Autochthonous grape varieties in the Lower Don Region

Abstract

This article describes modification changes in the phenotypic traits of grape varieties, including the number of normally developed shoots and inflorescences, the average bunch weight, and grape yield under the influence of unstable weather conditions. The research was carried out in the moderate continental climate of the Lower Don region in the period from 2013 to 2022. The average annual air temperature ranged from +10.2 to +11.6 °C, with the climatic norm being +10.4 °C. In the period of active vegetation (May–September), the temperature ranged from +21.2 to +22.7 °C, with the norm being 18.1 °C. The maximum temperature ranged from +37.2 to +40.0 °C, with the norm being +40.0 °C. In winter, during the plant dormancy period (December–February), the average air temperature varied from 0.6 to minus 2.6 °С, with the norm being about minus 2.4 °С. The annual precipitation varied from 292 to 693 mm, with the norm being 548 mm. During the vegetation period of grapes, atmospheric precipitation by the years of observation varied from 99 to 359 mm, with the norm being 177 mm. The aim was to establish the limits of modification variability of phenotypic traits under the influence of the unstable moderate continental climate of the Lower Don Region. The research objects were autochthonous grape varieties, including ‘Varyushkin’, ‘Krasnostop’ ‘Zolotovsky’, ‘Kumshatsky Belyi’, ‘Plechistik’, ‘Sibirkovy’, and ‘Tsimlyansky Chernyi’. The reaction norm and modification changes of the phenotypic traits of grape plants under the influence of natural conditions in their habitats were studied. The autochthonous grape varieties in contrasting weather conditions exhibited individual and varietal specificity in terms of reaction norm and adaptability. According to the variability of phenotypic traits and adaptive potential, the varieties were ranked in the following descending order: ‘Plechistik’, ‘Krasnostop Zolotovsky’, ‘Varyushkin’, ‘Kumshatsky Belyi’, ‘Sibirkovy’, and ‘Tsimlyansky Chernyi’. The genotypes ‘Plechistik’, ‘Krasnostop Zolotovsky’, ‘Varyushkin’, and ‘Kumshatsky Belyi’ with their high adaptive potential for formation of stable vine plantations are recommended for developing stable grape plantations in the conditions of the Lower Don region.