HOPE GRAPEVINE VARIETY: CHARACTERISTICS AND UTILIZATION POTENTIAL

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study of a new grapevine variety called Hope, developed within the Breeding Program of the University of Arkansas, USA. The research was conducted at experimental plots of the All-Russian Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking – Branch of Federal State Budget Scientific Institution «FRARC». The Hope grapevine variety possesses several positive characteristics: it belongs to the seedless category of the second class, has dense flesh, and exhibits a complex and rich flavor and taste profile. The average weight of a cluster is 320 grams, while the average weight of a berry is 4.2 grams. The Hope variety has high yield potential, reaching up to 124 quintals per hectare. It shows vigorous vine growth and good resistance to diseases. Additionally, it has a good winter hardiness. Standard methodologies and vineyard cultivation techniques were used in the study. The vineyards where the research was conducted were non-irrigated and grafted, using the Oppenheim SO4 rootstock, with bilateral cordon training and a planting scheme 3×1.5 meters. The results indicated that the Hope variety has an early ripening period (requiring 118 days from bud break to full berry maturity). It has promising for use in winemaking and does not require yield regulation measures. Overall, the Hope grape variety is of interest for commercial cultivation in industrial vineyards. Its economically valuable qualities and attributes make it appealing for consumption in fresh form, wine production, and the production of dried products. It can also be included in the breeding programs of scientific institutions for further development and improvement of grape varieties.