METHODS OF ACCELERATED PROPAGATION OF VALUABLE INTRODUCED GRAPE VARIETIES IN THE CONTINENTAL CLIMATE OF THE LOWER VOLGA REGION

Abstract

Purpose: to develop methods for accelerated propagation of promising alien grape varieties in natural conditions of the Lower Volga viticulture and winemaking zone. Materials and methods. The working hypothesis of the research is the assumption of the possibility of significant acceleration of the promising introduced grape varieties reproduction through the use of shortened, single-bud cuttings with complex regulation of the soil water regime and microclimate to maintain a physiologically optimal level of plant moisture in the nursery. The study is based on the results of a field experiment laid out according to a two-factor scheme: A – soil water regime, B – microclimate regulation. Results. Research has shown that the use of shortened, single-bud cuttings for growing own-rooted grape seedlings in the dry, sharply continental climate of the Lower Volga region with drip irrigation is justified, since it ensures a survival rate of at least 60–66 % and a yield of standard seedlings of at least 49–51 %. Reducing the depth of soil wetting during the rooting period, before the start of active vine growth, to 0.3 m has a beneficial effect on the formation of the soil water regime and ensures an increase in the number of rooted grape cuttings by 11–13 %, and the yield of standard seedlings by 12–14 %, compared to the previously adopted technology of drip irrigation of the nursery with moistening of a constant 0.6 m layer. The application of mist sprinkling irrigation allows increasing the proportion of rooted seedlings by 8–13 %, and the yield of standard seedlings by 8–11 %. The combined use of the techniques under consideration allows increasing the survival rate of cuttings to 79–85 %, and the yield of standard seedlings to 69–73 %. Conclusions: shortened cuttings in the dry climate of the Lower Volga region can be used for accelerated propagation of promising grape varieties with complex regulation of soil water regime and microclimate in the nursery.

Keywords

• grape seedlings
• shortened cuttings
• nursery garden
• drip irrigation
• microclimate
• mist sprinkling
• rooting