Volume 23(4), 41- 45, 2019 JOURNAL of Horticulture, Forestry and Biotechnology www.journal-hfb.usab-tm.ro Identification of some local grapevine varieties from area

Petcov D. Z.1, Stănuș Mirela1, Dobrei Alina1, Dobrei A.1*

1Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of ”, Faculty of Horticulture and Forestry, Calea Aradului 119, Timisoara

*Correspondent author email: [email protected]

Abstract In the west of Romania there are several famous vineyards, like Key words Recas, Buzias, Silagiu, Jamu Mare, Teremia, but the Banat area is also abundant in local grapevine germplasm resources. Local varieties and local varieties, biotypes, biotypes are found including in the family yards and backyards, even in the vines, ampelographic locations more or less far away from the well-known wine-growing areas. features The research were carried out during 2019 and contain the identification, ampelographic and technological analyse of the less known varieties and biotypes. Thirteen local biotypes were identified, and data concerning the year of planting, the ampelographic characteristics of bunches and berries, the sugar concentration in berries, the maturation index and the alcoholic potential of the must, were collected. The local biotypes: Igriș Munteanu, Igriș Mare, Tămâios mic de Igriș, Alb salbatic de Igriș, which were planted in 1959, have been noticed to have a great adaptability to the climate conditions, and the vines resist until today and have good production after 60 years, without suitable pruning and care. Other biotypes such as: Sălbatic de Băcican, Tămâios de Igriș and Pera 2006, were noted for their high sugar concentration and excellent taste qualities.

Grapevine grew long before first humans exist on the varieties and biotypes were identified, and each of Earth and afterwards spread widely on all continents, them received a name either according to the with thousands of varieties and biotypes that are ampelographic characteristics depending on the estimated to exceed 10-12,000 nowadays [4]. location where have been found, or according to the Among these varieties there are many which are less name of the grapevine owner. Ampelographic widespread, namely the local varieties with limited description refers to the shape of bunch and berries, areas that would deserve more attention from the berry size (length, width, and weight), bunch density, growers and breeders, because they have many the colour and consistency of the berry skin, the valuable features that have not been sufficiently number of seeds in the berry. exploited [3]. Al the varieties were analyzed for sugar concentration, Banat area has long tradition in grapevine growing, acidity and alcoholic potential. From each variety, was supported by the well-known vineyards from: Recaş, sampled 4-5 bunches. The grape juice was obtained by Buziaş, Silagiu, Teremia, Jamu Mare, , crushing and pressing the grape berries; the sugar Bencec, etc. In addition to the international or national concentration was determined by the RZ121 varieties grown in these vineyards, there are many refractometer, the acidity with HI84502 minititrator, valuable local varieties grown in family courtyards and and the alcoholic potential was calculated on the base backyards [2]. of sugar content from the grape juice. Local varieties and biotypes may be an important Quantitative data collected from the local grape source of variability, and for grapevine growers can varieties berries samples measured with the calliper represent the source of typical, authentic wines [1]. and data from chemical analysis were subjected to One-way Anova statistical analysis with XLSTAT Material and Method 2014.Ink.

The research was carried out during 2019; in several locations from Banat area were identified and then analysed local grapevine varieties. Thirteen local

41 Results and Discussions biotypes, besides the year of planting. Thereby, of all the 13 biotypes it can be noted for the bunch weight of Table 1 presents the physical properties of the berries the local varieties Pera 2006 with 284 grams and the (length, width, weight) in the local varieties and Marele Alb of Sânpetru with 261 grams.

Table 1 The physical properties of the grapes in the local varieties No. Variety Bunch length (cm) Bunch width (cm) Bunch weight (g) Year of planting 1 Igriș Munteanu 17.2 7.4 118 1959 2 Igriș Mare 10 8 78 1959 3 Tămâios mic de Igriș 8.5 5.4 30 1959 4 Sălbatic de Băcican 10.5 5.0 80 1962 5 Țâța caprei de Sânpetru 13 10 107 1999 6 Alb de 15.2 6.3 154 1962 7 Marele alb de Sânpetru 18.4 13.8 261 2006 8 Alb sălbatic de Igriș 4 3 60 1959 9 Pera 2006 25 14 284 2006 10 Magiarcă 9.8 4 90 - 11 Muscat negru 11.5 5.2 61 1999 12 Alb Pălincaș de Sânpetru 8.5 3.8 41 1977 13 Țâța caprei alb 13 7.5 62 -

The smallest values for the bunch weight were (2017) reported during 2012-2016 research, average recorded in the varieties Tămâios mic de Igriș and Alb bunch weight between 74.1 g in Pinot Noir and 149.4 g Pălincaș de Sânpetru with 30 g and 41 grams in Merlot variety. respectively. In noble grape varieties, Nistor et al.

Table 2 Ampelographic description of local white grape varieties No. Variety Bunch Berry Bunches are medium to large The berry is spherical (1.4 / 1.4 cm), small in size (1-2 Alb de size, cylindrical shape, one 1 g). The flesh is gluey, with sour taste, and 2-3 small Periam wing, with small berries seeds. The berry skin is yellow-green, translucent. dense in bunches The grapes are large in size, Berry is ovoid in shape 2.8 / 1.9 cm, large 5 g; berries Marele alb conical in shape, with large are fleshy, crunchy, with 3-4 medium seeds, and sweet 2 de Sânpetru berries, loose bunch sour taste. Skin is thin, bitter, translucent, crunchy, golden yellow. Bunch is very small and loose Berries are very small (1-2 g), spherical. The flesh is Alb sălbatic 3 with small berries. mucilaginous, sour, with 1-2 small seeds; the skin is de Igriș yellow-golden, translucent, with obvious stylar remnant. The grapes are large, loose, Berry is almost spherical (1.7 / 1.5 cm), small, 1-2 g, and conical in shape, with mostly crunchy, sweet sour taste, 1- 2 small seeds. 4 Pera 2006 small berries. The skin is yellowish green, translucent, firm, with grassy flavour. Bunch is small in size, Berry is small in size (1 g, and 1.5 / 1.5 cm), spherical in Alb Pălincaș cylindrical in shape, with shape. Pulp is sticky mucilaginous, with a single seed 5 de Sânpetru dense berries. and sour taste. The skin is thin, crunchy, and greenish- yellow in colour, with stylar remnant. The grapes are small, loose, Berry is ovoid (2.5 / 1.7 cm) in shape and some narrow Țâța caprei with medium to large berries, elliptic. Berry is medium size (3-4 g), the pulp is crispy, 6 alb conical in shape. with sweet taste, and 2 medium seeds. The skin is thin,

crispy, yellow-green, translucent and low acidity.

In table 2 according to the ampelographic traits of the other three small bunches. Most white varieties have white local varieties, three have large bunch, and the small berries, excepting the local Marele Alb de

42 Sânpetru variety, which has large berries, with sweet, characterized by small size bunches (Igriș Mare, fleshy and crunchy pulp, which recommended it as Tămâios de Igriș, Sălbatic de Băcican, Magiarcă and suitable grape variety for fresh fruits. Muscat negru) or medium (Igriș Munteanu and Țâța According to the ampelographic traits, all seven local caprei de Sânpetru), but with medium to large size red varieties identified in 2019 (Table 3) are berries.

Table 3 Ampelographic description of local red grape varieties No. Variety Bunch Berry Bunch is medium in size, Berry is spherical shape (1.9 /1.9 cm) medium to large Igriș cylindrical in shape, and size (4 g); the pulp is fleshy, with 2 large seeds; the skin 1 Munteanu loose. is firm, thin but elastic, purple -black, with wax layer, sweet-sour taste and high acidity. Berry is large (4 g, 2.2 / 1.8 cm) in size, ovate in shape. The pulp is fleshy, very compact, with 2-3 small seeds. Bunch is small in size, Skin is very firm, elastic, with many 2 Igriș Mare cylindrical-conical in shape, anthocyanin pigments and deep black colour, covered loose, with large berries.. with superficial wax layer. The taste is sweet-sour, with low acidity. Berry is spherical (1.9/ 1.9 cm), medium to large (4 g) in Tămâios de Bunch is small in size, size. The pulp is mucilaginous, with two medium seeds, 3 Igriș cylindrical in shape and very sweet taste and a wild strawberry aroma. The skin is loose. black-blue (with high anthocyanin concentration), covered with wax layer. Bunch is small to medium in Berry is spherical in shape (1.7 / 1.7 cm). The pulp is Sălbatic de size, loose, cylindrical in sticky mucilaginous, with 2 medium seeds, sweet taste, 4 Băcican shape, with one wing. Berries wild strawberries aroma, black-blue colour skin covered are small to medium size. with thick wax layer. Berry is medium in size, Berry is ovoid in shape (2.3/ 1.8 cm), medium to large (4 Țâța caprei conical in shape, with well- g) in size; the pulp is fleshy, crunchy, with sweet taste, 5 de Sânpetru developed rachis and loose and 2 medium size seeds. The skin is firm, elastic, and bunch. deep black, glossy, without wax layer. Bunch is small, very dense Berry is small (0.8 g) spherical or slightly arched. The Magiarcă cylindrical in shape. pulp is sticky mucilaginous, with 2 small green seeds, 6 and sour taste. The skin is thin, elastic, and black-blue in colour, covered with thick wax layer and high acidity.

Quality characteristics of the local varieties are was 12.7 % and 12.6% respectively. Dobrei et al. presented in tables 4 and 5. (2015) found in the native variety Fetească Regală Among the white local varieties, was noted the Pera from Miniş-Măderat vineyards, higher alcohol level of 2006 variety with 202 g / l sugar concentration, 3.8 g / l 13.39% and acidity around 5.7 g/l H2SO4. In noble H2SO4 acidity and 11.8%, alcoholic potential. In the grape variety Sauvignon Blanc, Nistor et al. (2018), local red varieties Sălbatic de Băcican and Tămâios de found during ten years of research higher sugar Igriș the highest sugar concentration recorded were 217 concentration, between 204 g/l and 249 g/l. g / l and 215 g / l respectively, while alcoholic potential

Table 4 Quality characteristics of local white varieties Sugar Acidity Alcoholic No. Variety Location Maturation index (g/l) (g/l H2SO4) potential 1 Alb de Periam Periam 116 6.7 17.31 6.8 2 Marele alb de Sânpetru Sânpetru Mare 171 4.6 37.17 10 3 Alb sălbatic de Igriș Igriș 174 4.4 39.54 10.2 4 Pera 2006 Sânpetru Mare 202 3.8 53.15 11.8 5 Alb Pălincaș de Sânpetru Sânpetru Mare 168 4.8 35 9.8 6 Țâța caprei alb Sânpetru Mare 172 4.5 38.22 10.1

43 Table 5 Quality characteristics of local red varieties Sugar Acidity Alcoholic No. Variety Location Maturation index (g/l) (g/l H2SO4) potential 1 Igriș Munteanu Igriș 138 6.0 23.0 8.1 2 Igriș Mare Igriș 160 5.2 30.76 9.4 3 Tămâios de Igriș Igriș 215 3.6 59.72 12.6 4 Sălbatic de Băcican Periam 217 3.4 63.82 12.7 5 Țâța caprei de Sânpetru Sânpetru Mare 182 4.2 43.33 10.7 6 Magiarcă Igriș 149 6.0 24.83 8.7 7 Muscat negru Sânpetru Mare 160 5.1 31.37 9.4

Table 5 shows the physical, chemical and quality References characteristics of the local varieties. Samples for all varieties were collected after traditional winemaking. 1. Dobrei A., Moş Victoria, 2010, Research on No yeasts were used to stimulate alcoholic assurance of viticultural biodiversity, by using local fermentation, and no conditioning substances; balanced varieties and biotypes of Buziaș-Silagiu area, Journal wines have an alcohol level between 11 and 14.7% vol. of Horticulture, Forestry and Biotechnology, However there were some varieties with higher sugar Vol.14(1), 2010, pp.189-194. concentration and therefore with high alcohol level. 2. Dobrei A., Sala F., Poiana Mariana, Ghita A., In Cadarcă local variety, alcohol level from red wine, Malaescu M., 2010. Biotypes and local varieties of reach 13.25% and acidity 5.55 g/l H2SO4, according to vines in western Romania – source for obtaining of Dobrei et al. (2015). some local, typical and authentical wines, 2nd Sugar concentration reported by Dobrei et al. (2018) in International Conference "Vallis Aurea", in Pozega, ‘Fetească neagră’ variety ranged between 198 and 249 Croatia, pp. 0301-0309. (g/l), during 2016-2017 growing years, limits much 3. Dobrei A., Mălăescu Mihaela, Ghiţă Alina, Cristea higher than most of the local varieties analyzed in the T, Moş Victoria, 2010, Research concerning local present research. valuable grape varieties and biotypes, Journal of In another local variety, mainly Mustoasă de Măderat, Horticulture, Forestry and Biotechnology, Vol.14(1), Mălăescu et al. (2014), reported sugar concentration 2010, pp.291-297. among 154 and 159 g/l while the acidity level ranged 4. Moş Victoria, Dobrei A., 2011. Research between 6.7 and 6.9 g/l H2SO4. concerning the grapes quality of some local varieties and biotypes, suitable for a sustainable viticulture, Conclusions Journal of Horticulture, Forestry and Biotechnology, Vol.15 (2), ISSN 2066-1797. In the research area were identified in a single year 13 5. Nistor Eleonora, Dobrei Alina Georgeta, Dobrei A., local varieties and biotypes although the area is not a Camen D., Velicevici Giancarla, Prundeanu H., Baiduc traditional winegrowing one and with less favourable M., 2017. Crop estimation and variability of yield soil and climate conditions. The identified biotypes components in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir were noticed by a great ecological plasticity and a good and Burgundy varieties. Journal of Horticulture, adaptation to the climate conditions, some of them Forestry and Biotechnology. Vol. 21(4), pp.73- 76. older than 60 years (Igriș Mare, Igriș Munteanu, 6. Dobrei Alina Georgeta, Dobrei A., Iordănescu Tămâios mic de Igriș, Alb sălbatic de Igriș). Few Olimpia, Nistor Eleonora, Balla G., Mălăescu Mihaela, annual management practices (pruning, pest and Drăgunescu Anca, 2015. Research concerning the disease control, etc.) were applied. correlation of soil with wines quality in some varieties Local varieties and biotypes recorded very different of wine grapes in Miniş-Măderat vineyards. Journal of sugars concentration among large limits, from 116 g/ l Horticulture, Forestry and Biotechnology Vol. 19(1), in Alb de Periam biotype and 217 g / l in Sălbatic de pp. 98- 102. Băcican. 7. Nistor E., Dobrei A.G., Dobrei A., Camen D., Local varieties and biotypes represent a valuable 2018. Growing season climate variability and its source of variability useful in the grapevine influence on Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris berries improvement, and some of the identified biotypes can and wine quality: Study case in Romania (2005- be viable alternatives for organic viticulture due to 2015). South African Journal of Enology and their adaptability to climate conditions and natural Viticulture, 39(2), 196-207. resistance to pests and diseases. 8. Dobrei A., Dobrei Alina Georgeta, Nistor Eleonora, Poșta Gh., Mălăescu Mihaela, Balint M., 2018. Characterization of grape and wine quality influenced by terroir in different ecosystems from Romania cultivated with Fetească Neagră, Scientific Papers.

44 Series B, Horticulture. Vol. LXII, Print ISSN 2285- Giancarla, 2014. Research concerning the quality of 5653. some grapes wine varieties grown in backyards 9. Mălăescu Ioana Mihaela, Dobrei A., Dobrei Alina, vineyards. Journal of Horticulture, Forestry and Drăgunescu Anca, Nistor Eleonora, Velicevici Biotechnology. Volume 18(1), pp. 104- 107. 10.

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