etc.) account for 44 %; black – for 23 %; and pink – for 6 % of the collection accessions. There are varieties with red-violet, white-pink, yellow-pink, pale red or bright red berries. Significant diversity was also found in flavor characteristics of the collection accessions. Even in the largest group with so-called “simple taste” (86 % of the collection accessions), varieties with bright prune, solanum, flower, honey and other aromas were found. Varieties with muscat flavor remain in high demand on the market. It was found in 12.5 % of varieties, which can be used in further breeding process. The collection contains 7 % of seedless varieties. Among the collection accessions with their diverse genetic and geographical origin, 82 % have low winter hardiness and frost tolerance and are damaged even at –20 – 21oC. They are mainly European varieties without genetically determined mechanisms of protection against low temperatures and overwintering conditions. 17.9 % of the collection accessions vary from relatively frost tolerant (−22 – 24oC) to frost tolerant (−26–28oC). More than half of the collection accessions (64.5 % ) are susceptible to fungal diseases, since they derive from non-resistant varieties. They are mainly intraspecific Vitis vinifera L. varieties. They are used in crosses as donors of product quality characteristics. A third of varieties showed relative resistance to diseases (6–7 points on a 9-point scale (Bankovska, 2007)). They are widely used in further crosses to obtain genotypes with genetically determined disease resistance.
Conclusions. The observations and analysis of adaptive and productive characteristics of 735 collection varieties of the V. Ye. Tairov Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking have resulted in enrichment of the database both with introduced and with our own valuable varieties - donors.
